Fabric backed map - how to fix?

[WannabeFramer]

Hello,

I've got this rather lovely map in, but I am not sure how to go about mounting it. The printed map has been sliced through each section, and then the whole mounted onto fabric on the back, leaving fabric 'hinges' at each fold. An ingenious way to help with folding and using when out and about I guess. But it makes it heavier than a normal paper map.

Ideally the customer would like it floated, but is OK with a mount if necessary, provided I don't lose the legend.

I had thought of a platform mount, but when I cut the mount today, it doesn't seem like it will work with the little overlap I have (only 3mm) and the weight. I think it would just sag maybe?

So (A) I'm not sure what to use to hinge it to start with (I've not used wheat/starch paste before), and (B) I'm not sure what method to use.

Has anyone come across similar and would mind sharing some wisdom please?

[WannabeFramer]

Ooh, I've just had a thought. Would Mylar encapsulation work? If they didn't mind the glossiness? I don't think it would be ideal aesthetically mind.

[vintage frames]

I've framed this style of map a few times before.
They were quite a bit older though.

For best effect, use 'pass through' hinges on to a sheet of museum board, spot glue that to 5mm foam board and then glue all that to a backing mount board.
You would have to use a bit of judgement as to how many hinge points to use.
A quick way to punch the slots is to use a 1" wood chisel and hammer through into a plank of wood.
Justin at justintime will advise best on the hinges.

A mylar overlay would look a bit icky, in my opinion.

[JFeig]

My first thought is to practice on something else since you have never done any hinging.

3-4 hinges should be sufficient depending on the map being vertical or horizontal with hand torn handmade hinging paper. There are various types of adhesive that can be used natural starches or man made. The key is to practice the proper way to install these hinges and to allow them to dry under weights that utilize a blotter and a porous release film.

[WannabeFramer]

Thanks both, I have plenty of time to spare so have room to practice.

[Justintime]

Is drymounting an option?

[WannabeFramer]

I wouldn’t want to even if the customer suggested it really. It doesn’t have a date but is old enough to be treated as carefully as I can.

[Ultima Thule]

Done plenty of these over the years one way or another, but they won't flatten and it is best to advise the customer so. I have drymounted them but now just flatten them for a while under weights, with little results,TBH, and tape them to an undermount if a top mat is wanted or just sandwich them between glass and backing. Not what is considered good framing practice, but in my experience by the time the extra cost of mount and substantial frame is factored in the price exceeds the customers budget expectations. I have also mounted them on Fomeboard with an overlay and no frame. Unless it is one with personal value there is no real reason to be to precious about it - no matter what is done it will never be totally flat and they are of little real worth; they abound on ebay for less than a tenner and no doubt less than that from a second hand shop. Just check with the customer their own appreciation of it before proceeding.

[Justintime]

Great advice, I totally agree.

[WannabeFramer]

Yeah, I see what you mean about the worth. Maybe I’ve got a bit too emotionally attached to it as I just love old maps/books/documents/dogs I instantly assumed it should be handled with kid gloves.

The customer probably isn’t fussed, as so I will have a conversation with them. And I’ve bought a spare just in case.

[Jon_Brooke]

I had one of these Bartholomew maps to deal with last week.

Customer asked if it could be dry-mounted as he then wanted to screen print text on it a la "Hackney Dave"

I was a bit dubious about how that might work, but it was just something he'd bought on ebay for about £5 so he told me to give it a go.

I tried to get the card cover off but it was well stuck down, however, after experimenting on one corner I found that the fabric back was attached with a water based glue and after wetting it and waiting a few minutes I found that I could carefully peel off the entire fabric back, including the card cover

A bit time consuming, but I was then able to dry mount it in my hot press and got a very good result.

I'll probably get it back in to frame once he's done the screenprinting so will take a pic if I do.

[Steve Goodall]

I wouldn’t want to even if the customer suggested it really. It doesn’t have a date but is old enough to be treated as carefully as I can.

Odd reaction? - chance of around 99percent that the fabric was drymounted to the back of the map in the first place.
It's highly likely to be "chartex" - which was made for British Army / Navy / Airforce - for rolling / folding maps - so that they were a lot stronger.
You'll also find many valuable movie posters "backed to linen" - which was the same process.
Or? don't you have drymount facilities?

[JFeig]

The item was produced before 1952 as noted by the reference to "by appointment to the king" at the top. My thoughts are that it was "wet mounted" with some starch adhesive and not dry mounted.
Yes, Chartex was invented in 1938. However, wet mounting was far less expensive and is easier to align multiple panels onto a single surface for a mass produced item(folding map).
4 shillings in 1950 = ~£8.5 in todays money.
https://www.in2013dollars.com/uk/inflat ... mount=0.20

[Steve Goodall]

The item was produced before 1952 as noted by the reference to "by appointment to the king" at the top. My thoughts are that it was "wet mounted" with some starch adhesive and not dry mounted.
Yes, Chartex was invented in 1938. However, wet mounting was far less expensive and is easier to align multiple panels onto a single surface for a mass produced item(folding map).
4 shillings in 1950 = ~£8.5 in todays money.
https://www.in2013dollars.com/uk/inflat ... mount=0.20

1952? or 1938? try going a little further back...

"Early commercial development of the method of using a thermo-resin adhesive for mounting photographs is presented. The adhesives were adopted from other professions which were established well before the invention of photography (1839). Shellac-based dry mounting was patented in 1901 and the patent overturned as invalid in 1910. The term "dry mount" was originally used to distinguish between damp and wet techniques of mounting. Readers are encouraged to contribute information".

Here you go - have a read of this Jerome - it's always a pleasure to educate...
https://cool.culturalheritage.org/coola ... 12-15.html

[JFeig]

Yes, I was aware of the original 1901 patent. And I have been a paid member of the AIC for many years and regularly access their data base.