RESTORATION OF OLD MAP OF LONDON

This extremely rare and valuable 17th century antique map of London printed for and dedicated to Sir Robert Vyner (Viner), Lord Mayor of London (1674), had suffered cuts and scratches from broken glass when the frame was damaged during shipping.

After removing the map from the frame and detaching it from the mounting board the map was carefully cleaned from any traces of broken glass and deacidified to prevent further deterioration that occurs from exposure to chemicals. The tears were carefully repaired and filled in with a pH neutral compound and all signs of damage were eliminated with outmost care.

After the restoration of map was completed, only those who knew the original location of the damaged spots could identify the repair. To complete the presentation, the map was placed on museum quality mounting board and covered with custom cut mat.

Careful examination of this rare map of London helped to settle one of the longest standing historical debates. It does appear that indeed no public loo existed on either side of Thames at that time. Some say that there are still too few of them today.

click to view before and after images