Asking for a friend: She had some colored lithographs stored in a flat file that had some water damage. After laying out to dry, there’s been some small mold growth on the edges/border. Is there a way that I can treat the area to prevent/minimize further growth or should I store them differently? Or take them to a professional?
– Craig Lee
Attempting to eliminate/reduce mold and/or foxing is certainly a job for a trained professional. The best way to track down a conservator who has undergone the proper-training is to use the American Institute for Conservation’s website…but even then exercise due diligence to ensure that they possess a Masters Degree in Conservation (or at the very least a recognized program….not an MFA for example). Here is the link…simply type in your zip code to locate the nearest paper conservator: http://www.conservation-us.org/membership/find-a-conservator#.WBo-SuErJE4
Hi Craig, I’m sorry this happened to your friend’s lithographs. Unfortunately, as Kristin mentioned, anything with active mold growth needs to go to a conservator; the danger in trying to clean it at home is that it may cause the mold to spread, making the situation even worse. In the meantime, until your friend can get to a conservator, it’s best to segregate the moldy prints away from any other objects. Let us know if you have any further questions.
