Paper art

Three years ago we received a large two-dimensional paper hanging (app.
1.5x2.5 meters) made of paper pulp.  The artist laid the pulp on top of
mull which seems to hold it together fairly well.  The art work can be
hung on a thick cord that has been attached on both sides and on the top
of the reverse side. I need help with two problems:

    1. the rope construction does not seem adequate. The top is starting
    to curl over and is starting to look top heavy and sagging.  What
    kind of reinforcement can I attach to the top so the thing will hang
    more securely?

    2. when the artist gave us the work she said it needed some kind of
    protective clear spray on the surface to harden the surface.  We
    have not done anything about this, but now we are realizing the
    paper is getting extremely soft in places and desperately needs a
    coating of some sort.  I am in the dark as to what to apply.  Should
    it be plain paper sizing, or something more like an acrylic?  Please
    supply with me good product names and where I will be able to
    purchase them. Thanks in advance,

Yolanda Warren
James G. Leyburn Library
Washington and Lee University
Lexington VA 24450
703-463-8662
warren.y [at] fs__library__wlu__edu

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 7:10
                   Distributed: Friday, July 9, 1993
                        Message Id: cdl-7-10-006
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