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Works on Paper provides professional, museum-quality conservation services for artistic and historic works on paper. We offer a full range of conservation treatments for a wide variety of paper-based objects for both institutional and private clients. Carolyn Frisa, owner and head conservator, holds a master's degree in paper conservation and has more than ten years of experience in the field. She has been a Professional Associate of the American Institute of Conservation since 2007.

Services we offer:

Examination and condition assessment
Condition reports and treatment proposals
Conservation treatments
On-site and in-studio conservation treatment of historic wallpaper
Construction of archival housings and storage enclosures
On-site collection surveys and condition assessments

Written guidelines for storage, exhibition,
and handling
Insurance claim examinations, assessments, and recommendations for treatment
Professional referrals for matting and framing services, digitization services, and the conservation of non-paper based materials

Types of materials we treat:

Works of art on paper, including watercolors, prints, drawings, posters, pastels, charcoal, and gouache
Archival materials including documents, maps, letters, diplomas, architectural drawings, and other paper ephemera

Parchment and vellum
Historic wallpaper, both on-site and in the studio
Three-dimensional objects such as globes, fans, hat and band boxes, and folding screens

Damage we commonly address:

Tears, holes, losses to the paper
Folds, creases, rolling, wrinkles
Dirt, dust, grime, soot, fingerprints, insect frass
Fire and water damage
Acidity and associated brittleness
Harmful tapes and adhesives

Staining (overall discoloration, mat burn, foxing, adhesive stains, and water stains)
Pigment loss and flaking
Harmful backings and improper framing materials
Harmful storage enclosures

Works on Paper's clients include cultural institutions such as museums, archives, town clerks, historical societies, and libraries. We also work with art galleries, framers, dealers in fine art and antiques, private individuals, corporate clients, and insurance companies. We work on an individual basis with all of our clients to ensure that their valued objects receive the most appropriate conservation treatment possible. Our staff provides the highest level of professionalism and all work undertaken by Works on Paper follows the American Institute of Conservation's Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.

Works on Paper is located in southeastern Vermont, in the village of Bellows Falls. If you are interested in finding out more about our conservation services or would like to schedule an appointment, please call the studio at 802.460.1149 or email Carolyn at carolyn@works-on-paper.net.

CONSERVATION TREATMENT PORTFOLIO

before / after

WHAT'S GOING ON...

Tips for Salvaging Water-Damaged Materials Hurricane Sandy threatens to cause severe flooding and wind damage in across the Northeast in the upcoming week. Please remember the first priority in any potential emergency is your personal safety. If you need advice about how to protect and salvage your family heirlooms or collections, we are happy to provide free professional advice. Basic tips and a list of resources are available in this PDF. Works on Paper can help by providing advice on how to minimize potential damage ahead of time and in the event of a disaster, can provide damage assessment reports for insurance claims and remediating water damage through conservation treatment. You can contact us directly for advice on emergency preparedness and salvaging wet paper items such as prints, drawings, photographs, maps, etc.) by calling
802.460.1149 (studio)
or
802.289.4309 (cell).
Download the PDF >>

Highlights from recent work for antique dealers
At Works on Paper, we are fortunate to work with some of the most respected early American and Folk Art dealers in the country. We have been especially busy during the last few months helping conserve some really special pieces for our dealer clients to take to the major summer antique shows.
Learn More >>.