HAGLEY MUSEUM & LIBRARY – LIBRARY CONSERVATION

Published Rolled Maps Condition Survey – Summer 2015

Overview and Purpose of Project

A condition survey of a group of rolled maps and

oversized objects belonging to Hagley Library was carried
out over a period of 4 weeks throughout the months of
May through August 2015. The project was completed by
Winterthur/University of Delaware graduate student
Emilie Duncan. Currently the maps are stored rolled,
either piled on top of or placed within the top three
drawers of the oversize map case in the cage in the library
stacks, making them susceptible to damage by passersby
or by the opening/closing of the drawers (see Figure 1). Figure 1: Current storage conditions of maps
The purpose of the survey was to gain an understanding surveyed.
and initial record of the scope, content, and condition of
the objects in order to determine appropriate steps for stabilization and subsequent improved storage of
the group. To this end, each object was individually examined, measured, and photographed, and the
resulting data (excluding images) was compiled in a Microsoft Excel workbook containing separate
spreadsheets pertaining to the description, condition, and suggested treatment/stabilization of the maps.
Primary Total
Overview of Materials and Media Support Sheets
Material Surveyed
The objects surveyed belong to the published materials collections of Paper 120
Hagley Library, and are
Varnished
stored together due to their format and size. The maps cover a wide range of 18
Paper
topic, use, and type, including political, street, railroad, topographic, satellite,
info-graphic, and survey maps. Commonly encountered maps included those Clay Coated
2
Paper
produced by or for government projects as well as those produced for
industrial, private, commercial, and educational purposes (such as classroom Photo-
maps and museum/library reproductions of older maps). The majority of the sensitized 6
Paper
maps depict local geographical locations such as Philadelphia or New Castle
County. Also included in the survey are a large poster and a series of 9 large Fabric 1
format working papers containing numerical data. The objects range in date of Total 147
publication from 1822 to 1978. Most objects are rolled individually; however, Table 1: Summary of support
some objects are comprised of two or more sheets rolled together or a large materials
format map rolled with corresponding documentation on 8.5”x11” sheets
(these instances are noted in the spreadsheet). Total
Lining
The vast majority of the objects surveyed had paper (varying Sheets
Material
weights/tones/textures) as a primary support. Many of the 19th century maps Surveyed
were printed on paper that was then coated with a layer of clear varnish. A Plain Weave
43
number of maps (especially classroom maps) were printed on clay-coated Fabric
paper. In addition, several maps had sensitized paper or photographic paper Starched
5
with a gelatin (est.) binder layer as the primary support. One map was printed Linen
on a starched, plain weave fabric. Most of the larger objects were comprised of Paper Board 1
several pieces of the support material joined by overlapping the adjacent edges Paper/Cotton
and securing with adhesive. 1
Laminate
Over half of the objects surveyed were fully unlined. The majority of
Japanese
the lined objects had a fabric lining (plain weave, est. cotton or linen). Most of Tissue
3
these linings had a relatively tight weave, but some (most often
Total 53
Table 2: Summary of lining
materials
maps printed on clay coated paper) had a loose, open weave through which the Total
verso of the primary support could be seen. A number of the fabric linings Hanging
Objects
were assumed to be later additions or replacements because of their condition Equipment
Surveyed
relative to the primary support; however, most appeared to be
Wooden
contemporary linings. The linings of larger objects were comprised of two or Rod(s) or 29
more pieces of fabric stitched together. Many of the maps with fabric linings Moldings
also had green silk or plain colored linen/cotton tape edging stitched to the Metal
right and left edges. Other lining materials recorded include starched linen (or 2
Sleeves
other fabrics that have been treated with starch but are not the material Other 2
commonly referred to as “starched linen”), laminate paper board, commercially
Total 33
produced cotton/paper laminate preservation lining, and paper/Japanese tissue
paper of varying weights used as overall or local supports in later conservation Table 3: Summary of
treatments. associated materials
Many objects had additional materials and equipment attached or
Total
rolled with them for the purpose of hanging and/or convenient, supported Process Sheets
rolling. The majority of the objects with such equipment had a wooden rod Surveyed
attached to the top and/or bottom edges by iron alloy tacks. The wooden bars
Lithograph 112
were most often painted/stained a dark brown color, but some were treated
with a clear coating. In many cases the rod along the top edge had metal (iron Intaglio 8
alloy or brass) or cloth elements attached for hanging. Two maps were encased Relief 6
in metal sleeves with a spring/resistance mechanism for automatic re-rolling Photo-
(these maps were removed and stored outside the sleeves after survey). 12
reproductive
The majority of the objects were printed utilizing planographic printing Inkjet/Laser
processes. Many of the older (19th c.) examples were printed in black ink and 9
Printing
then hand colored with pigmented washes to delineate geographic regions.
Some more modern maps achieved color through the use of colored Colored
Pigment 29
lithographic plates or offset lithography/halftone processes. A limited number Washes
of maps employed intaglio or relief printing processes (including the poster
which was titled using end grain woodblock letters). Several objects in the Photo Oil
1
survey were photographic reproductions of older maps, in which the images Colors
were comprised of silver in the gelatin binder layer (including Photostats). One Table 4: Summary of print
example was seen to be colored experimentally, likely using photo oil colors. processes
Other photo-reproductive processes including blueprints, pellet prints, diazo
(or aniline?) prints, and a possible Van Dyke print were noted.

