This article summarizes the conservation treatment of a large contemporary artwork on paper that later developed thousands of tiny brown spots. The artwork was treated locally with hydrogen peroxide to reduce discoloration along the edges. Within three months of treatment, brown spots emerged across the treated areas. The conservators investigated the cause through visual examination, testing for iron ions, SEM/EDS analysis, and XRD. They found the paper showed a reappearance of homogeneous discoloration as well as many small brown spots, particularly in areas treated with hydrogen peroxide. The spots likely resulted from an unanticipated reaction between the hydrogen peroxide bleaching and components in the paper. The case highlights the challenges of predicting and explaining localized discoloration

1. A MILLION BROWN
SPOTS AFTER
CONSERVATION:
UNTANGLING THE
CAUSE-EFFECT
CHAIN
Marieke Kraan
Frank J. Ligterink
Birgit Reissland
Bernadette van Beek
Bas van Velzen
Ineke Joosten
Peter Hallebeek
This article is published on the ICN
website with permission of ICON.
Edinburgh Conference Papers 2006,
ed. S. Jaques (London: The Institute
of Conservation, 2007), 59-66
©2007 Institute of Conservation

2. 59
A million brown spots after conservation: untangling
the cause-effect chain
Marieke Kraan, Frank J. Ligterink*, Birgit Reissland,
Bernadette van Beek, Bas van Velzen, Ineke Joosten and
Peter Hallebeek
Introduction
In 2003, discolouration of a large-format contemporary artwork on paper was
treated locally with hydrogen peroxide in a private paper conservation studio in
The Netherlands.1 The treatment result was considered to be satisfactory.
Unexpectedly, three months later, a huge number of tiny brown spots emerged
in the paper (Fig 1). These spots were rather disturbing and the artwork was
considered to be a total loss. During and shortly after the treatment, there had
been no indications that such a problematic side-effect would arise. The choice of
hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent and the application method used had
been based on sound results obtained throughout many years‘ experience of this
treatment strategy. Due to the fact that treatment with hydrogen peroxide is
common in paper conservation, an explanation for the phenomenon was
considered essential to anticipate and prevent similar problems in the future.
Moreover, clarification of the degradation mechanism was required in order to
establish a potential method for the removal of the spots.
History of the artwork
The artist had created the artwork in 1992, on the request of an art gallery in
Fig 1 Detail of the artwork showing the different Amsterdam, using acrylic paint on paper. The paper support is white and is
areas of discoloration that appeared after about 0.4mm thick. Interestingly, the paper had been bought by the owner of the
hydrogen peroxide treatment. art gallery, in all probability at Peter van Ginkel Art Supplies in Amsterdam. The
dimension of the artwork is large, 149.5 246.0cm. Paper of this size is only
Fig 2 Detail of the artwork showing cockling in available in a rolled format. The owner received a certificate from the gallery
the margin area.
claiming that the work of art is a painting in acrylic paint on Fabriano™ paper.
Around the central painted area the artist left all the margins unpainted, their
width varying from 5cm to 20cm.
The object had been hanging in the living room of the owner for a period of
about ten years. It had been mounted in a wooden frame, partly covering the
outer edges of the paper. After some years, the paper had started to cockle
(Fig 2) and it was for this reason that the owner had contacted a conservation
workshop. When the work of art was unframed it became evident that the
cockling had been caused by the framing technique. The paper had been fixed
onto Meranti plywood with metal staples and a white, paper-based gummed
tape (Fig 3). The staples had punctured the paper all along the edges. Those
edges that had been covered with the wooden frame remained white, while the
unpainted paper areas, which had been exposed to daylight, displayed
perceptible and relatively even discolouration (Fig 4). The conservators
suggested that the paper gum-tape be removed, all the staple holes be repaired
and the cockling be reduced. In response to an additional request by the owner,
it was decided to reduce the local discolouration along the edges so that the
artwork could be mounted in a new frame, which would allow the entire sheet
to be visible after conservation.
