For thousands of years the primary method of recording our history, expressing our emotions and telling our stories depended upon paper. But this enduring material is also fragile and delicate and often damaged. The master paper conservators at Graphic Conservation Company are world renowned for their expertise in the conservation and restoration of works of art on paper.
In this episode we step into a paper conservator's studio to see how torn, discolored and seemingly hopeless paper can be rescued and restored.
www.graphicconservation.com/
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As a paper conservator myself, it's so refreshing to see such a breakdown and presentation of the work that we do. Not a lot of people are aware of this discipline still. I've been working on bringing light to it in my local community for years, videos such as this help greatly to that end, as well as teaching people how to take care of their precious objects. Amazing work by everyone at the Company!
I recently had a print suffer water damage (the value is sentimental more than as an artwork) and have been wanting to explore restoration options.
@@kathyjohnson2043 Water damage is generally easily fixable, but I'd try looking for a professional in Your area who specializes in paper conservation. Maybe a museum or archive can be of help or give You a good recommendation.
If i tear a paper, what's the least bad way i can fix /stabilize that at home?
Quick question: I want to frame a Painting, it's watercolor on paper. What are the big no nos I should avoid? I'm thinking maybe I should get some UV blocking glass?
I'm delighted with your new series. Thanks for opening up the variety of the art world's talent pool. There are so many wonderful corners to explore and fall in love with.
Julian is now experiencing what some of us feeln when we watch his videos. I'm a piano restorer, which is a job that most often than not is tedious and not rewarding, mostly because of external factors (clients that can't afford practices, lack of trust, expensive materials etc), and every time I'm feeling like quitting I just watch julian'd videos, because it inspires me to try and enjoy my work for what it is, and also seeing him struggle with similar difficulties sometimes makes me feel I'm not alone. Even if it's not the same area of expertise we are all in the same team here. Thanks julian for the effort you put in all of your videos
I totally get your perfectionism of trying to give every piano the treatment that is best for it. After all, that is your full job description, right? Having watched Julian's videos, I have also seen that optimizing the balance between the ideal treatment and the preservation of resources (time, money, materials) can be an art in itself. As a scientist, I have to admit that I hate this as well. I want every piece of work I do, be it an article, a peer review, teaching materials, to be as good as it can be. But this mentality is often in the way of progress: sometimes getting 2x80% instead of 1x100% is better overall.
@@nilsp9426 Learning how to accept "good enough" is an art, but one that is key for hitting deadlines and not going insane. ( Historian here)
Glad to hear you are still at it; not many are. One big issue nowadays is that getting an electronic keyboard, even just a clavinova, is so much cheaper.
Thank you for your wonderful comitment to your work. Music is so taken for granted in todays world. People just don't understand the artistry and hard work of making and taking care of these precious items. They are history too and deserve care and respect. What is made today will be valued in the future. Or maybe cursed depending. Who knows maybe some of your work will end up in a museum some day. You never know.👍
Oh man, I'm sorry. We can't even find piano tuners nowadays. It's becoming such a rare thing now.
Julian studdering like a fresh-faced intern over the one part of the tour that he was *most* qualified to participate in was simply adorable!
Please do more series like this, absolutely fascinating and so eye-opening. The videography for the series has been top-notch.
Couldn't agree more!
Julian knows enough to ask good questions and allows the experts to explain well and take credit for their knowledge. I love the respectful environment!
"Pull it off?" "Yeah, pull it off." _Julian proceeds to whip the paper off the delicate paper like a total noob._ 😳 That guy almost had a heart attack! 😆 I would actually like to learn a few things about paper conservation and restoration, to address issues with paper ephemera I collect as part of my doll collection.
Ha ha, I saw that too. Made me laugh. Cheers from Tasmania
The look on Brian's face was priceless 😂
The conservator’s face when Julian lifted the blotter with gusto! Lol
lol, and after he did everything else so hesitantly
Did you also see Brian nodd? I think, Julian did it exactly how it's done. And that was it what surprised him.
That restored build sheet for the 1969 Capris could mean as much as $10k or more, if sold with the car at auction. It's as desirable as a certificate of authenticity for a 16th century painting. 💖🌞🌵😷
This series is hands down the best thing to happen on KZhead in 2024
I love how the issues with dirt, grime, warping, losses, and really bad previous conservation efforts are the same exact issues you deal with, but the remedies are so different. It's all very interesting!
