A Study of the Deterioration of Story-Book Graphic Art on Plastics at Emporia State University

Abstract

This paper examines the long-term effects of the printing processes and uncontrolled storage climate on a series of original children's book illustrations that were executed on sheets of cellulose acetate and vinyl during the 1930s-1960s. Unintended at creation for permanent retention, the art-on-plastic posed intrinsic preservation challenges even as it was accepted into Emporia State University's collections in 1972; however, an unstable climate in the collections storage facility has expedited the deterioration of the acetates. Art on vinyl has not yet shown signs of deterioration. This paper will explain the process that seven artists who worked with acetates used to replicate children's book illustrations on acetate and vinyl during the 1930s-1960s; it will explore the problems inherent in preserving acetates and vinyl; and it will examine the impact of the loss of this art-on-plastic to the study of the history of children's book publishing.