Hi All –

 

I’ve been lurking here for a bit and enjoying the discussions and learning a lot (especially about squirrels…).  I have been searching online for methods to store historic wallpaper, and although I’ve found a number of good resources, I’m in a bit of a quandary because of my particular situation (described below).  Any advice or resource suggestions?

 

The wallpaper was removed during structural and archaeological investigations at the Presidio Officer’s Club. It is unclear how long the paper needs to be stored – it may be rehung following the investigations (a year or two), or it may be stored for some time (several years). At present, I am not planning for long-term, museum-quality storage, but simply something better than the current solution (stacked flat on the floor of the lab).

 

Because of the re-hanging potential, I am not storing samples, but rather large, intact pieces of wallpaper (up to 7 by 11 feet). The paper has several thick coats of paint on it, so it cannot be rolled. Smaller connecting sections (over doorways, around windows) have proven particularly susceptible to breakage due to the overall weight of the material.  In trying to figure out this storage issue, I’m concerned about the following: (1) the physical fragility of the wallpaper, including cracking (paint and paper) and light sensitivity, (2) moisture and dust control, (3) non-destructive labeling, and (4) efficient use of storage space.

 

Your advice is much appreciated – thanks in advance!

~Liz

 

Liz Clevenger, M.A.

Archaeological Collections Specialist

Presidio Trust

415-561-5086

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