Reducing extensive foxing and recovering the visual balance of a personally significant work on paper.

Overview

This printed reproduction after Henri Matisse’s Jeune fille à la blouse fleurie had a particular significance for its owner. Over time, numerous brown foxing spots had developed across the paper, disrupting the simplicity of the image and giving the work an appearance that its owner described as almost “unwell”. His wish was simple: to see it looking like itself again.

Examination showed that the deterioration was associated with a combination of ageing, prolonged light exposure, unsuitable framing materials and previous mounting methods. Foxing was particularly noticeable across the central areas of the sheet, alongside general discolouration, planar distortions and two tears along the left edge.

Conservation Strategy

Reducing the foxing was the main focus of the conservation treatment.  Working gradually was essential. The aim was not to make the paper look artificially new, but to reduce the distracting stains while retaining the natural character and tonal balance of the sheet.

Treatment

After removing the old pressure-sensitive tapes and hinges, the print was washed to reduce soluble discolouration and accumulated degradation products. The foxing was then treated progressively, beginning with a carefully controlled overall treatment and followed by localised treatment of individual spots that remained visible.

The treatment was completed with thorough rinsing, repair of the tears using Japanese tissue and wheat starch paste, followed by controlled humidification and flattening.

Outcome

The foxing was significantly reduced, allowing the delicacy of the printed line to become the focus of the image once again. The paper also regained a more even appearance and improved planar stability.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this project, however, was not the status of the object but what it meant to its owner. Conservation is not always about monetary or historical value. Sometimes it is about preserving the relationship someone has with an object and enabling it to be enjoyed again.