Oil paint on paper

I am a student in my final year of the Applied Museum Studies
program at Algonquin College in Ottawa. I am currently conducting a
collection condition survey at an art gallery. The majority of works
in the collection are of traditional media however I have come
across several works that are unique or for which I could use some
advice in my assessments.

In particular I have a few questions about oil paintings on paper
supports. The collection contains several sketches ranging from the
early 20th Century that appear to be oil paint on paper with no sort
of ground. In addition there are many drawing (pencil, charcoal and
ink media) sketches on paper that have have oil paint accretions and
stains. Most of these works in the collection are experiencing dark
staining of the paper under and around the paint application (of
varying levels of severity).

I am having difficulty finding information on degradation processes
of oil paint on paper. I have been told that oil paint would cause
deterioration of paper, however I have yet to encounter a good
source on this.

Any information on these degradation processes and/or
recommendations of literary resources in reference to oil paint on
paper would be greatly appreciated.

Melissa Neil
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:29
                 Distributed: Tuesday, December 6, 2005
                       Message Id: cdl-19-29-029
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