Print Facsimile Repairs on Old Master Prints or: What We Can Learn from Schweidler. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018) - Dieter, Selina
Abstract : Facsimile inserts for tear repair and for making inserts in works of art on paper are documented since the 19th century, described in detail in a 1938 publication by Max Schweidler, and have continued in the treatment of fine art on paper until the late 20th century. This history spanning several practitioner generations is reviewed for its key phases and complemented with a step-by-step recapitulation on the intricate historic technique. This is accompanied by a discussion on the current value of pre-existing facsimile inserts in modern conservation and the adaptation of the technique for modern treatment. This entails also a focus on preserving skill learning as one academic topic embedded in scientific practice. A new, commercially available insert paper customized for facsimile inserts is presented.