Title: framing-velum-msg
Subject: Instructions and precautions on framing pieces of vellum and parchment
Author: Edited by Mark S. Harris
Last saved by: Mark S. Harris
Keywords: vellum, parchment, frame, store, display, protect

framing-velum-msg - 4/4/01

Instructions and precautions on framing pieces of vellum and parchment.

NOTE: See also the files: parchment-msg, mailng-scrols-msg, calligraphy-msg, bookbinding-msg, inks-msg, paper-msg, seals-msg, writing-desks-msg.

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    Mark S. Harris                  AKA:  THLord Stefan li Rous
                                          Stefan at florilegium.org
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Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2001 12:41:18 -0500
From: Marian <marianr at washcoll.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Framing Vellum

Without going into great detail of how I found them (and I really do
need to ask my dad when he got them) I found two pieces of music written
on vellum, about 14.5" by 22" double sided, non modern musical notation
(not being a musician all I can say is not modern I can't date the type
of notation) and between the two sheets four multi colored simple
capitals stored under ridiculously poor conditions.

I'm probably going to follow the recommendation of the framing store
employee and just get the proper storage materials for keeping them safe
and sound since the proper way of framing sounds a bit out of my budget
(though the framing store people are the sort who would let me pay on a
weekly basis so it might not be totally out of my budget).

The suggested proper way is shaded conservator's glass, and matting on
both sides to keep the vellum from touching the frame as well as coming
in and having a long discussion with the head framer about what to do
about not being able to use glue.

So, I'm asking the artisans and collectors on here who may have done
this sort of thing before or who know someone who may have:

"If you encounted some ancient pieces of vellum with writing on both
sides, how would you go about framing it?"

-M

From: David Razler <david.razler at worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Framing Vellum
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001 17:47:26 GMT

On Mon, 22 Jan 2001 12:41:18 -0500, Marian <marianr at washcoll.edu>
wrote:
>Without going into great detail of how I found them (and I really do
>need to ask my dad when he got them) I found two pieces of music written
>on vellum, about 14.5" by 22" double sided, non modern musical notation
>(not being a musician all I can say is not modern I can't date the type
>of notation) and between the two sheets four multi colored simple
>capitals stored under ridiculously poor conditions.
>
>I'm probably going to follow the recommendation of the framing store
>employee and just get the proper storage materials for keeping them safe
>and sound since the proper way of framing sounds a bit out of my budget
>(though the framing store people are the sort who would let me pay on a
>weekly basis so it might not be totally out of my budget).

DON'T (sorry for the shout)

For the best info on framing old vellum, or any other material call:

Conservation Resources International (conservators to Colonial
Williamsburg):

800-634-6932
703-321-7730
criusa at conservationresources.com
www.conservationresources.com

or

CR/UK, Conservators by Appointment to Her Majesty Elizabeth II

+44 (0) 1865 747755
criuk at conservationresources.com

They are the BEST source of both information and supplies
Framers don't always know what they think they do.

From: Phyllis Gilmore <gilmore at rand.org>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Framing Vellum
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2001 14:44:15 -0800
Organization: RAND

Brucianna di Rosenkavaliera <brucianna at mindspring.com> wrote:
> I have now talked with the head framer who, this being a somewhat
> historical town with lots of rich old people (who like to retire here)
> actually has some experience working with such stuff and for $120 apiece
> I'm getting them framed.  I was very impressed by how much the people
> there (versus, say the people at the place near my parents) know about
> what they are doing.

I took my own vellum page (liberated from a bookstall beside the Seine 
in Paris) to a local framer who was *reputed* to be well versed in 
keeping the Smithsonian Instituion happy (YMMV).

I chose a rather elaborate frame *and* had glass put on *both* sides 
(the best side goes "out," but you can still see the back).  The framing 
is done so that the vellum can "breath," and the glass is nonreflective.  
The bill ran over $800.  The result is also very heavy, making for 
interesting hanging logistics.

Not bad for something I think I paid something like $60 for in the first 
place . . . 

Philippa

From: David Razler <david.razler at worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Framing Vellum
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 20:16:31 GMT

On Thu, 25 Jan 2001 14:44:15 -0800, Phyllis Gilmore <gilmore at rand.org>
wrote:
>in Paris) to a local framer who was *reputed* to be well versed in 
>keeping the Smithsonian Instituion happy (YMMV).
>
>I chose a rather elaborate frame *and* had glass put on *both* sides 
>(the best side goes "out," but you can still see the back).  The framing 
>is done so that the vellum can "breath," and the glass is nonreflective.  
>The bill ran over $800.  The result is also very heavy, making for 
>interesting hanging logistics.
>
>Not bad for something I think I paid something like $60 for in the first 
>place . . . 
>
>Philippa

Rather expensive, though I can see why you did it.

I am *not* sure about letting vellum breathe - at that price,
encapsulation with dry nitrogen or an inert gas might be better
protection for the *now*

But my worry is what happens when vellum gradually ages (nowhere near
as fast as paper - that stuff I know how to handle, from hemp to
pulp).

If it produces a byproduct that is destructive, similar to lignan to
acid in wood-pulp paper, then it needs buffering (don't take this as
IT DOES, I DON'T KNOW)

The best matting and/or backing that would allow it to breathe and
protect it is probably Conservation Restorer's microchamber board,
which blocks pollution from coming in with fresh air.

                                dmr

<the end>

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