Conservation of Historic Documents and Fine Art on Paper

Ever wonder how conservation of paper works?  How do you save a paper that is actively deteriorating?  Well, our speaker Rachel-Ray Cleveland can help explain the process to preserve these historical documents.  In her presentation, Ms. Cleveland will explain broadly and answer questions about various types of paper problems that can be remedied through conservation treatment. Paper problems may include tear repair, tape removal, water stains, adhesive residue, areas of missing paper, dingy acidic discoloration, and mold deactivation. The conservator will show some examples of damage and repair. 

In particular, she will show the treatment process for the Fairfax Grant, a land deed between Lord Thomas Fairfax and Henry Baker in 1777, a rare document owned by Stewart Bell Jr. Archives that was recently conserved at Cleveland Conservation of Art on Paper, Inc. 

Rachel-Ray Cleveland is a professional conservator who has served museums, libraries and private collectors along the Eastern Seaboard for the past 25 years. She holds a master's degree in Conservation of paper-based artifacts from the University of New York and owns an independent conservation business called Cleveland Conservation of Art on Paper, Inc., located near Laurel, Maryland (no, not located in Ohio!).  Ms. Cleveland has worked extensively with historic documents and has carried out original research on early American handwriting inks in conjunction with The National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. Over the years, she has treated numerous documents signed by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Among other items, she has treated original prints by Rembrandt and Francois Goya. Her company treats not only historic documents, but also fine art—such as prints, watercolors, gouache paintings, drawings, maps, architectural drawings, wallpaper, parchment, and manuscripts. In order to see before and after examples, visit her website www.conservationofpaper.com.