Possibly, possibly not. The spots may come from a variety of causes. Most commonly, they are either from mould growth or from the corrosion of tiny metal particles in the paper. The classic reddish-brown marks known as 'foxing' are generally agreed to be the result of micro organisms in the paper. They can occur even in paper that has been kept in normal room conditions. Often they can be lessened in intensity, but only if the image on the paper is stable enough to allow treatment. Many inks and watercolours are water sensitive, and affected by solvents, so it is advisable to consult a trained conservator for advice.
Paper Conservation is taught as a degree course in many of the developed countries. Britain has courses at Camberwell in London (the University of the Arts, London) and at Newcastle (the University of Northumbria at Newcastle). Information is available on these universities' websites. Evidence of aptitude and interest is needed to get onto the courses, and numbers are limited. Finding the finance is not always easy. Once you are qualified, you will need to apply for internships with museums and private conservators in order to broaden your knowledge. Paper conservators in museums do relatively little interventive practical work these days, and do more preventative and exhibition preparation work. Private paper conservators spend much more of their time doing treatments.
Paper is fragile stuff. It is likely to discolour in bright light. Leave a newspaper out in the sun for a day, and then watch it go yellow over the next week. Good quality paper lasts longer, but still suffers from the same complaint. Water colours are applied in such thin layers that even small changes are very noticeable. Inks, especially the ones in roller ball pens, are light sensitive too. This is why galleries limit the light when displaying works on paper: they are trying to make the art last longer.
February 2007
