Support Removal

The removal of a vintage support is sometimes necessary to protect or save a work of art from decomposition or structural failure. In many cases, older works of art are mounted (or glued) to hardwood panels or vintage boards composed of acidic paper pulp. Through a natural process of aging (hydrolysis) the acidic content of these supports can migrate to the art and cause deterioration.  If found prudent, the support and mounting adhesives can be removed manually allowing the work to then be properly cleaned to minimize the oxidation and discoloration caused by aging.