As an archivist who works with paper conservators, I loved this video. It’s incredible what a little cobweb of washi kozo on the back will do to stabilize tears and holes in fragile documents and the addition of pulp in aqueous treatment to restore a page is truly magical. It’s interesting to see the cosmetic work they do for artwork and private clients. For our historical documents, we restrict conservation work to structural treatments because we want to preserve the documents history and authenticity. Using bleaching treatments is frowned upon today, but it was excessively used in the 80ties, making the paper more white than it ever was. I’m also happy for Devyn, she seems to have found the kind of work she likes.
Hello, do you know the name of the solution she uses to remove the adhesive from the scotch tape ?
@@ucenicul No, unfortunately, I don’t, as removing the discoloration is considered a cosmetic treatment. What we normally do is to remove the adhesive residue on documents so that they don’t stick to one another, this can be done with erasers.
Thank you
I had a letter from President James Garfield restored by a local paper conservator. I left it with the company to treat foxing, yellowing a a rip or two. This was written just before his Presidency so it was not on White House letterhead. I’m sure it was good paper because it came back in beautiful condition. I asked how it was done and the lovely woman said, water and spitballs! Now I know why the answer.
LOVE this series. I have my father’s college diploma from the 1920’s, it’s sheepskin and has been rolled up for a century. There is no image loss, but it’s in Latin so I didn’t realize what I had for ages. Now I know who to call to have it flattened and framed.
I run a vintage computer restoration business in NY. We value our customer's pieces as if they're our own. We put delicate effort into removing old components, cleaning the damage and replacing with new parts. Our reputation is what we let speak for us. It has been an amazing adventure. Thank you for making this series. It really is inspiring.
How often are you able to source OEM replacement parts for vintage computers?
That's awesome! I don't imagine you get too many 16 layer pcbs in for repair 😅
@@ac3raven that’s a good question. Sadly most components aren’t available and donors are the only option. If it’s something like a leg broke off the chip, I’ll dremel into it and add a new wire. Keeping the original part, but using black epoxy to attempt to keep the damage minimal
@@johndeglavina3729 no, I won’t lie that’s probably above my pay grade. I do deal with smd and multi layer but never anything like digging into a 16 layer. That takes a lot of patience and sometimes requires way more damage than benefits
What's the age range for the definition of "vintage" in the computer restoration field? I had a 2009 Dell Desktop XPS 630i, that I finally gave up on in 2022. I doubt that's old enough to count?
I think we can all tell when Julian’s on-script, so I think we can all agree his reactions in this one were 100% organic. This subject captivated him even more than the previous two. 😂 It’s so cool to see people be so excited about their and others’ crafts.
Script… haha, what’s that!? 🤣
Oh I SO love this series! Thank you Mr. Baumgartner for taking time out of your busy schedule to treat us to conservation in other forms. ❤👏
I would LOVE an episode on clothing and fabric conservation!
That’s what I do!!🎉🎉
I love how humble Julian is, even though his skill level is on another level. Loving this series so far!
Keep in mind, his skill level is on another level with paint and canvas. He recognizes their skill and his relative lack of skill with paper. Artists appreciating one another’s work.
Yes, he is indeed receptive to the professionalism of other branches in the conservation industry. I think we all need to appreciate the values of humbleness in order to observe and learn.
Hello from southern Illinois! I used to work in the Preservation Lab at Morris Library at SIUC while getting my undergrad. This video brought me back to the work I did for 4 years there. While preserving books, I also worked on maps and letters. All the machines you showed I have used many times. In addition to repairing and encapsulation, I also made protective enclosures for books and large maps; basically boxes and special folders using acid-free archival materials. I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing. --Gypsy
As a printmaker, I found this really fascinating. I am super grateful to paper conservation that has allowed me to see prints and drawings that are over 400 years old in The National Gallery of Canada's collections. I also learned during a workshop by one of their framers, that not just tape, but all things acidic is the enemy of paper. It is amazing how even off gassing of the frame can effect works on paper.
19.54. Perfect example of a passionate and proud professional. The fist pump was fab to see.
Something tells me we aren’t supposed to be seeing this yet.
I can’t wait to watch it! I have a ton of lithographs and proofs that are in dire need of restoration from being framed improperly.
Why’s that?
@@ChrisStockslagerlook when the comment was posted
@@ChrisStockslager Looks like his comment was from a month ago. So it was posted by accident at that time then went private until it was released today!
I noticed you wrote this awhile ago. Enjoy today!
