The Chemistry of Bathing

[erik1925]

This clip, produced thru Emory University, explains a bit of the chemistry when printed works on paper (in this case, a series of 6 prints by artist William Hogarth, called "A Harlot's Progress") are washed and given a bath to help neutralize the pH in the paper fibers. I find this fascinating and thought others might, too.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/BKEfOXNYzr8" target="_blank" class="new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/BKEfOXNYzr8</a>

[martinc]

Thanks for the link. Being non-scientifically minded, I never really understand why ink and colours don't run when posters and prints are bathed in water and this supplied the answer regarding the original substance being oil-based.

I don't know whether you have seen, in person or on the internet, this related series of work by Hogarth:

http://www.soane.org/collections-research/key-stories/rakes-progress

I remember visiting the museum years ago and it was stuffed from floor to ceiling in every room with drawings, paintings and artefacts from all periods. I can't remember whether it was the Hogarth paintings but they opened a sort of massive cupboard and they were arranged in sequence on the inside like an 18th century storyboard, which was really breathtaking.

There is also a section on the same website devoted to their conservation efforts.

[erik1925]

Ive always found this aspect of the conservation process interesting, too.  And Ive never seen the Hogarth series, either in person or online. So I will be checking out your link, too.