State Historical Society of Iowa

Collections Care: Paper

Paper, by definition, is made with macerated, cellulose fibers that are pressed and dried. The oldest, extant fragment of paper dates to around the 2nd century B.C.E. and was found in the Gansu province of China. Up until the Industrial Revolution, it was generally made from worn-out textiles, such as hemp, cotton, and linen, and was quite expensive. Technological advances, however, made paper abundant and inexpensive, which drove up demand. To meet this demand, wood pulp fibers were added and eventually became the dominant paper-making material. Because paper is a lightweight, natural material that receives a lot of handling, works on paper can be very susceptible to deterioration mechanisms, including physical damage, light exposure, moisture, and general soiling. 

As with any museum or personal collection, appropriate handling techniques and storage are the first line of defense in their preservation. General tips include handling works on paper using powder-free nitrile gloves; using rigid, archival-quality supports and storage materials; storing paper unfolded; using a soft artists’ brush to gently remove dust; and good housekeeping in storage and exhibition areas. Further tips, including those for books, scrapbooks, and photographs are below. See also “Collections Care: 2D Art” for further resources.

General Care

Books and Scrapbooks

Photographs

See also “Collections Care: Audiovisual and Photographic Materials” for information on film