Great video! I’m an art historian specializing in works on paper. I have been working with paper conservators for decades, and I always learn from them. I am delighted to see this new video. You reveal some of the amazing things paper conservators do, and what lovely people they are. I’m currently living and working in a part of the country where there are no paper conservators, so I really miss them! Thank you!
When that Japanese painting changed to its restored state, a jolt of goosebumps ran through my whole body. This is truly amazing work.
20:10 has to be one of the funniest moments on this channel. I was laughing way too much at that. 😂 Good meme. *Sniffs paper* "Well, smells like paper."
Hands down my favourite moment. 😅 I do wonder what he was expecting it to smell like... dirt, surface grime and losses perhaps?
The fact they use water in paper conservation was so surprising to me. Please keep up this series, it's amazing!
It’s crazy what we can wash! Water is a huge part of paper conservation that we are always grappling with and manipulating. So much can be treated with water if done correctly
I would honestly love it if you had guest episodes in your usual style from the Graphic Conservation Company. I think it would be incredible to bring their process and expertise forward in the way that we've been able to enjoy yours.
In a sea of garbage content, I am so grateful for yours. It lights up my brain and lights up my day. Thank you, Julian.
Watching Julian flinch when she said "masking tape," I'm pretty sure he had a full-body "Elmer's glue" flashback 😆
Another great episode,.......i'm from the UK and loving this series guys! What gladdens me and lifts my spirit, is seeing the young people with such love and enthusiasm, who will become the conservators of the future, and so ensuring this precious work is kept alive....thank you.
We are enjoying the “field trips” you’ve incorporated this year. Thanks!
You have no idea how much I appreciate this. I have two drawing and my grandfather's navy discharge papers. All from the 1920's. I plan on contacting this company.
This is mindblowing what paper conservators can achieve with pieces that looks beyond saving! I am full of respect and awe for their work. Thank you, Julian for making this series, it brings so much joy to us all.
Beautifully filmed, narrated and written. Thank you for expanding our horizons.
The organization of the pulp balls is truly impressive. I wish I were half that organized.
Omg the wince on Julian’s face at the “masking tape”! I *felt* that viscerally 😅🤣
I can state for a fact that I would never have had the opportunity to learn so much or experience so much without Julian. Julian is a World Heritage.
The passion and devotion to doing ONE thing REALLY well is such a beautiful thing! Thank you for giving us a peek at these incredibly skilled craftsmen!
As someone currently working as a picture framer, the amount of artwork I see in need of professional, licensed, conservation and restoration is amazing. Folks bring us things that would be better off being cared for by licensed conservators. Makes me wish there were more conservators around the country I could recommend to the regular folks who need their artwork repaired. Sometimes all I can do for folks is put the artwork in a picture frame, with acid free mats and acid free backing and hope it survives a little longer. Other times, seeing things framed with beautiful matching framing components is incredibly satisfying.
This is awesome! I'm a paper conservator, working mainly on antique books, and seeing some of the finer details of paper conservation showcased so well was great to see! Reminded me why I went into the field in the first place. Thanks for another great Behind the Canvas episode! And remember: Tape is not the answer! 😅
I suspect there was at least one fangirl in that group that watches your videos. And the respect you show for other experts makes you welcome everywhere. I am so enjoying this series!
Would you ever consider following and filming a complete conservation project at a studio like this -- with their conservation expertise, but your videography and editing?
No tape, got it! Another terrific episode, loving this series so much.
As someone training to be an archivist it’s very cool to see how the other side of the shop works
I think sadly most archives don't have the budget for such conservation work. I'm a historian so I often work in archives as a user and early 20th century paper is particularly terrible. It often just crumbles as you touch it to read documents and the table looks like I've been eating Pringles. Some types of velum like paper even smell like cat pee. Often repairs seem to be done in house with a gossamer or washi material
@@samlomb2093 Oh totally. I've worked in a University which has an on-house conservation team but the place I'm currently working has no money or access to anything really, and while many things have been stored well, sometimes you come actoss shockers. I came across a newspaper from 1906 last week that pretty much dissolved to the touch
Thank you Julian ,for letting us ,with you ,enjoy and learn about the beautiful world of art and conservation .….greetings from Croatia. 👋🙂
This series is such a wonderful evolution of your channel. Exceedingly well produced and introducing us to all sorts of related art forms and their techniques. Although I wouldn't want you to stop producing your usual videos I hope we get to keep seeing more of this too.
