Need Advice - restoration?

[barrysloate]

If you want to do just the minimal amount of restoration, I would think a restorer could deacidify the paper and flatten the piece so it can be matted and framed. I wouldn't have him color the white spots because collectors do not like that. The piece has condition problems but you're lucky to have even found an uncut sheet so I would leave it with its creases and tears. By deacidifying it the paper will become significantly less brittle. That's all I would recommend you do.

[T206Collector]

I would get the whole thing framed at a good framing shop, but I would have them hide behind a large matting the frayed edges, so the only viewed image would be of the complete cards. I would also recommend a form of acid-free backing, that could help keep the cards from continuing to deteriorate.

Do not soak Topps cards. They do not recover.

[TipTopBread]

RECOMMENDED:

Graphic Conservation Company
329 West 18th Street • Suite 701 • Chicago IL 60616
info@graphicconservation.com • 312-738-2657

give them a call, and explain your situation! Ask to see examples of their works previously done!

[ls7plus]

Nice acquisation, Patrick. Barry is absolutely right--you won't see many of those in any condition.

Larry

[SMPEP]

Sounds like simplier is better. Thanks to all for the suggestions.

Cheers,
Patrick

[Leon]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

I would get the whole thing framed at a good framing shop, but I would have them hide behind a large matting the frayed edges, so the only viewed image would be of the complete cards. I would also recommend a form of acid-free backing, that could help keep the cards from continuing to deteriorate.

Do not soak Topps cards. They do not recover.

IF it were mine I would do this exactly. Mat out the edges, deacidify it and have it have some kind of preservation type material that it is matted to. I did the same thing with my large Horner Composite Photo. It also went from Graphic Conservation to me to a very, very good local company to do the framing and matting. Great looking piece...