Removal of flour paste residues from a painted banner with alpha‐amylase

Abstract

Abstract Remedial conservation was undertaken on a rare painted silk banner, dated c.1900. The painted decoration consists of a combination of oil gilding and oil paint. The banner was very weak and had stitched and adhered repairs: the underside had extensive flour paste adhesive residues and cellulose nitrate deposits, arising from adhered patches. Removal of the flour paste residues was necessary to facilitate the support of the weak silk fabric. Tests with alpha‐amylase were undertaken to establish appropriate treatment parameters. The flour paste residues were removed by immersing the painted silk in a solution containing alpha‐amylase enzyme. For display, the banner was supported onto polyester crepeline coated with thermoplastic adhesive (Vinnapas EP1: vinyl acetate ethylene copolymer) and stitched to a rigid mount.