{"id":13993,"date":"2021-08-24T14:13:33","date_gmt":"2021-08-24T13:13:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fineart-restoration.co.uk\/?p=13993"},"modified":"2022-11-25T10:14:28","modified_gmt":"2022-11-25T10:14:28","slug":"papier-mache-preservation-restoring-unconventional-artworks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fineart-restoration.co.uk\/news\/papier-mache-preservation-restoring-unconventional-artworks\/","title":{"rendered":"Papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 preservation: restoring unconventional artworks"},"content":{"rendered":"

When papier-mache is mentioned as an art material, memories may spring to mind of childhood crafts and messy hands. However, it has been used throughout history as an adaptable and fully versatile medium, which can be used in anything from three dimensional artworks to pieces of fine furniture. Some owners may not realise that the light nature of their sculpture or chair is due to this material, as once it is solid and finished with a smooth surface, it can blend in perfectly with a traditional or modern interior.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Papier-mache can remain durable for hundreds of years if it is well constructed and kept in a safe environment. This material is extremely prone to mould growth and accidental damage, but these issues can be avoided with vigilant care and inspections.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This article will cover the details of papier-mache as an important art historical medium, as well as advice on the care and preservation of such pieces and their restoration results.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"PapierAbove: a pair of Japanese papier mache incense boxes (inuhariko) shaped as dogs, 1840<\/em><\/h6>\n

What is papier-mache?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Papier-mache translates to \u2018chewed\u2019 or \u2018mashed\u2019 paper. The ingredients may have variations, but the key materials are strips of paper or pulp, mixed with an adhesive such as glue, wallpaper paste, or starch. Traditional recipes include the use of water and flour. In some cases they may also have fragments of textiles to add strength.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Papier-mache is often moulded around an object to keep its shape as it dries. Whilst some of these may be taken away, structural supports such as chicken wire will remain inside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To prevent future mould growth and pests, some artists may have included preservatives. This may be salt, clove oil or garlic, with extra herbs and spices to prevent any unpleasant smell emitting from the finished sculpture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"PapierAbove: a detail from a German cartapesta (papier-mache) depicting the adoration of the magi, 1470-1480<\/em><\/h6>\n

Where can you find papier-mache in antiques?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Papier-mache has been used in art and furniture for hundreds of years. It can be dated back to the Han Dynasty in China around 200 AD and was used for not only decorative purposes but to also craft helmets. Across the rest of the Asian continent it can also be found on shields and armour.<\/span><\/p>\n

Antique toys and dolls may feature papier-mache elements such as heads, hands and legs. Dolls made of papier-mache can be dated back to the 16th century in Europe with many other examples across the centuries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most popular uses for papier-mache in antiques is in decorative frames. The light yet durable nature of the material made it an easy option when hanging artworks, especially if they are very large. From the 18th century, the gilding of papier-mache created a low cost alternative to carved wood or cast metals, it is found on frames dated from 1725 onwards and within interior decoration, such as three dimensional flourishes on ceilings, known as \u2018paper stucco\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"PapierAbove: antique papier mache gondola chair (left) and side chair (right) with details of their decoration and lacquer surface, 19th century<\/em><\/h6>\n

In the 19th century, the production processes from the industrial revolution allowed papier-mache to be manufactured into precisely pressed shapes. In the Victorian period you may find furniture and decorative accessories, such as trays and boxes. In Russia this was especially popular for household decorations, with the Tiffany catalogue from 1893 listing a large assortment of pieces to purchase.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Papier-mache furniture was produced throughout the 19th century, sometimes with a wooden or metal frame to provide extra strength. These often have a high shine due to being heavily lacquered. An extremely light antique chair, table, or bed frame, can usually be determined to be a papier-mache creation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"PapierAbove: Mexican day of the dead cartoneria (papier-mache) models inspired by La Calavera Catrina<\/em><\/h6>\n

The most popular location in the world for papier-mache artworks is Mexico. The technique is used in folk art, especially around cultural and religious celebrations, where it is known as \u2018cartoner\u00eda\u2019. Well known pieces include the hand crafted sculptures of \u2018La Calavera Catrina\u2019 which are produced for Day of the Dead. Catrina is a well-dressed female skeleton whose origin is linked to a mural by Diego Rivera.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the value of papier-mache?<\/b><\/h2>\n