A complete restoration for a plan classified as a Historic Monument.

10 Jan 2024

The city of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne entrusted one of its most precious documents to our workshop for a thorough restoration of a plan classified as a Historic Monument in 1990.

Entitled “Plan des possessions des Célestins de Sens à Villeneuve”, it dates from the 18th century.

In 2022, it was discovered in a private residence and, due to its advanced state of deterioration, was entrusted to the Departmental Archives of Yonne for secure preservation pending restoration.

Methods and processes compliant with the specifications set forth by the Archives of France and tailored to the condition of the document were implemented, including meticulous cleaning, varnish removal, and consolidation of tears with appropriate Japanese paper, to ensure the long-term preservation of this cultural heritage.

A Degraded Condition of the Historical Document

This watercolor plan on laid paper, featuring black ink outlines and colored pigments, was handed over to La Reliure du Limousin for a comprehensive restoration of the document.

During the analysis phase, numerous alterations were identified: dust, lacunas, tears, creases, and various stains. In general, the map was discolored and its varnish was cloudy. Temporary fixings (white strips) were present on the front, and the backing was too damaged to hold the plan together.

Plan des possessions des Célestins de Sens à Villeneuve

The Steps of a Comprehensive Restoration Process

First, the document underwent precise and meticulous cleaning, followed by varnish removal. Since the plan was fragmented, fixings were made with Japanese paper on the front to allow for the total removal of the backing.

La Reliure restaure un document historique

Once the plan had been carefully recomposed and flattened, all the fixings on the front could be removed.

All members of the team took part in the transfer of the document to a new cotton canvas, lined with an intermediate layer of 20 gsm Japanese paper, ensuring the reversibility of the lining operation.

Restauration du document de plan à Villeneuve

Each of the tears was then repositioned and consolidated, and the lacunas (missing parts of the document) were filled in with Japanese papers of matching weight and color.

Finally, to facilitate delivery and protect the document during storage, it was rolled and packaged inside a polyester film and a square-section tube (neutral conservation materials).

An Unusual Format

This very large-format document (214 x 208 cm) required special organisation for the Iconographic Documents Service: oversized and adaptable tables and specific equipment to handle the entire document. A team of four experienced restorers took part in the enhancement of this unique document on the history of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne.

Document patrimonial de Villeneuve-sur-Yonne

Are you looking to restore your heritage collections? Contact La Reliure du Limousin today and entrust your valuable documents to our conservation experts.