Northern of France Railway : London to Paris

THE DIFFERENT CONDITION OF A POSTER

If a poster is appreciated for its rarity, subject, signature or age and sometimes its size, it is also appreciated by its condition, which is an important component of its value. Please find below the different conditions of the posters proposed by www.posterissim.com

New : "mint". The poster has been handled but never used and has been carefully stored. This condition generally applies to the most recent posters.

*

Excellent condition : also called "condition A" or "near mint". The condition of the poster is above average even if it shows slight traces of use. The poster has no major flaws and is not missing anything. Only minor defects are accepted, such as pinholes or slight discoloration on older objects. www.posterissim mainly sells posters in this condition.

*

Very good condition : or "very fine". The condition of the poster is close to "excellent condition" but with some additional defects such as slight tears or more pronounced folds.

*

Good condition : also known as "condition B". The visual is clean but has more pronounced defects than those of the previous conditions, sometimes with traces of moisture or yellowing of the paper. These defects have been often corrected during the restoration process, followed by washing and mounting.

*

Fair condition : "C" (suitable condition). The condition of the poster is below average, with a multiplication of defects (missing, discoloured, scotch, damaged edges), but remains very presentable.

*

Poor condition : or "condition D". Poster torn into several pieces, often with significant gaps and severe discoloration. Except for exceptional documents (historical or cultural) requiring extensive restoration, www.posterissim.com does not sell posters in this condition.

***

LINENBACKING OF YOUR POSTERS

1. Why put a poster on linen?

An old poster is originally rolled up or held flat. An original old poster should be preserved as well as possible in time and be easily framed.

www.posterissim.com brings to each poster a long, delicate and expensive paper conservation treatment called "linenbacking". The linenbacking protects the poster from possible damage and gives the paper a structure that gives it an optimal hold in its frame.

www.posterissim.com calls on the best specialists in this particular technique, whose know-how and experience is recognised by amateurs and collectors all over the world.

2. The technique of linenbacking

The posters are first dry-dusted with gum powder and a brush. Then they are washed with clear water in large basins to refresh the colours and remove paper tension.

The still wet poster is applied to a linen or cotton canvas (Canvas) using a starch solution. A sheet of acid-free paper (Canson) is placed in between. The poster is thus kept at a neutral ph and acid-free to stabilize its colours and protect it from oxidation (yellowing of the paper). A drying time in a dust-free environment of 1 to 2 weeks is necessary depending on the size and type of paper.

A canvas margin of 3 to 5 cm is kept to protect the perimeter of the poster.

All our linenbackings are made with neutral materials that stabilize the acidity of the poster. We use noble techniques that are totally reversible.

Without the application of this technique, the poster, even if it is not damaged, may curl within its frame, thus undermining its artistic qualities and altering its appreciation.

For all these reasons, www.posterissim.com sells mostly, unless otherwise specified, linenbacked original posters.

The folded or rolled posters, purchased on the site www.posterissim.com, can be linenbacked by us (and restored if necessary) on request and after estimate.

www.posterissim.com does not offer a canvas mounting and/or restoration service for posters that do not come from the www.posterissim.com website.

At www.posterissim.com you are thus acquiring a beautiful collector's item that will follow you over time and that you will be proud to exhibit.

***