The conservation treatment was carried out in early 2003. On the recto all
1 The owner of the artwork requested that the unpainted paper areas were dry-cleaned with an eraser powder. The white paper
authors not reveal the name of the artist nor support of the gummed tape adhered to the edges of the work was removed
mention the title of the artwork in publications,
mechanically after the local application of a 2% methyl cellulose gel to moisten
nor to contact the artist nor the art gallery where
the work of art was sold. Thus, all illustrations the tape adhesive. Remaining adhesive residues were removed with cotton
show only details of the artwork. swabs and demineralised water. The large central area of the artwork which was
Edinburgh Conference Papers 2006

3. 60 Kraan, Ligterink, Reissland, van Beek, van Velzen, Joosten and Hallebeek
staple paper tape covered with thick layers of acrylic paint precluded an immersion treatment.
Moreover, in view of the large size of the object, it was decided to treat the
artwork meranti plywood
discolouration locally.
glass First, all discoloured areas were wetted from the recto with demineralised
water using an airbrush. The painted areas remained untreated and were fully
frame
covered with blotting paper throughout the treatment. In some areas the
Fig 3 Cross section diagram of the original coverage extended into some unpainted areas due to the irregular outline of the
frame and mount. paint. The moisture was subsequently blotted off, with the aim of extracting
water soluble coloured degradation products. This initial washing procedure
was not successful, as the discolouration did not disappear. As a consequence,
the treatment was extended by applying a diluted solution of, an oxidizing
bleach, hydrogen peroxide in water (3%) to minimise the discolouration.2 The
1
2 hydrogen peroxide solution was applied locally with an airbrush on the
discoloured areas (Fig 5 (1)). The use of an airbrush achieved a subtle continuous
3
transition between discoloured and non-discoloured areas. After the hydrogen
4 peroxide treatment the object was left to air dry overnight.
The next morning the discolouration had lessened but not sufficiently.
5 Therefore, it was decided to repeat the hydrogen peroxide treatment. Directly
after the airbrush application, while the object was still moist, hydrogen peroxide
was locally brushed along the most discoloured areas to increase the bleaching
Fig 4 Schematic drawing of a detail of the
artwork before conservation, illustrating the (1) effect (Fig 5 (2)). The applied quantity of applied solution might have varied
painted area (2) unpainted area (3) discoloured locally in these areas. Again, the object was air dried. As a next step, the object
area (4) area covered by frame and (5) area was sprayed several times on the recto using an airbrush with demineralised
covered with paper tape.
water, in an attempt to remove any remaining bleach residues from the paper.
Fig 5 Schematic drawing of a detail of the Surplus liquid was removed using blotting paper. The discolouration was not
artwork, illustrating the areas treated with perceivable after the treatment. The staple holes and small tears were filled from
hydrogen-peroxide solution: (1) airbrush the recto with cotton linters pulp. They were supported on the verso with Kōzo
application (2) brush application (3) untreated.
No. 3 Japanese paper and wheat starch paste. Finally, the unpainted edges were
slightly flattened by spraying the paper with demineralised water and allowing
them to dry between thick blotting paper under light weight. After treatment, the
artwork was mounted in a new frame by a picture framer, leaving the outer
1 edges of the artwork visible. The result was evaluated to be satisfactory. The
artwork was placed in the living room of the owner.
2
3 Within a period of three months, thousands of tiny brown spots had appeared
in the treated areas. The owner contacted the conservators again.
Local discolouration in paper
Local discolouration in paper artworks is usually considered to be disturbing,
whether it is in the form of spots or more general, uneven areas, and as such is
a reoccurring topic in the field of paper conservation research. In some cases,
local discolouration can be attributed to specific contamination. However, it is
often difficult to explain specific causes for certain discolouration patterns such
2 The solution was prepared by adding as foxing or mat burn. Until now there has been no published classification with
demineralised water to a concentrated solution
of reagent grade hydrogen peroxide (30% v/v; a generally accepted terminology to describe discolouration patterns in paper.
