Collection of Melanie Russo

Treatment Summary: This oversized poster was produced in conjunction with the first authorized American paperback editions of The Lord of the Rings trilogy (1965–66). Released by Ballantine Books, this version is a continuous design spanning the three volumes. The poster exhibited embrittlement, an 11-inch tear, scattered losses, pegboard punctures, and adhesive migration into the paper support. The red printing ink was identified as highly solvent-sensitive, limiting treatment options, so the focus was stabilization. Degrading tape was reduced where possible to prevent further staining. Tears were aligned and mended from the verso, and areas of loss were infilled. The poster was secured using reversible attachment methods to provide support while minimizing additional stress to the paper.

Client Response: “I brought ICA a 1965 Lord of the Rings poster that had traveled a long road. It began decades ago hanging in an office, then later lived in my brother‘s smoke filled basement, and after he passed, it stayed with me, torn, tattered and marked by time. It had endured years of life and eight years of my grief. To me it wasn’t just paper. It was part of my fellowship. It was my brother. Kate P. didn’t just restore it--she took on a quest. Every rip and fragile edge was mended with care as if she understood she was stewarding something more than art. When I saw it framed and whole again, I was overwhelmed. It felt like something that had passed through shadow had been carried back into the light. What they returned to me, was not simply a poster, but a relic--preserved, steadfast, and enduring. A reminder that even what is torn can be restored, and that love, like legend, outlast the dark.”  - Melanie Russo

Private Client

Treatment Summary: This Civil War discharge certificate, a lithograph completed by hand in iron gall ink, exhibited surface soiling, foxing, and damage associated with prior backing. Surface dirt was reduced with a sponge and vinyl eraser, and areas of foxing were carefully diminished under magnification using a scalpel. The problematic backing was gradually removed in layers using a combination of mechanical means and controlled moisture. The document was humidified and washed in deionized, alkalized water to reduce discoloration and improve stability. Losses were infilled with a cotton paper matched to the original and supported overall with a thin Japanese tissue. Infills were toned with watercolor and pastel to integrate with surrounding areas. Treatment improved legibility while preserving the document’s material and historical integrity.

Chagrin History Center

Treatment Summary: This wall map exhibited extensive and complex damage. The top edge had been folded, taped, and tacked to the hanger bar, while older, rusted nails on the bottom roller required careful removal to avoid further harm. Adhesive residues were softened with low-heated air and carefully lifted, and the map was cleaned on both sides using soft brushes, cosmetic sponges, and vinyl erasers. A shallow alkaline wash removed soluble coatings and reduced acidity, while the protein-based adhesive attaching the canvas backing was softened and gently scraped away. After drying, the map was reinforced with multiple layers of Japanese kozo paper using a methylcellulose and wheat starch paste mixture, and tears were mended with kozo fibers. Losses were infilled with toned Western cotton paper and retouched with watercolor and colored pencil to match the map’s original tones.