Recent Projects: Railway Poster

restoration and repair of a 1940s railway poster

This is an iconic view of the South Downs and Seven Sisters looking towards the Brighton area. This original, large (5x4feet) railway poster from the 1940-1950s was in very poor condition when it was brought into the studio. The paper was very brown, acidic and brittle due to exposure to light over 50years. It was torn in several places, areas were missing, and the paper was damaged along the fold lines. After careful unfolding the weak folds were strengthened by temporary japanese tissue. The poster was then washed and conservation bleached to remove the acidity and brown discolouration. The small irregular holes at fold intersections were filled with paper pulp. Other larger holes and missing areas were filled with matching paper. Tears were carefully brought back into alignment and held in place on the reverse with japanese tissue. Missing image areas were sympathetically toned in with watercolour. The whole poster was then humidified and pressed several times to remove the creases. It was decided not to line the poster as it was now stable but to immediately frame it in a suitable style. As it was returned to the client The Antiques Roadshow was advertised to be coming to Eastbourne. As these posters are extremely sought after the client filled in a viewing application and was shortlisted to be on the show.

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