Restoration
Christmas Card
The Christmas card was in relatively sound condition considering it's age, however, the outer fold had broken, and the front torn with-in the embossed flowers.
The "before" view of the card is actually a view of the work with-in progress. The "after" view complete prior to a new ribbon being replaced.
The illustrated cellulose widow was discoloured with age and there was a small amount of paint loss on the flower petals. The original ribbon that tied the card was missing.
The paper was heavily foxed due to a considerable amount of metal fragments with-in the paper, discolouration and suface dirt due to age and handling as well as residual adhesive marks from earlier repair work.
Loss of detailing within the illustrated border and colour loss around the outer edge of the card needed to be restored.
The missing ribbon secured the two sections of the card, as well as being an important decorative element.
The conservation process in this case was done without washing, due to the risk of glue loss under the remaining glitter and the nature of the embossed flowers.
The components were pulled apart. Old tape was removed and it's residue mechanically removed. Metal fragments were mechanically removed, in-filled and in-painted.
Surface dirt and discolouration were mechanically removed. Tears were repaired and secured.
Cellulose was cleaned and missing paint replaced. Damage around flowers repaired and embossing re-formed. Detail of line work and colour replaced.
A pink ribbon (not shown) was re-threaded and tied into a bow as the final tool of consolidation of the inner and outer card sections.