The Quiet Decay: What Artists Should Know About Paper by Vincent Dion.

The talk will discuss the fundamental properties of paper, fibre sources, manufacturing processes, and additives, and how these factors influence stability over time. It will also introduce the nomenclature used to describe paper characteristics, helping artists interpret and use the terms commonly found in paper descriptions and specifications. Knowing the specific paper and its properties is also valuable for curators and conservators, as this information supports accurate documentation and informs future care and preservation strategies. The presentation will cover deterioration mechanisms and consider how material choices in the studio can accelerate or slow these changes.

Vincent Dion is a Toronto-based conservator specializing in the care and treatment of works on paper and the founder of CONSERVATION+CULTURE, located at 401 Richmond. He is an accredited member of the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators and has over ten years of international professional experience working with cultural heritage collections, artists and arts professionals.