Retaining pressure sensitive tape

Nicole Gilroy <nicole.gilroy [at] bodley__ox__ac__uk> writes

>Has anyone worked on an item where pressure sensitive tape was
>applied by the creator, rather than as a repair? I have a manuscript
>containing both modern and late medieval paper, as well as some
>parchment. The manuscript is made up of single leaves hinged
>together with Sellotape into a book format, and each leaf is used to
>mount a manuscript fragment, sometimes with gummed tape but often
>with Sellotape. The tape has become sticky and is dicoloured, as
>well as the 'binding' having broken down. But to remove all of the
>tape would be to interfere with the compiler's intention. Does
>anyone have comments or suggestions on the ethics of this?

I have designed and executed a number of conservation treatments for
Beat Artists, like Jay DeFeo, who used tapes (pressure sensitive
tapes both architect style and Scotch like) in their art, on paper,
canvas, board and other substrates.  I always consult the curators
and owners regarding any tapes used by the artists.  We have often
agreed to keep original tapes used as design elements usually by
replacing old failing adhesives with newer more stable ones (e.g.
B-72).

Niccolo Caldararo
Director and Chief Conservator
Conservation Art Service


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:36
                Distributed: Wednesday, February 8, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-19-36-005
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