Suzanne Louw Paper Conservator

Providing professional conservation services for artistic and historic works on paper. Travelling fee will be included in the quotation.

I have completed a course in paper conservation at The SA Institute of Objects Conservation and also earned a certificate for completing the Advanced Techniques of Tears and Repairs module

Treatment of the following materials:
art
archival documents
prints

Media:
charcoal
ink
watercolour
pastel
etching

Damages commonly address:
• Tears, holes, losses to the paper
• Folds, creases and wrinkle

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• Dirt, dust, insect frass
• Acidity and associated brittleness
• Tapes and adhesives
• Staining (overall discoloration, mat burn, foxing, adhesive stains, and water stains)
• Pigment loss
• Harmful backings and improper framing materials

We work on an individual basis with all of our clients to ensure that their valued objects receive the most appropriate conservation treatment possible. All work undertaken follows the Professional Code of Ethics of The South African Guild of Objects Restorers & Conservators

Before beginning any conservation treatment, the item must first be thoroughly examined and tested in the conservation studio to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Conservation methods and materials are chosen based on the objectives of each specific treatment and to ensure maximum reversibility. A written condition report and treatment proposal will be provided to the client and must be approved before any work can begin. Treatment includes
Examination and treatment proposal and treatment report documentation
Unfitting from framing materials
Surface cleaning
Backing removals
Tape removals
Humidification
Washing by immersion, float washing, or felt
Stain reduction
Mending and filling with suitable western papers or Japanese paper. Flattening and drying

How to obtain a treatment proposal

Consultation- In studio, pick up and delivery
Consultations are by appointment only. Please call 083 234 1822 to schedule an appointment or to discusses nescersary pick up and delivery arrangements. Condition report and conservation treatment proposal
You will provided with a written condition report and conservation treatment proposal. This will include a general condition assessment, an outline of recommended conservation procedures, and a cost estimate.The condition report, treatment proposal, and cost estimate will be completed within two weeks. It will be done at a cost of R200 which will be eliminated in case the treatment proposal has been accepted. Conservation treatment report

A written conservation treatment report will be provided to the client once the job is complete. The report will include a description of the condition of the object(s) before treatment, a description of the conservation steps performed. Photographs of the object(s) before and after treatment will also be provided to the client. contact
The studio is located in Port Elizabeth. If you are interested in finding out more, please call the studio at 083 234 1822 or Email: [email protected]

Photos from Suzanne Louw Paper Conservator's post

07/11/2018

This watercolour was attached to an acid backing board which had to be removed before continuing with the conservation process. It had to undergo a wash, de-acidification and bleaching process amongst other, in order to remove/lighten the foxing.

15/03/2018

Foxing is the appearance of small yellow/brown spots due to flakes of metal introduced through manufacturing and now rusting, insect excrement, acid hydrolysis or a form of mould.