Towards a better understanding of the physical properties of lining materials for paintings: Interim results

This paper reports on a preliminary investigation into the biaxial properties of a selection of traditional and modern materials which could be used in the lining of paintings on canvas. It describes their load response to high levels of moisture and their load‐extension behaviour when under biaxial restraint. All the woven lining materials tested were found to be anisotropic and to have load‐extension curves with characteristic features: non‐linear load‐extension, hysterisis and creep. The role of crimp in determining mechanical properties and anisotropy of these materials is discussed. Preliminary observations on the application of these findings to practice are given.