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Condition
The flag was originally brought to ICS in 2008. It had extensive creasing, corrosion, staining and yellowing, along with four holes in the centre red circle. It was surface cleaned and washed on a suction table to reduce discolouration. The flag was then flattened and rolled for storage.
The flag was brought back to ICS in very good condition in 2020 to prepare for framing.
Treatment
- A padded fabric-covered archival backing board was created using fabric that has been tested and approved by the British Museum for use in close contact with textiles in a museum setting.
- The flag was then mounted onto the backing board.
- The losses in the red sun were disguised by placing a sheer red fabric between the flag and the backing board.
- Further stain reduction was not done, as the stains form a significant part of the history of the flag.
Outcome
The flag was framed and is now on display in a private collection to commemorate the bravery of soldiers from both sides of WWII in the Pacific.
Before treatment
After treatment
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