Overview of Condition

A large range of condition issues was observed during the

survey. While most objects were stable, nearly all objects suffered in
one way or another from being stored in a rolled position for a long
period of time. Several 19th century PA-DE area maps appear to have
suffered water and/or heat damage and are actively deteriorating with
large losses, tears, and separated fragments. Their condition is
worsened by close contact between surfaces while rolled, pressure
from surrounding maps and wooden equipment, and handling for
viewing. In addition, brittle papers become sensitive to handling and
may tear easily with unrolling, limiting access. Many maps exhibit
tearing at the centers of two edges due to the tension created by
weighting the corners to prevent rerolling (see Figure 2). Photographic
papers with a gelatin emulsion become stiff and crack upon unrolling, Figure 2: Diagram of rolling
as do heavily varnished papers. Rolling was seen to cause creasing stresses causing tearing in many
survey objects when under weight
for observation during survey
both parallel and perpendicular to the direction of rolling. Most maps had some degree of damage to
edges that were exposed while rolled.
These and other common and/or important condition issues recorded are listed below:
 Tearing and fragmenting of primary support
 Active tearing perpendicular to long axis of rolled object due to unrolling
 Brittle, discolored paper
 Brittle gelatin binder
 Heavy surface soiling (including loose, sooty material)
 Separation of support from lining
 Damage from previous repairs (cross-linked pressure-sensitive tape, stiffened linings)
 Staining (water, insect, mold)
 Damage from rolling/hanging equipment (staining, tearing)
 Discolored varnish
 Flaking varnish
 Wrinkling/creasing (esp. at edges exposed when rolled)
 Fading of media (pigment washes)

**Note: several objects were seen to have staining resembling mold residues, but no active mold was
discovered.

Overview of Treatment Recommendations

Nearly all the objects surveyed require some limited treatment

or stabilization to be re-housed safely. All require humidification and Treatment
Total Objects
flattening (some lighter weight paper supports may be flattened over Recommended
time by the weight of the folder). This step will reduce creasing overall,
but some significant creases should be locally relaxed with targeted Humidification
147
moisture to prepare for storage. Most objects also require surface and Flattening
cleaning, as many exhibit heavy soiling that may transfer to adjacent Surface
106
objects. Many require mending, especially at the edges, to prevent Cleaning
propagation of present tears. Normally this can be done with wheat Bathing (inc.
starch paste and Japanese tissue paper strips. However, on objects with varnish 13
water sensitive media, solvent- or heat- reactivated adhesive strips may removal)
be a better option (i.e. Klucel-G or Lascaux 498). Large losses should Re-adhere
be filled to provide support and prevent further damage. Many objects 28
Lining Locally
would benefit from bathing in solvent to remove degraded varnish or Tear Mending 99
acidic degradation materials in the paper. Practically, only objects
Fills 11
which fit the dimensions of the lab sink can be treated in this way.
These objects require solubility spot testing to ensure the preservation Stain
13
of underlying media. It is recommended that damaging repairs, such as Reduction
pressure-sensitive tape and inappropriate linings, be removed. If Remove
auxiliary equipment is noted to cause damage, the removal of these Hanging 22
items is recommended. In cases where the support is lifting from the Equipment
lining, it should be readhered to decrease vulnerability and increase
ease of handling. This can be carried out by the use of heat-reactivated Table 5: Summary of significant
double-sided adhesive strips. treatment recommendations
Storage Recommendations
Short Term Recommendations
Although most objects should eventually be treated and re-housed in flat storage, this may not be
achievable in the short term. However, it would be prudent to relocate those objects stored on top of the
map case as they are currently vulnerable to damage by passersby and from being piled on top of one
another. These objects should be individually wrapped in medium weight acid-free paper or Mylar for
protection and support and removed to empty shelving in the Hall of Records. The maps should be stored
no more than one layer deep on each shelf.

Long Term Recommendations

The majority of the objects may be flattened and housed either in the oversize map case in (or on)
which they are currently housed (drawer dimensions 58”x45”) or in the extra large map case located in
the Hall of Records (drawer dimensions approximately 90”x60”). Although the storage of items in this
remote location will limit ease of access, this collection receives very little use (1 researcher request in the
past 9 years). Therefore, it is recommended that all objects within the drawer dimensions that do not fit in
the regular oversize map case should be removed to this location. As discussed, the storage of the objects
in a rolled position makes them vulnerable to many types of damage as well as limits ease of
handling/access. Therefore, it is important to store as many items as possible in flat folders.
Recommendations for properly storing large format flat objects are outlined below. Some objects
surveyed are outside the dimensions for flat storage and must be stored rolled. Recommendations for
properly storing rolled objects are outlined below.