10ml:90ml). A few drops of ammonia (25% v/v) Although the occurrence of local discolouration in paper is a general issue there
were applied to the solution to increase the pH to are only a few documented cases to which to refer. Some of those cases showed
pH7–8.
certain similarities with the type of scattered, local spots of discolouration that
3 J. Hofenk de Graaff, Onderzoek Collage evolved in the artefact of this study.
Matisse Documentatiemap 75/34, Centraal
1 La Perruche et la Sirène by Henri Matisse
Laboratorium, Amsterdam, 1975. Unpublished
research report. A well known example, for a relatively fast progressing, inhomogeneous
discolouration in paper, is the collage La Perruche et la Sirène by Henri Matisse,
4 W.G.Th. Roelofs, J. Hofenk de Graaff, C.J. Fuit
and P.J. Hallebeek, Onderzoek ter onder- owned by the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. The large-format paper
steuning van de restauratie van Henri Matisse’s support for this collage (340 775cm) had to be replaced three times, because
La Perruche et la Sirène, Documentatiemap 96/21, after a period of seven years and another period of four years, local
Centraal Laboratorium, Amsterdam 1996.
discolouration became apparent again and again. Despite serious research
Unpublished research report.
attempts no final conclusion could be drawn. None of the suggested theories
5 P. Vermeulen, ‘An Investigation into the
could explain the typical semi-random patterns that occurred in the
Discolouration of the Background Paper of
Matisse’s La Perruche et la Sirène’, The Paper background paper.3, 4, 5 The large format of the paper, the relatively fast
Conservator 21 (1997): 15–25. evolving areas of discolouration as well as their random nature showed

4. A million brown spots after conservation: untangling the cause-effect chain 61
similarities with the art work discussed here. Appearance, shape and
distribution of the discolouration, however, did not correspond.
2 A nineteenth-century watercolour
A second case of fast appearing paper discolouration was reported for a
hydrogen peroxide treatment of a watercolour in pen and brown ink carried out
in 1995.6 The paper support showed intense discoloured foxing stains before
conservation, especially in the sky area, that disturbed the impression of the
image. Due to the presence of fugitive watercolour, only restricted aqueous
treatment was feasible. It was decided to bleach the foxing stains with an
aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, applied locally with an airbrush. To
remove soluble, discoloured products from the paper, wet blotting paper had
been used. Approximately six months after completion of the treatment, intense
brown paper discolouration appeared on the verso. Examination under a
microscope revealed that colour accents drawn in brown ink were present on the
recto exactly at those places where the discolouration occurred on the verso side.
Testing with a bathophenanthroline indicator for iron(II) ions indicated that the
ink contained iron ions and probably was an iron-gall ink. Hydrogen peroxide is
a strong oxidizing agent that, in combination with the iron(II) ions present in the
ink, had caused the undesirable catalytic oxidation of the cellulose.7 The
resulting cellulose-degradation products are likely to have caused the paper
discolouration over time. The hydrogen peroxide treatment, the application
method using an airbrush, extraction of soluble products with wet blotting paper
and the short period of time until the paper discolouration appeared, all
correlated with the treatment procedure carried out on the artwork in this study.
Summarising, it can be stated that the development of brown spots or
discolouration in paper often remains difficult to explain, and nearly impossible
to predict. Important factors that play a role in the development of these type of
brown spots are the materials and processes used in: the manufacture of the
paper, the creation of the art work, mounting, storage and conservation. The aim
of this research was to deduce which combination of factors caused the
appearance of the brown spots of discolouration in the present case.
Experimental
1 Visual examination
The recto and verso of the artefact were examined visually under both
daylight and artificial light, as well as using a UV lamp, raking and transmitted
light. Details were examined with a pocket microscope (25x and 50x) and a
stereomicroscope present in the conservation laboratory. The primary support
was compared to samples of all Fabriano™ papers that can currently be obtained
in The Netherlands in roll format, supplied by the Dutch representative of
Fabriano™ (Colart B.V., Capelle aan de IJssel). According to the representative,
the current range of Fabriano™ papers coincides with those sold in the 1990s.
2 Bathophenanthroline-indicator paper for iron(II) ions
The presence of iron(II) ions in the paper and the discoloured spots was
determined by carrying out a non-bleeding contact test with a moistened
bathophenanthroline-indicator paper.8
3 Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS)
Paper samples from spot areas were taken with a scalpel and a pocket
microscope from the surface of the verso of the artwork. The samples were
analysed with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS, Thermo Noran 6 B. Reissland, ‘Media problems: Two Case
Instruments, model: Vantage) in a JEOL 5910LV Scanning Electron Microscope Studies’, Papier Conserveerend Nederland (The
(SEM) in low vacuum (30 Pa), accelerating voltage 15–20 kV. Both backscattered Hague, The Netherlands, 2001) unpublished.
electron images and secondary electron images were taken. 7 M. Hey, ‘Paper Bleaching: Its simple
4 X-ray diffraction (XRD) Chemistry and Working Procedures’, The Paper
Conservator 2 (1977): 10–23.