Okay, we need a follow up. How do they make the paper non-acidic? How do they conserve watercolor paintings? Do they do that there? This is so COOL!!❤❤
Really neat seeing the transformations, had no idea a lot of this stuff was possible.
Great work! I suppose that many of us do not even realize how many pieces of artwork or history have been saved, thanks!
Julian: I am thrilled to go behind the scenes with you to see how things are done. In fact, more like mesmerized. It is so rewarding to see how things are restored and persevered. These people have a fantastic gift. Just loving these videos. Carol from California
Wow! This! This is what I want to be when I grow up! (I may or may not be a 30-y/o papercrafter working for an accountant right now…🤫)
I did not know how to react when I first heard of Julian leaving the studio for this series. I thought it was just the painting restoration that I came to watch. But it is now obvious to me that Julian is an excellent video creator. Maybe he has hired or works with a genius editor and director. He is amazing to watch interviewing, guiding us through all these aspects of the arts and restoration fields.
this episode is so incredibly cool! thanks for visiting and sharing with us! how coooooooool is that?!?!?!??!?!?!
My first introduction to the world of books was as an apprentice bookbinder. I spent 4 years studying and working in the printing industry working on antique printers as well as modern printing machines. I learnt how to bind a book as it had been done before the invention of the first printing machine, before the use of block printing. I was one of the two students who actually got to work with velum and books that were over 400 plus years old. They were hand written but the binding had been damaged and we were given the task of dismantling the books and then set the task of rebinding the books using only the original glues and threads. Because we only spent one week of the month at Trade school we were given archival lock box’s to keep each book in. I spent my summer holidays at the trade school working on the books. Many of the teachers worked there during the holidays working on restoring many books in the down time. It took me little over 6 months to repair the binding on the two books I was given, and was pleased when they let me work on a third book. I had wanted to go into the restoration of books, but here in Australia there was not much of a call for this type of work, and at the time I was married and so was not able to travel to Paris due to the law that I had to have my husbands permission to apply for a passport because I was under 21. Thankfully that’s changed now. During my time in the industry I developed an allergy to modern printing inks and certain types of carbon less paper, and so had to leave the printing industry. I still make my own bound books and have converted many of my most read paperback books into hard bound books. As an artist working on the old books was the highlight of my time as a bookbinder seeing works of art in these books was mind blowing. I have always respected my books even as a child, I still have all of my books from way back then, and when I see children with books today ripping them apart and scribbling all over them makes me shudder to my very soul. It was something my Mother taught me, and that was to never damage a book even at an early age. She installed in me the passion for reading.
Love this Behind the Canvas series. Can’t wait for the Making Rabbit Skin Glue From Scratch episode.
Great episode! Thanks for exposing us to the broader world of conservation.
Wow, wow, wow!!! I can't believe what my eyes just saw you do. This is something I never even dreamed existed. I wish I would have known about things like this when I was so much younger. I am beyond thrilled that you started this series. Just as a lay person that will likely never touch something of the value that you and they you, still makes me think about how I treat my own clippings, photos, etc. I can't wait for the next one!!!!
As a Brazilian linguist currently working on two early sixteenth century codices stored in a library in Portugal I got really excited about seeing the impressive transformations of the examples given in the video. My objects of study (in paper and parchment) have some stained, creased and deteriorated pages, which makes it difficult to understand the written text. It would be amazing if every library could have access to such treatments and techniques to give new life to important cultural pieces of human history.
Such good stuff! Thanks for sharing Julian. My daughter is an art student at Temple University and this type of exposure to the lesser known areas is very encouraging and fascinating.
I love how you use the same terms and language to explain these forms of conservation as you do for your own work. Multiple passes, repairing losses, …
I would love to see more types of conservation and restoration. It's so interesting to see the different specialties
That before/after on the baseball book is incredible
I love how other conservators in other fields are sharing their experiences in the comments. You are all doing awesome work. Thank you!
Too good to see marvelous techniques done by people called to the task. This is truly good work. Thanks for the hope this little stroy can give to others. There is a thing named CALLING. May you reader/watcher find your CALLING, and continue in the joy of it.
The word vocation derives from the Latin vocare "to call." To become a priest, you need to feel that you have been "called" to the ministry directly by God. Their job is their calling, or vocation. An avocation is something you do because you love it.@@MckIdyl May your vocation synch up with your avocation with the task you take on today....
That was so interesting. I didn’t know Paper & trees are acidic. I thought paper was neutral! Please Julian do more so we can find out ALL the different ways to conserve artwork or books or conservation as a whole.
