Halting active mould growth to stabilise the artwork and protect the surrounding collection

Overview

Foliage and Fences (1926) by David Jones arrived at the studio with active mould growth following prolonged exposure to moisture while displayed on an exterior wall. The biological activity had already caused staining and partial detachment from the mount, creating an immediate risk not only to the artwork itself but also to other objects within the collection.

Conservation Strategy

The first priority was to stop the biological deterioration safely before addressing the visual and structural effects of the damage.

Treatment was therefore planned in stages: eliminating active mould, stabilising the artwork and reducing the environmental risks that had caused the problem. Rather than focusing solely on the visible staining, the intervention aimed to prevent recurrence and ensure the artwork could be safely returned to display.

Treatment

The artwork was removed from its original framing and underwent careful surface cleaning, followed by the controlled removal of mould spores using HEPA-filtered aspiration. After confirming the stability of the media, a solution of ethanol was applied to stop any remaining biological activity.

Once stabilised, the paper was carefully humidified and flattened to restore planarity. A new museum-quality mount was prepared, incorporating a moisture barrier behind the backing board to reduce the risk of future environmental damage while allowing the original frame to be retained.

Outcome

The treatment successfully halted the active mould infestation, stabilised the artwork and improved its overall presentation while preserving its original character.

By addressing both the biological damage and its underlying cause, the artwork could be safely returned to display without posing a risk to the rest of the collection, ensuring its long-term preservation under appropriate environmental conditions.