Linen Mounting

Unless otherwise noted, all posters have been "linen backed" using acid free paper and muslin. This procedure is archivally sound, improves the appearance of the poster and enhances the poster's collectability and value.

The term linen backing or linen mounting apparently originated during the late 19th century when maps and sometimes large prints were affixed directly to linen for support. As paper conservation techniques improved it was discovered that the paper and linen did not expand and contract at the same rate during extremes of temperature and humidity changes. Modern conservators use acid free paper and cotton duck or muslin onto which the poster is wet mounted with methyl cellulose or wheat paste. The procedure is reversible and archivally safe.

Because of the large size, the procedure of mounting posters only on acid free paper (without the muslin) is usually inadequate. Acid free paper backing is fine for small format prints. The procedure, however, does not provide sufficient strength for large format vintage poster paper of low quality, especially when it has folio folds or tears which must be stabilized. Paper backing by itself in these cases is not strong enough to do the job. We have all encountered books and articles which advocate only paper backing. In such cases examine the background of the author to see whether his or her experience is with "fine art" prints or posters.