Back in the seventies, I wondered out loud if water could leach out the acid in wood pulp paper to preserve it. The librarian carried on as if I had blasphemed.
Once again, I am astounded by how little I know about about our world. What I learn from your videos makes me so much more appreciative of how people we don't even know enrich our lives so much. This was a great example of that. Thank you for bringing us along!
Thank you for this series! Not only very relaxing, but also highly informative!
I highly regard and respect those who are working and gaining mastery in any field. If you've spent countless hours in a wide variety of scenarios and are still learning and perfecting your expertise you should be held in high regard. These videos Julian is creating introduce more and more areas I had no clue held skilled professionals doing amazing work. Brilliant!
Thank you for inspiring me to find a daguerreotype restoration professional to restore some very old family photos.
This is amazing. I honestly never would have considered that paper can also be conserved, at least not in the way I thought! Brilliant video ❤
This is fascinating! Thank you for showing specialized areas of conservation and the art world. Learning the behind the scenes and how it's dones are what I live for
Hello from Greece! That was FACINATING! I really appreciated the before & after shots. Its amazing the scope of their work.
I'm so obsessed with this series! I'm an undergrad taking archaeology/anthropology, studio art with a minor in french! Becoming an art conservator is the goal. Thank you for showcasing how amazing (and sometimes difficult) this job can be! This is so cool haha
I have watched your KZhead posts since the beginning. I am from Chicago but haven't been home in eight years. I plan my final trip the end of May. I have artwork from my parents who passed recently. You are the person I will contact.
Another amazing video, Julian. I did not know paper could be restored. Thank you, Julian.
It would be really interesting for them to create videos like you do Julian. A paper restoration channel. Thank you for bring us in to your world. It would be also interesting to see how the restoration tools and chemicals are made as well.
I love this series. It is not only about seeing what other conservators do but seeing them through the eye of a top notch peer.
Thank you so much for taking us on these adventures!
Their paper bins of collected types of papers reminded me of your canvas cubbys full of old canvas that you use to match artworks with missing canvas due to tears or holes.
Thank you Julian for bringing us such an interesting series! Whenever I go to a museum I don't think I will look at old documents the same way as I did before.
I am loving this new series, Julian! I had no idea that paper conservation existed. Really great to learn a bit about this specialty!
My love of watching restorations came originally from a lady with paper restorations. Only after her I got interested and found so many more amazing professionals, including Julian. So nice to see paper restorations on this channel!
Remarkable! I love these videos. They really open my mind and eyes to new things. Thank you!
Watching and listening to these wonderful artisans are fascinating and amazing.
Hello, I'm french and I learn this year the conservation of paper and graphic documents. I starting two years of studies with monochrome etching (before working other types of documents). I'm very excited and pasionnate and I hope to open my own atelier later.
I visited the paper conservation department at The Legion of Honor in San Francisco with a printmaking class. They had those large sinks.
Another wonderful field trip. it is so much fun to learn new things about the world of conservation. Thank you, and the Graphics Conservation company for allowing us all a glimpse into their world
Wonderful video! I have handed a 19th century print to a paper conservator in Brussels, and got a message today that I can see the result tomorrow. Looking forward to the result and thanks to the video, I now have at least some idea how paper conservation works.
Now you know how we feel with your work, Julian! 😃
Such a great series you have created.
This series is so well put together!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you all very much for making and sharing this lovely and informative video. Very interesting and enjoyable.😊❤
I love this new series you’re doing. So many interesting parts of Art.
It’s always an education watching you reveal and learn yourself. 👍😊👍
I’m enjoying this series so much. This episode is so interesting. Thanks Julian .
As an artist, I have always taken great comfort and joy in watching you, and others in your field dedicate so much care and tenderness to the preservation of another person's work. I am honored to think that someday some other expert, like yourself, would come to my work with such gentleness, appreciation, and respect. It is an aspect of the possible futures of any piece I create that ultimately inspires me to take More time and effort, to earn the privilege.
How quickly the dirt and impurities lifted out of the paper when exposed to water was pretty shocking!
I can't be the only one who was shocked when he ripped the blotter paper away. The guy showing him how to do it was happy he didn't destroy the piece.
My favorite series right now - great episode.
I am LOVING this series
Worth catching episodes of “The Repair Shop” if you can - it’s about the only wholesome, decent programme left on the BBC, and shows conservators working on people’s objects, like paper, clocks, books, paintings, toys, furniture, etc., etc.