In addition to the SEM/EDS analysis, some samples were investigated with
the help of x-ray diffraction (GADDS micro diffractometer) to determine the 8 J.G. Neevel and B. Reissland,
‘Bathophenathroline Indicator Paper,
crystalline nature of the substances present.
Development of a New Test for Iron Ions’,
PapierRestaurierung Mitteilungen der IADA, 6
No1 (2005): 28–36.

5. 62 Kraan, Ligterink, Reissland, van Beek, van Velzen, Joosten and Hallebeek
Fig 6 Detail of the artwork showing homogeneous discolouration, spots Fig 7 Detail of the artwork showing a band of spots, verso.
and tide lines, recto.
Results
1 Visual examination
The visual examination primarily focussed on paper discolouration patterns. A
number of predominant features were distinguished (Fig 6): a homogeneous
discolouration, local brown spots, tide lines and patterns appearing only under UV.
The homogeneous paper discolouration that had originally been present
before treatment had now re-appeared with even more intensity. In comparison
to the non-discoloured paper these areas showed a reduced fluorescence under
UV illumination. In addition to this, a distribution of many small, brown spots
had formed. Nearly all treated areas had these spots, except for the margin areas
which had been covered with gummed paper tape. When looking under
Fig 8 Detail of the artwork showing absence of transmitted light, additional spots were visible underneath the paper surface, in
spots in an untreated area (upper part) and the core of the paper. On the verso of the artwork the spots were concentrated in
presence of spots in a treated area (lower part), a band which was about 1cm wide, parallel to the edges of the object. In some
recto.
locations, the band broadened to a few centimetres (Fig 7). This band coincided
with the area where the hydrogen peroxide had been applied with a brush. The
spots were circular, with a diameter of between 0mm and 2mm. The colour of the
spots varied from faint to strong brown. Within some spots the colour
distribution appeared homogeneous. Other spots showed a dark brown centre
surrounded by a lighter area. The outlines of the spots varied from appearing
very distinct to very diffuse. Under UV illumination the spots appeared darker
against their background. On the verso of the treated area the spots were smaller,
more distinctively bordered and more intensely coloured than on the recto.
Another type of local discolouration consisted of slightly visible tide lines.
Examination under UV illumination revealed fluorescent patterns similar to
wood grain in appearance on the verso that were not visible in daylight.
Apart from these areas of discolouration the following other features were
noticed. In the untreated areas, no brown spots were observed with the naked
eye (Fig 8). However, under a microscope (magnification 25x) a sparse
distribution of minute black-coloured spots could be seen. Neither the thickness,
colour nor texture of available Fabriano™ papers resembled those of the paper
of the artwork. Contrary to the artwork paper, all Fabriano™ papers sold in roll
format contain press marks along the roll edge. It is not possible that the artist
had cut off these edge marks. None of the Fabriano™ papers examined exceeded
a width of 150cm, including the two press mark edges with a width of 1.5cm
each. Cutting off these Fabriano™ press-marks would have resulted in a
maximum width of 147cm, the object however measures 149.5cm. Along the

6. A million brown spots after conservation: untangling the cause-effect chain 63
edges, with a width of approximately 1cm, differences in gloss was observed.
2 Bathophenanthroline-indicator paper for iron(II) ions
At seven locations, four on the recto and three on the verso of treated and
untreated areas, the non-bleeding iron test was conducted. All brown and black
spots showed a positive reaction.
3 Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS)
When samples were taken for analysis, it became clear that the paper within the
brown spots had severely degraded. When cut, the central parts of sampled spots
fell out, leaving holes in the samples. Samples with smaller spots did not have this
problem to the same extent. The backscattered image of the paper surface shows
such a hole within a distribution of fibres and particles (Fig 9). EDS-analysis
indicated an increased iron concentration around the edges of the holes (Fig 10).