Flat Storage of oversize objects

Objects which may be stored flat should be placed in pH neutral or buffered folders (note that
blueprints and diazo/aniline prints are sensitive to alkaline materials) with objects of similar size with no
more than 5-10 objects per folder depending on condition. Acid-free paper may be interleaved if
necessary.
For very large objects that may buckle upon handling in normal weight folders, a rigid support
should be made and stored with the object for moving. The support should meet the following
requirements:
-lightweight in large dimensions
-rigid in large dimensions
-good aging properties
-reasonable cost
Examples of material that may meet these requirements include:
-Acid-free corrugated board (available in double-walled structure)
-Fome-core
-Tycore
Large carrying cases may be made for transport by hinging two rigid panels along one edge and securing
on the other edges with twill ties.

Rolled Storage Materials and Procedure

Objects should be rolled onto tubes with an outer diameter of 4” or greater to minimize curvature
of the object and to provide support against crushing. The length of the tube should extend at least 1”
beyond each end of the rolled object so that edges are supported and will not become crumpled. The tube
should be made of a neutral pH cardboard or one with a small alkaline reserve (note that blueprints and
diazo/aniline prints should not be stored in the presence of alkaline materials). If these materials are not
attainable, an acidic tube can be covered in Mylar to provide a barrier against acid degradation of the
object.
The object may be rolled onto the tube along with a support of medium weight acid-free paper to
provide an interleaving material if necessary. The rolled object should be covered in a protective layer of
medium weight acid-free paper or Mylar to
prevent dust and other damage from exposure
(Mylar will also protect from water damage to
some extent). The entire assembly should be
secured with archival tape or twill ties (tape is
preferable as ties may catch during moving of
objects).
Objects with wooden rods attached may
also be stored rolled by creating a clamshell tube
to accommodate the rod inside the tube while
allowing the support to be rolled on the outside of
the tube (see Figure 3). This solution is achieved
by cutting the tube in half, hinging one side, and
fashioning a Japanese tissue sling between the two
halves on the other side to support the rod when Figure 3: Clamshell tube design for rolling objects with
the tube is closed. wooden rods attached. The tube in the image is for rolling
cloth banners, but could be modified for paper objects by
Rolled Storage Furniture upholstering in Japanese tissue paper instead of batting.
The rolled objects may be stored in various ways; however, it is important to locate a storage
location or utilize storage furniture that will prevent rolling and limit exposure.
A stack of “cubbies” or slots for individual object storage may be constructed out of wood to
accommodate the maps. This option would provide the most protection from bumping, crushing, and
environmental damage (i.e. water, etc.). The drawbacks of this solution are the large footprint required for
the structure, potential damage from pollutants, and potential damage from sliding the objects in and out.
The wood and other materials used for the structure should pass the Photographic Materials Test. Oak
would not be suitable for this project as it is known to off-gas acetic acid. Each cubby hole should be
buffered with lining material and have ethafoam lining on the
bottom to prevent damage from sliding or from the weight of the
object itself.
During a meeting to discuss possible storage solutions and
locations for this collection, it was mentioned that a bank of
cubbies might go on top of the oversize map case where the maps
are currently stored. However, as the length of the maps on top of
the case generally exceeds both dimensions of the case, this would
not be a suitable location. The final location of the cubbies should
have at least a few inches of clearance from the ground, whether
this is accomplished by placing the structure on top of another
piece of furniture or by building in extra height below the cubbies.
This will deter pests to some extent.
Another solution for storing the rolled maps is to create
racks. An example of this type of storage solution, currently in use
at the Winterthur Library, is shown in Figure 4. The advantages of
this storage include a smaller footprint and ease of access.
However, this is open storage, and therefore the maps may be
exposed in the event of a leak or some such emergency. As with the
cubbies structure, the materials used to create this furniture would
Figure 4: Example of racks for rolled be required to pass the Photographic Activity Test. Oak is not
objects
recommended.
References
Albright, Gary E. and Thomas K. McClintock. 1982. “The Treatment of Oversize Paper Artifacts.” The
Book and Paper Group Annual. Vol. 1. Washington, DC: AIC.

Brown, Geoffrey I. 1992. Method for Rolling Flat, Flexible Objects. STASH. Accessed September 7,
2015. http://stashc.com/the-publication/supports/tubes/method-for-rolling-flat-flexible-objects/.

Donnelly, William. 2015. Personal communication. Textiles Conservation Laboratory, Winterthur

Museum and Gardens, Winterthur, Delaware.

Fome-Cor. CAMEO (Conservation and Art Materials Encyclopedia Online). Museum of Fine Arts,
Boston. Accessed September 8, 2015. http://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Fome-Cor.

Ogden, Sherelyn. 1999. Storage Solutions for Oversized Paper Artifacts. NEDCC. Accessed September
7, 2015. https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preservation-leaflets/4.-storage-and-handling/4.9-storage-
solutions-for-oversized-paper-artifacts.

“Tycore Mounting Panels.” Talas. Accessed September 8, 2015.

http://apps.webcreate.com/ecom/catalog/product_specific.cfm?ClientID=15&ProductID=24936.

Wagner, Sarah S. 1992. Storage of Large Paper Objects. STASH. Accessed September 7, 2015.
http://stashc.com/the-publication/containers-2/folders-envelopes-enclosures/storage-of-large-paper-
objects/.