1896 Harry Wright Day ribbon

[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