For those two samples that remained intact during sampling, local increased
concentrations of iron and sulphur were determined with EDS-analysis that
correlated to the brown spots of discolouration (Fig 11). Closer investigation of the
core areas with the highest iron concentration revealed the presence of a central
particle containing iron and sulphur with a size of approximately 10–20µm
(Fig 12). One particle appeared as a single, mineral-like fragment, while the other
had an amorphous conglomerate structure. The majority of particles visible in the
SEM images showed a plate-like particle shape and contained magnesium and
Fig 9 Backscattered electron image of a sample
silica. Their particle size typically ranged between 1–10µm. of spot area with hole.
4 X-ray diffraction (XRD)
One of the samples with an increased iron-sulphur concentration was
analysed using x-ray diffraction. The diameter of the analysed area was ca.
Fig 10 Elemental map, superimposed on a
800µm. Comparison of the diffraction data with those of the reference XRD-
backscattered electron image. The edges of the
database matched 3 crystalline substances: clinochlore, talc and iron sulphate. hole show a higher iron concentration (in red).
Discussion
Applying the results of our research to the condition of the artwork and its
history allowed us to develop a better understanding of the cause-effect chain
that finally lead to the unexpected outcome of the conservation treatment.
1 Paper production
Our starting point was the manufacture of the primary support. Although a
certificate stating that the artwork was made on paper produced by Fabriano™
(Italy) appeared to have been issued by the gallery that sold the artwork, this fact
could not be confirmed. It is highly unlikely that a Fabriano™ paper was used. It
remains unclear who actually produced the paper. Within the paper, three
materials were identified with XRD: talc, chlinochlore and iron sulphate. The first
two substances are commonly used as fillers in the paper industry.9 Talc
(Mg3Si4O10(OH)2) is a mineral composed of magnesium silicate hydroxide. Its
chemical inertness and its excellent white colour make it particularly suitable as a
filler material for paper to improve gloss, opacity, brightness and ink retention.
Clinochlore (Mg,Fe2+)5Al(Si3Al)O10(OH)8 contains iron and belongs to the chlorite
group of clay minerals.10 Mineral clay materials are cheap and widely used in the
paper industry. They improve brightness and gloss, and increase the opacity and
the printability of paper. The plate-like particle shape of both minerals is consistent
with the SEM imaging. The third substance identified is iron sulphate. Its presence 9 W.R. Willets, A.M. Brooks, W.L. Craig, G.
can be understood in relation to the established presence of particles with a high Haywood, C.G. Albert, J.W. Kenney, P.W. Leppla,
V.A. Belcher, R.S. McClellan and F.H. Denham,
iron and sulphur concentration in the paper of the artwork. Chlinochlore naturally
Tappi, Paper Loading Materials, Tappi Monograph
occurs together with magnetite (Fe2+ Fe3+2 O4), pyrite (FeS) and other iron Series No. 19 (New York: Technical Association
sulphides. Although materials destined for use as a filler in papermaking need to of the Pulp and Paper Industry, 1958) 69.
be free from contamination and require the removal of impurities, this rule appears 10 The name chlorite is derived from the Greek
not to have been applied and a contaminated material was used. Iron sulphides are word chloros, meaning ‘green’, in reference to its
chemically unstable substances when exposed to oxidizing environments. Under colour, not to chlorine as a compound. In
literature on fillers, the minerals from the chlorite
the influence of water and oxygen they are transformed in complex reaction
group are often referred to as being ‘chlorite’
systems to iron(II) sulphate and sulphuric acid,11 a particularly detrimental with no further specification.
combination to organic materials such as cellulose. It is probable that the paper
11 C.A.J. Appelo and D. Postma, Geochemistry,
originally contained a uniform distribution of minute, to the naked eye invisible, Groundwater and Pollution, 2nd edition (Leiden:
iron sulphide particles which were transformed into iron sulphate. A.A. Balkema Publishers, 2005).

7. 64 Kraan, Ligterink, Reissland, van Beek, van Velzen, Joosten and Hallebeek
2 Mounting
The presence of fluorescing wood-grain-like patterns on the recto of the paper
and the observed gloss along the edges were consistent with the information on
the mounting technique.
