10 Years, 10 Treatments: An exhibit of conservation treatments from the Duke University Libraries Conservation Laboratory

"Political Smashup" before treatment

This broadside, printed in 1872, was exhibited in the “Seven Elections That Changed History” exhibit in 2008. The paper is brittle and exhibited several losses and tears. At one time pressure sensitive tape was applied around the outer edges, which has caused damage to the paper.

Tape removal is a very time intensive process and after consulting with RBMSCL we decided to only do what we needed to in order for the broadside to go on exhibit. We removed the tape, repaired the tears and filled the areas of loss with toned Japanese tissue. While not a full treatment, the paper is more stable and visually more appealing than it was before.