Papyrus restoration

[pramsay13]

Bit of a tricky one this. I haven't even seen the article yet but just looking for a wee bit of info so I can tell the person when they bring it in.
The client has one of these touristy papyrus (papyruses?) from Egypt and was going to get it framed before the dog managed to get a hold of it.
It now has a couple of bites out of it, and they are asking if anything can be done?
Anyone got any ideas, or I can post a pic and more info when I see it?

[Roboframer]

You don't have to worry about the plural if they only have the one.

If bits are missing but they still have them you could stick the whole thing down with the bits in place. If there's bits torn away but still attached they could be folded back ... and stuck in place. If bits are totally gone (eaten) then maybe you could cut away an un-painted area in the margin, stick it under the hole(s) and get nifty with a paint brush!

[pramsay13]

Here's the offending article!
The customer kindly brought me in some of the pieces (I've so far resisted sniffing them).
There is the obvious hole plus another on the camel's neck.
Any ideas?

[Roboframer]

Offending indeed - the missing bits take the eye from the grotesque artwork, I'd leave it as it is and call it 'character'!

[retropic]

I agree with Roboframer. I think the dog did it a favour.

The best way to frame it would be in one of those tall plastic things that have wheels and lids and are collected weekly by your local authority refuse team.

[prospero]

That doesn't look like the typical papyrus. Can't see any weave and it appears to be painted on all over.

It's looks more like an oil painting. (????)

[pramsay13]

There is definitely papyrus or equivalent underneath, but as you say you cannot see the weave as the paint is just plastered on over the top. Should be relatively easy to stick a bit from the margin as robo suggested and paint it a similar colour

[IFGL]

Looks like a banana leaf fake they usually smell like manure II have repaired these and other " artwork " before by scanning part rebuilding the missing bits in photoshop and printing, putting our printed bits underneath.

[prospero]

It could be restored. As it's not really valuable you have not a lot to lose and frankly, you could hardly make it much worse.

Stick it too a board. Fill the holes with gesso (or Polyfilla) to bring the holes level with the rest of the surface. Mix up some paint and slap it on.

Maybe easier said than done and you may end up nigh-on repainting the whole thing to blend in the new paint.

Big question is: Is it worth it?

[IFGL]

Is it worth it ? No matter how abhorrent the painting if the customer is happy to pay for whatever you do then yes.

They just might love it.

[pramsay13]

The customer now has their papyrus back and is extremely happy with the result.
I just took some papyrus from outside the border and painted a few layers to match.
The word 'perfect' was used by the customer
Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo so you will need to take my word for it