The Map Library recently acquired this large map, which was attached to wooden rods for hanging. Since we plan to roll this map for storage (it is too large for our flat flies), the rods had to be removed.
The map is too large for any of the tables in the conservation lab, so I decided that it would be safer and easier to work on it in the Map Library. I was able to remove the nails holding the rods in place.
My work is far from done. There is a lot of surface dirt, and the map is pulling away from its linen backing. One corner was badly damaged and has a large loss. More on-site conservation work is in my future!