The Wide World of Map Conservation

Document Type

Video

Date

Spring 4-15-2026

Keywords

Brodsky Series, Library Conservation, Heather Hendry, maps, conservation, preservation, library science

Language

English

Funder(s)

Joan ’67, G’68, H'24 Brodsky, William J. ’65, G’68, H'24 Brodsky

Acknowledgements

The annual Brodsky Series for the Advancement of Library Conservation is endowed through a generous gift by William J. ’65, G’68, H’24 and Joan ’67, G’68, H’24 Brodsky. The Series features prominent library conservators that promote and advance knowledge of library conservation theory, practice and application among wide audiences, both on campus and in the region.

Disciplines

Archival Science | Art and Materials Conservation | Library and Information Science | Museum Studies

Description/Abstract

Maps have accompanied us throughout history and geography, serving as tools of navigation, symbols of power and expressions of how we understand our place in the world. Though paper is certainly the most common support, historically maps have been created with a wide range of supports, media and level of aesthetics. As a result, caring for a map collection demands a conservator with a broad foundation in many types of media.

While the media and support may vary, maps often share recurring condition issues due to their size, function and regular handling. Designed to translate a large area into a readable representation, maps are often made as large as possible, then rolled or folded for storage and transport. The size and handling introduce characteristic damage: splitting along folds; tenting and breaks from repeated rolling; creases and distortion from expansion and contraction; and historic repairs using pressure-sensitive tapes or unstable adhesives. Wall maps, frequently backed with cloth and coated with resins, bring their own aging issues, including discoloration and structural instability.

Yet despite the structural issues that arise, maps remain captivating artifacts. They are visual records of how people have interpreted geography, boundaries and significance at a specific point in time. This lecture explores the unique conservation problems maps present and highlights a series of case studies that demonstrate how thoughtful conservation treatment can restore and preserve them for the future.

Heather Hendry is the Senior Paper Conservator at the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Philadelphia. She specializes in challenging conservation treatments of works of art on paper of all eras. Current projects include conservation of Jacob Lawrence’s Toussaint L’Ouverture paintings; early maps and founding documents of the United States; and a collection of Civil War drawings. She teaches conservation treatment techniques to other conservators, including a “Blackened Lead White” workshop, and has presented and published internationally on conservation of iron gall ink, lead white pigments, historic maps, Asian screens and pressure sensitive tape.

Heather studied conservation at Queen’s University in Canada, and she has worked as a conservator at the Canadian Conservation Institute, the Yale Center for British Art, the Harvard University Weisman Center and in private practice. She is a Fellow and a Professional Member of the American Institute of Conservation and will be co-chairing the Art on Paper Discussion Group on “Washing” at the 2026 AIC Meeting.

View Lecture

Share

COinS