1896 Harry Wright Day ribbon

[JeremyW]

I'm not sure if this is worthy of it's own thread, but I wanted to show a new addition to my collection & hopefully get some ideas for safely removing the ribbon from the scrapbook page. The ribbon, which I'm guessing is silk, measures 2" X 7" & the photo is approximately 1 1/2" X 2". The ribbon appears to be glued/pasted onto the page at six different spots. I've been thinking about wetting the tip of a q-tip with water & gently wetting the glue spots to see if it loosens. If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them.

[barrysloate]

That's a gorgeous piece Jeremy, with a great photo of Wright no less. Never saw that before. Wow!

[JeremyW]

Thanks, Barry. I've never seen another one either. I've seen a few of the HW Day programs in auction archives & would like to find one as a companion piece someday.

[BigJJ]

Great piece. Incredible photo!

Given value, I would contact - Paper Conservation Studio, Alan Firkser, in New York. Top paper expert for the big guys here-sothebys,christies, etc. 212-315-2828

[GaryPassamonte]

Nice, Jeremy.

[bgar3]

great piece jeremy.

[ramram]

I wouldn't remove it unless the acid in the paper is causing deterioration (which is possible). Does the newspaper article describe the Harry Wright day? Trim the paper as needed and frame it as is. No need to possibly cause damage when it really needs to be affixed to something anyway.

Rob M.

[JeremyW]

Thanks for the nice comments, guys. Also appreciate the advice, Rob & Jon.

[baseballart]

Jeremy

I would get the advice of a professional paper conservator before you frame it. If there is potential of acidic paper being present, steps need to be taken to correct this.

Max

[JeremyW]

Max- Thanks for the advice & I have to assume that the paper, being from 1896-?, is acidic, which is what scares me the most. I'm starting to think sending it to a conservationist is the best idea.

[CarltonHendricks]

That is just very cool...no question...What are the pursuit and execution details? i.e. how'd you find such a great piece!...if you can say without divulging your valued sources. Nevertheless congrats on a great pick up.

[perezfan]

Great find and many congrats!

Be careful with that silk ribbon. One little pull of the thread, and the woven silk can unravel. I've seen it happen on occasion. It may be best to remove the visible paper but leave the backing alone (where it is adheared).

A conservator should definitely take a look to determine the next step, and whether paper removal is warranted. Either way... a wonderful and unique find!

[baseballart]

Originally Posted by JeremyW

Max- Thanks for the advice & I have to assume that the paper, being from 1896-?, is acidic, which is what scares me the most. I'm starting to think sending it to a conservationist is the best idea.

If I recall correctly, 19th century paper has a much lower acidity than20th century paper. Not sure where the cut off was though

Max

[BigJJ]

I agree with Mark with regard to might wanting to remove only visible paper and not the adhered parts.

[JeremyW]

Thanks again, guys. I appreciate the advice & plan on contacting a conservator before I do anything.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by JeremyW

Thanks again, guys. I appreciate the advice & plan on contacting a conservator before I do anything.

That's the way to go.

The paper is browned and looks crumbling/brittle. So it is acidic and degrading. Eventually it will brown the ribbon more than it already has.

On a cheap item like a local fair ribbon I'd give it a go myself, and I've done a couple with really good results.

But this is important enough to take to a real conservator. Especially since the ribbon has a photo attached. The combination of three materials and probably two different adhesives makes it fairly complicated.

Steve B