Remains of old labels on paintings can provide valuable information for art collectors. This document describes how infrared technology was used to read obscured writing on an old label from a painting, revealing it was from an exhibition in 1861. Because of this newly discovered history, the painting significantly increased in value. The lesson is to protect old labels, as the historical information they contain can enhance the artwork's importance and price. Simple methods like deacidifying and encapsulating fragments can preserve these important clues from the past.

1. Remains of old labels on paintings can provide
valuable information for art collectors!
By Chelsea Padgett, Guest Blogger
Last week a beautiful painting of a lady came into the lab. The back of the painting had
fragments of an old ripped apart label. Labels are apart of the painting’s history and can
increase the value by providing an interesting insight to the past. This particular label told
the story of an exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in the 1930’s. However, not every
story is as obvious. Below is a label that was brought to us with what looked like just an
old hopelessly blank piece of paper.
No writing on it... or was there?
With infrared technology you can sometimes read old obscured writing… and we happen
to have two types of infrared reflectometers. Under the lights and with the aid of the
infrared we were able to see that it was an exhibition label from the World’s Fair of 1861.
It clearly read, “Richmond, Yorkshire England, James Peale, 1858″
Amazing what technology can see that the eye can not! This old label had given up its secret information
that has meant everything to the history and value of this wonderful painting. Because of this label, the
value went up considerably.
And therein lies the lesson to be learned, especially on old paintings: Protect old labels and the historical
information they contain. Here’s an example of what we do to protect old labels: Deacidify the paper
and protect them with Mylar.

2. Protect important info from the past! It can increase the value of the artwork.
Flaking of labels when moving the painting can happen when you do not even realize it. Preventing the
loss of valuable information can be simple and easily avoided. Here are some tips to help save your
significant piece of history!
1. De-acidify the paper to neutralize the acids, this will stop any further deterioration.
2. Encapsulate all pieces (even ones you think do not have any information on them!) This step can
be done with something as simple as a sandwich bag (it is a stable archival plastic).
3. Staple the bag to a part of the stretcher bar (as shown above). Remember to NEVER staple,
tape or glue directly any part of the label or historic info written on the artwork.
*Notice on the back of the painting and frame new mounting hardware (nails are never hammered
into a painting) new wire (coated with plastic to retard rust) and Foamcor to keep out dust and
provide protection against poor handing and storage.
These are just a few tips to help save historical information or even your personal memorabilia!
There are many other tips and info available in the book, How To Save Your Stuff that you can
find at http://www.saveyourstuffblog.com/products-supplies. Download a copy of the e-book now at
50% discount!
Art conservation questions? Call Scott M. Haskins, Art Conservator at 805 564 3438
Art appraisal questions? Call Richard Holgate, Art Appraiser, at 805 895 5121
Follow us on Facebook at Tips for Art Collectors or Save Your Stuff
See more great articles and stories at http://tipsforartcollectors.org