Poster Conservation

Since the DHM has a very large poster collection, an in-house paper conservator works primarily on this collection. Poster conservation is similar to paper conservation in that the requirements are comparable, nevertheless, there are often special technical requirements where it is necessary to take aesthetic considerations that go above and beyond the parameters of mere conservation measures. Because of the overwhelmingly large format and that most of the paper used is of poor quality with a high wood-pulp content these factors contribute to the extensive damages that are typical for posters. Since posters were mostly intended for short-term advertising, often materials were used that today cause enormous conservation problems which in turn determine the storage, conservation treatment, and mounting of the objects. Often the damage is a matter of impaired legibility of the object due to previous incorrect handling, poor storage in non-museum conditions, or previous treatments, which complicate valid reconstruction when in-fills for areas of loss and reconstructions are necessary.