One of the Preventive Unit‘s specialized activities is the conservation mounting of works of art for display and protection. This year, Ruth Evans has the privilege of mounting works of art from the Kyffin Williams legacy. This is nearly the last process in the acquisition of these items into the Library as they have already been cleaned, catalogued and digitised.
Ruth uses our wall-mounted Speed-Mat machine to cut the cream coloured acid-free mounting boards. Good quality paper is used for hinging the works to the mount, with an archival quality paste used as an adhesive. Materials of a lower standard can contain impurities that will yellow and embrittle paper or a work of art. If necessary, the items can be removed from their mounts without causing any damage to the artwork. This ability to reverse our activities is important, as conservation work should be as less intrusive as possible. Over 1,000 Kyffin drawings (on paper) will be protected in this manner.
On completion of the mounts, they will be stored by the dozen in purpose built acid free boxes produced by this unit on one of our specialist machines. Such a box will offer protection against physical damage and the destructive effects of light and airborne pollutants. It will also create a microclimate that will offer a more stable environment in respect of temperature and humidity, and will therefore substantially extend the life of this important collection.
Iwan Bryn James
Preventive Conservation Unit Manager