Union Banner (Apron),
c. 1830, Cotton, Glasgow, Scotland, WMGL 2017.0019.042
This rare early example of a British Union Banner. Most likely used during the protests and celebrations around the 1832 Reform Act, this treatment consisted of a blotter wash, nylon net stabilization, and adhesive stabilization.
The center design of the banner is printed with several different techniques- intaglio, block-printing, and hand-applied color.
Blotter Wash
Because the ribbon on the bannerette was so fragile, a blotter wash was chosen to reduce the acid-degradation byproducts and make the design more readable. The curatorial team did not want the historic staining to be too reduced.
Left- Before; Right- After
The ribbon around the edges of the bannerette was consolidated with hand-dyed nylon net secured with Skala thread. The net was clipped close to the stitches.
The ribbon bow on the left side was then humidified with a Preservation Pen to reduce creasing. The fragile silk was then consolidated with 12% 1:1 Lascaux 498/360 in DI water on hand-dyed silk crepeline re-activated with acetone.
A custom box with a tray and padded snakes for the ties was made.