Zoe Finlay Paper Conservation

It may seem a little out-of-place here on a paper conservation blog but this is conservation – just of a different kind. Please remember to feed our birds during all this cold and snowy weather. This is a very difficult time for them and your efforts, however small, could make such a difference to their fate.

If you have bird feeders, keep them clean, replenished and free from snow if possible. If you haven’t any feeders, putting out bits of cheese, chopped apple, raisins soaked in water and lightly dampened bread can be just as effective, as well as leaving fresh water for them to bathe in and drink.

I know it takes extra impetus to venture out into the garden on cold, wet days like today. However, regularly checking the food is free from snow and the water hasn’t frozen will reward you with the pleasure of not only seeing the birds come to your garden  but with the thought that it may be only because of you that they’re still alive.

Thank you.

A happy new year to all; I hope that you have had plenty of time to relax and recharge your batteries amidst the usual rush and mayhem of Christmas! I had a great time relaxing with family and friends as well as catching up on some reading, working my way through a stack of books that had accumulated during 2012!

My new year was spent in Allendale watching the ancient, traditional Tar Bar’l ceremony. Shortly before midnight, barrels of flaming tar are paraded around the town held aloft on people’s heads and closely followed by a brass band. The lit barrels are then thrown onto a huge bonfire in the town square along with much cheering and music. It was great fun and if you haven’t yet been, I recommend a visit.

I’m delighted that due to your confidence, your praise and your loyalty I have enjoyed a successful 2012. In late March this year, my business will be 2 years old and, despite the recession, I am looking forward to new challenges and opportunities which I’m certain 2013 will bring.

I’m excited at being back in the studio, beginning treatments on some new items which arrived shortly before Christmas. My January newsletter is already in progress and I’ll look forward to meeting many of my regular clients as well as new ones in the coming year.

All the best and many thanks!

Zoe

I would like to wish everyone a very happy festive season and a fantastic 2013!

With very best wishes,

Zoe

You just never know what you may find. This can sometimes be true of family documents which undergo conservation.

Today in the studio I removed a modern, browned and acidic backing board from a wedding certificate dated 1863. In contrast to the beautiful engraving and hand-written names on the front of the certificate, the back told a sadder tale. Several stamps from the war office and pension office and a written inscription imply that the wife was later widowed and required her certificate as evidence of marriage to her military husband.

If you’re currently researching your family history, perhaps the answers to some of your questions may lie hidden in your home on inherited engravings or certificates?