3 Storage
The homogeneous discolouration appeared during the time that the object
was exhibited in the owners’ home. Whilst framed, different parts of the artwork
had been exposed to different levels of light as some areas had been covered by
either the frame or paint layers. Those areas of the paper that had had less light
exposure showed a higher level of fluorescence on the verso. It is likely that an
optical brightener present in the paper had degraded under the influence of UV
and light in the exposed areas, causing the paper to appear more yellow. It is also
likely that the temperature and humidity conditions to which the paper had been
exposed varied locally in the frame. Which factor finally caused the
discolouration cannot, however, be determined.
4 Conservation
It is apparent that the hydrogen peroxide treatment triggered the occurrence
Fig 11 Elemental map, superimposed on a
backscattered electron image of a sample taken of the brown spots. Most likely the introduction of an oxidizing agent led to the
from a brown spot. At the centre and left side local transformation of the iron sulphide particles to iron(II) sulphate throughout
below, the iron concentrations are highest (iron the treated areas. The brush application of an additional treatment solution had
in red).
caused the spots to appear on the verso also. The applied blotting procedure,
Fig 12 Backscattered electron image from centre intended to remove residues of the bleaching agent, has proven to be insufficient.
of Fig 11. Within the high iron concentration a
particle could be observed containing the Conclusions
elements iron, sulphur and oxygen.
The occurrence of the disturbing brown spots in the artwork can be understood
as being the result of a combination of mainly two factors. The paper used for the
artwork is of poor quality. In combination with the use of an oxidizing treatment
agent and the, probably, insufficient washing procedure, large amounts of
microscopic particles of iron sulphide, present in the paper, transformed into iron
sulphate, a detrimental substance for organic materials. However, in the
presence of atmospheric oxygen these iron sulphides are chemically unstable,
and can have been expected, in the long run to have caused discolouration even
without the addition of any treatment agent.
Recommendations in paper conservation literature concerning the use of
hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent are ambiguous. Although various
authors claim that hydrogen peroxide is a relatively mild and well controllable
bleaching agent, it is also known that hydrogen peroxide in combination with
traces of iron and other transition metals can cause problems. Until recently
however, no suitable test method has been available to conservators to test for
the presence of iron. Even so, in the current case with iron-containing particles
embedded in the paper, one has to doubt if their presence could have been
detected beforehand. For future treatments we strongly recommend pre-testing
objects for the presence of metal contamination, using a microscope, UV
illumination and specific indicator tests.
The occurrence of undesired side-effects as a result of a conservation
treatment is rather frustrating for all parties involved. It should be stressed that
risk can never be fully eliminated from the conservation profession. It is the task
of conservators and conservation scientists to identify and mitigate significant
risks by sharing knowledge and experience amongst themselves, and also to
12 The discolourations were removed using the
following procedure: Initial thorough blotter communicate these risks in any decision making processes with owners and
washing (distilled water, application from recto curators.
and verso with airbrush), subsequent application
of sodium borohydride in concentrations of
Epilogue
0.1%, 0.4 % and 0.2% (dissolved in water with the
addition of ethanol to improve the penetration), Following this research the artwork received another conservation treatment.
followed by thorough blotter washing (distilled The spots have been removed.12 The object has returned to its original location in
water) and a deacidification treatment applying the owners’ house. Although the current result is felt to be acceptable it is
a saturated solution of calcium bicarbonate.
recognized that the object remains unstable and is likely to meet more
Finally, the treated areas were surface sized with
gelatine (0.5% in water, application with generations of paper conservators on its path.
airbrush).

8. A million brown spots after conservation: untangling the cause-effect chain 65
Acknowledgements ce cas sensibilisera les restaurateurs et leur permettra d’informer plus
We would like to thank the following conservators, chemists and other précisément leurs clients sur les risques potentiels liés aux traitements avec
specialists for their valuable contributions: Nico Lingbeek (Lingbeek du peroxyde d’hydrogène.
papierrestauratie, NL), Francien van Daalen (van Daalen Papierrestauratie,
NL), Gerhard Banik (Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart, Zusammenfassung
D), Andrea Pataki (Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart, D), Ein großformatiges, zeitgenössisches Kunstwerk wurde lokal mit
Michaela Ritter (Masson Pictet Boissonnas Gemälde-und Wasserstoffperoxid gebleicht, um Verfärbungen im Papier zu entfernen.
Graphikrestaurierungen AG, CH), André van Oort (Haarlem, NL), Bob Drei Monate nach dieser Behandlung wurde eine Vielzahl kleiner brauner
Hildering (Apeldoorn, NL), Linda Roundhill (Arts and Antiquities Flecken auf dem Werk sichtbar.
