Reuben Tam Print Revived

This Reuben Tam print was so badly acid-burned and foxed that it was difficult to make out the imagery.  After 5 weeks of patient conservation and restoration, this monoprint has come back to life.  The playful crabs now dance across the coral and the beautiful, subtle colors are visible again.  A light layer of a silvery metallic pigment also came to light.

This print responded especially well to treatment because of the high quality Japanese paper that it was originally printed on.  A very delicate touch was needed to remove the many foxing spots all over the paper.