Archives, libraries, and museum collections contain an abundance of graphic artworks and documents with translucent or transparent supports. These include thin papers, tracing papers, and cellulose acetate sheets or films. Such supports are generally delicate and fragile, and the artworks and documents often have structural issues, such as tears or delamination of the media. It becomes especially problematic when there is a need to handle these already-fragile materials for consultation, digitization, or exhibition. The field of nanotechnologies offers new possibilities to stabilize translucent and transparent supports with innovative materials and this seminar gives an overview of these nanomaterials – nanocellulose films, also known as nanopapers and their possible use in art conservation.
Remy Dreyfuss-Deseigne, an independent Paper Conservator based in Paris, has carried out research projects on nanocellulose films at the National Library of France scientific laboratory and at the Research Center for Conservation.