Conservation, Woodinville, USA), Leslie Kruth (Stanford University Um dieses Phänomen zu verstehen und um ähnliche Probleme in der
Library, USA), Lenkat & Madhari (India), John Havermans (TNO, Delft, Zukunft zu vermeiden, wurde das Werk visuell begutachtet und mit
NL), Hiromi Tanimura (Japan), Niccolo Caldararo (San Francisco State Bathophenathrolin – Eisenindikatorpapier, Energiedispersiver
University, USA), Sylvia Rodgers Albro (Library of Congress, USA), Han Röntgenspektroskopie (EDS, Thermo Noran) in einem Rasterelektronen-
Neevel (ICN Amsterdam, NL). mikroskop (SEM, JEOL 5910LV) sowie mit Röntgendiffraktion (XRD,
Furthermore, we would like to thank Piet van Nassau (Colart B.V., NL) GADDS Mikrodiffraktometer) analysiert. Die Untersuchungen zeigten, daß
and the colleagues of Van Ginkel Kunstenaarsbenodigdheden (NL) for das Papier mit mikroskopisch kleinen Partikeln (< 10 Mikrometer)
sharing information on the subject of the Fabriano™ papers as well as for kontaminiert war, die Eisen und Schwefel enthielten. Ursprung dieser
the contribution of paper samples for further analysis. Verunreinigung war höchstwahrscheinlich der Ton ‘Clinochlore‘, der als
Füllstoff bei der Papierproduktion eingesetzt worden war. Das
Summary unglückliche Zusammenspiel der Anwesenheit der Füllstoffpartikel und
A large-format contemporary artwork was locally treated with hydrogen der Wasserstoffperoxid – Behandlung verursachte ungewollt die
peroxide to remove paper discoloration. Three months after treatment a katalytische Oxidation der Zellulose, was letztendlich zur Bildung der
large number of small brown spots appeared in the artwork. braunen Verfärbungen in den behandelten Bereichen führte.
In order to understand the phenomenon and prevent similar problems in Eine wichtige Schlussfolgerung besteht darin, daß die Restauratoren das
the future, the artwork was examined visually and analysed with Problem mit den ihnen derzeit zur Verfügung stehenden Testmethoden
bathophenanthroline iron-indicator paper, with energy dispersive nicht vorhersehen konnten. Wir hoffen, daß dieser Fall Restauratoren
spectroscopy (EDS, Thermo Noran) in a JEOL 5910LV Scanning Electron alarmiert und es ihnen ermöglicht, ihre Auftraggeber in Zukunft
Microscope (SEM) and x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD, GADDS micro umfassender über die potentiellen Risiken einer Wasserstoffperoxid –
diffractometer). The research showed that the paper support was Behandlung zu informieren.
contaminated with microscopically small particles (~10 micrometers)
containing iron and sulphur. The source of this impurity was most likely the Resumen
clay clinochlore that was introduced as filler during paper production. The Una obra contemporánea de gran formato fue localmente tratada con
unlucky combination of the presence of these particles and the hydrogen peróxido de hidrógeno para eliminar descoloración en el papel. Tres meses
peroxide treatment caused an undesired catalytic oxidation of the cellulose después del tratamiento aparecieron sobre la obra numerosas manchitas
that finally resulted in the formation of the brown spots of discolouration in marrones.
the treated area in such a short period. Con el fín de entender el fenómeno y de preveer similares problemas en
It is concluded that the problem could not have been anticipated using el futuro, la obra fue visualmente examinada y analizada con papel
test methods currently available to paper conservators. We hope that the indicador del hierro con fenantroline, con espectroscopía de energía
present case will raise the awareness amongst conservators and will enable dispersa (EDS, Thermo Noran) en un JEOL 5910LV microscopía electrónica
them to inform their clients more precisely about the potential risks de barrido (SEM) y bajo análisis de difracción por rayos X (XRD, GADDS
associated with hydrogen peroxide treatments. micro difractómetro). La investigación mostró que el papel de soporte
estaba contaminado con partículas microscópicas (~10 micrones) que
Résumé contenían hierro y sulfuro. El orígen de estas impurezas era, muy
Une oeuvre d’art contemporain de grand format a été traitée localement probablemente, la cal de clinocloro que fue introducida como relleno
avec du peroxyde d’hydrogène afin d’enlever le jaunissement du papier. durante la producción del papel. La desafortunada combinación de estas
Trois mois après le traitement, un grand nombre de taches brunes sont partículas y el tratamiento de peróxido de hidrógeno causó una indeseable
apparues dans l’œuvre. oxidación catalítica de la celulosa que finalmente provocó, en tan corto
Afin de comprendre le phénomène et pour éviter des problèmes tiempo, la formación de las descoloridas manchas marrones en el área
similaires à l’avenir, l’œuvre d’art a été examinée visuellement et analysée tratada.
