Summaries are presented of the history and manufacturing techniques of tracing paper, tracing linen, blueprints (or cyanotypes), diazotypes; the inherent causes of deterioration and problems associated with treatment which tend to make traditional conservation techniques difficult or impossible are analyzed. The modern alternatives which present most hope for the future are photocopying onto archival quality paper or onto polyester film and silver gelatin photography onto polyester film or print papers. Further research is needed to assess the effects of traditional conservation measures on duplicate materials.

(1986). THE TREATMENT OF LARGE FLAT FABRICS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. AICCM Bulletin: Vol. 12, No. 1-2, pp. 71-75.

(1986). THE CLEANING AND RESTORATION OF AN EIGHTEENTH CENTURY TAPESTRY USING TRADITIONAL MATERIALS. AICCM Bulletin: Vol. 12, No. 1-2, pp. 77-81.

Abstract The importance of monitoring wash solutions during aqueous stabilization procedures has been demonstrated over a five year research programme that involved treatment of more than four thousa nd objects. Most of the data pertain . to the removal of chloride ions from corroded metals recovered from historic shipwrecks. Studies on the stabilization of textiles impregnated with metal corrosion products have shown that the removal of such stains is often controlled by complex kinetics that involve a diffusion controlled process. The conservation methods are described through a series of case studies which give details of the nature of the materials used in the fabrication of the objects and how each problem was examined and solved. The techniques used include chemical analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infra-red spectroscopy and measurements of electrochemical potentials. It is often necessary to use all of the above techniques to develop a...

A review is gi ven of the state of understanding regarding synthetic thermoplastic polymers currently being used as isolating, retouching and final protective coatings, particularly for easel paintings. Stressed is the fact that many of the essential physical and chemical properties can be specified in objective terms. Further research will be required to refine the specifications.

This report describes a preliminary study of the role of algae in the weathering of Hawkesbury Sandstone in the Sydney region. Microscopic examination of rock specimens indicates that algae penetration of the sandstone reaches depths of up to 1.5 mm and that this penetration takes place between grains and into the bonding material of the rock . This activity is particularly prevalent on surfaces which retain moisture after rain. Slope also appears to influence the density of algae colonisation and algae appear to be rare or absent on surfaces which are rapidly eroding. It is suggested that the activity of algae on sandstone may be sporadic and related, in part , to moisture levels in the substrate . It is concluded that algae may be an agent in the weathering of Hawkesbury Sandstone. The implications of the results of this research for the conservation of Aboriginal rock art on Hawkesbury Sandstone are noted.