Annabelle and All,

We are debating similar issues at my institution with the storage of
materials used in the decoration of the Mansion throughout its institutional
history (1853 - Today).  We not only have wallpaper samples, but also floor
covering, upholstery, and curtain fabrics that are currently on the roll and
taking up quite a lot of space.  Prior to my arrival the practice was to
take samples and store them in archival poly sleeves, labeled with their
manufacturer, date, and the manner in which they were used.

It is certainly a dilemma for us as to whether we should cut samples or
retain entire rolls.  Ideally, I would like to retain entire rolls for
future researchers and scholars, but understand the practical impossibility
of storing all of them.  If cutting needs to be done, of course we will
retain selvage edges and repeats of the pattern, but is that good enough?

Looking forward to hearing other thoughts.

Gretchen M. Goodell
Assistant Curator
George Washington's Mount Vernon

-----Original Message-----
From: annabelle [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 5:16 AM
Subject: Wallpaper archive and storage


After years as a lurking subscriber to Museum-L, I would be interested to
hear
any advice from professionals who have experience in the archival storage of
wallpaper.
I work in the curatorial department of a London Museum that has a small
collection of wallpaper. The examples span from the 17thC and 18thC through
to
a large number of contemporary examples.

I am wondering how best to store the paper. The earleir examples are
fragments
which are mounted on acid free mount board with acid free tissue cover. The
later examples are on the roll.

With the rolls of paper,I am wondering whether to retain the entire roll, or
have lengths cut and mounted in a 'book' format for researchers to use?

Any thoughts, advice ot experiences would all be greatfully received!

Annabelle

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