avec un papier indicateur de la présence de fer à base de Se concluyó que el problema no podría haber sido prevenido con los
bathophénanthroline, par spectroscopie à dispersion en énergie (EDS, habituales métodos de testar papel usados por los conservadores de papel.
Thermo Noran) dans un microscope électronique à balayage (SEM) JEOL Esperamos que el presente caso alerte a los conservadores y que les permita
5910LV et par diffractométrie de rayons x (XRD, micro diffractomètre informar con precisión a sus clientes sobre los potenciales riesgos asociados
GADDS). La recherche a montré que le support en papier était contaminé a los tratamientos de peróxido de hidrógeno.
avec des particules microscopiques (~10 micromètres) contenant du fer et
du soufre Il est plus que probable que la source de ces impuretés est le Biographies
clinochlore de l’argile ajouté pendant la fabrication du papier comme Marieke Kraan and Bernadette van Beek jointly run the private paper
charge. La combinaison malencontreuse des ces particules et le traitement conservation studio Atelier KOP in Arnhem.
avec le peroxyde d’hydrogène a causé une oxydation catalytique non
désirée et a finalement entraîné la formation de taches de couleur brune Frank Ligterink, Birgit Reissland, Dr. Ineke Joosten, Peter Hallebeek are
dans la zone traitée dans un délai aussi court. conservation scientists at the Research Department of the Netherlands
On a conclu que ce problème n’était pas prévisible par les tests Institute for Cultural Heritage (ICN). Bas van Velzen is head of the Book
habituellement utilisés par les restaurateurs de papier. Nous espérons que and Paper Conservation Training Program at the ICN.

9. 66 Kraan, Ligterink, Reissland, van Beek, van Velzen, Joosten and Hallebeek
Materials and suppliers Ethanol Alcohol ketonatus 96% v/v (ketonated Methyl cellulose, Methylcellulosum, 4000 m.Pa.s:
Ammonia: 25%, chemical pure: ethyl alcohol): OPG Farma
Interchema Fagron Farmaceuticals BV Bufa BV
Rozenburg Nieuwekerk aan de IJssel Uitgeest
The Netherlands The Netherlands The Netherlands
Demineralized water: Gelatine powder: Sodium borohydride, powder, 98+%, nitrogen
Tendo’s Genfarma BC flushed:
Tenden BV Sterrebaan 14 Acros Organics
Rotterdam 3606 EB Maarssen http://www.acros.com
The Netherlands The Netherlands
Wheat starch powder, Tritici amylum:
Eraser Powder: Akablast; Cotton linters, white; Hydrogen peroxide 30%, medical pure, Genfarma BV
Filter paper thin (120g m-2) and thick (300g m-2): stabilized: Zaandam
Jansen Wijsmuller & Beuns Merck KGaA The Netherlands
Wormer Frankfurter Strasse 250
The Netherlands 64293 Darmstadt
Germany
Japanese paper: Kōzo No. 3:
Private supplier, Japan
Contact addresses
Marieke Kraan and Bernadette van Beek:
Atelier KOP (Kunst Op Papier)
Postbus 1221
NL-6801 BE Arnhem
The Netherlands
Frank Ligterink, Birgit Reissland, Dr. Ineke Joosten,
Peter Hallebeek and Bas van Velzen:
Netherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage (ICN)
Conservation Science Department
Research/Training and Education
Gabriël Metsustraat 8
NL-1071 EA Amsterdam
The Netherlands
email: frank.ligterink@icn.nl
*author to whom correspondence should be addressed