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"[Graphic Conservation] has been instrumental in helping Northwestern Law preserve its large collection of historical documents and works of art on paper. We highly recommend their services to other institutions wishing to preserve their history."

Dean J. William Elwin, Professor John P. HeinzNorthwestern University School of Law

About Us

Situated in Historic Oak Park, Illinois. Our collection of specialized tools and equipment enables us to treat paper items suffering from many different types of damage. In our lab, we are able to treat works on paper of any size, from miniature ephemera to oversize artwork. With an extensive library of antique papers and boards, our company also has the unique ability to match repairs when appropriate.

Our Leaders

  • Christina Marusich

    Head Conservator

    Christina is a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation [AIC] and an acting member of the Chicago Area Conservation Group. Christina joined the company in 1987 while completing her B.F.A. in Printmaking and Painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Christina’s background includes fine arts as well as chemistry.

  • Brian Kapernekas

    Conservator

    Brian is a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation [AIC]. Brian joined the company in 2018. Brian has received his B.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and his M.F.A. in Studio Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Brian’s background includes Contemporary Art.

  • Emily Jewel Kane

    Manager of Client Services

    Emily joined Graphic Conservation Company in November 2022. She received her BAVCS as a member of the selective honors scholar program in Painting, Art History, and Art Theory from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and received continuing education in ancient languages and theory through awarded grants for international independent research and at the University of Chicago. Emily has a strong background in research, archives, art restoration, artifact handling, collections, and project management. As the Manager of Client Services, Emily is responsible for all client communications, conservation consultations, record management, receiving incoming artwork, and managing all phases of conservation projects.

  • Francine Mancuso

    Conservation Technician

    Francine joined Graphic Conservation Company in January 2023. She received her BA in Art Conservation with a minor in Art History from the University of Delaware. She is an apprentice conservator who has assisted several historical societies and institutions with various conservation projects and looks forward to continuing her career in the field of conservation. As a conservation technician, Francine supports conservators with treatment and assists with digitization and museum quality preservation services.

  • Lianna Bolivar

    Social Media Intern

    Lianna joined Graphic Conservation Company in January 2022. She is a current high school senior with a passion for art and computer science. Lianna has developed her own impressive social media following and joined Graphic Conservation in order to expand her knowledge in photoshop. As a social media intern, Lianna creates all of the company’s reels and before and after online posts.

Lab Tour

Our History

  • 1921

    RR Donnelley & Sons Company and president T.E. Donnelley form the Extra Bindery Department under the guidance of C.G. Littell and Reverend James Todd.

  • 1923

    The Extra Bindery Department begins advertising its services in "The Lakeside News," the company magazine. Well-known bookbinder Alfred de Sauty comes from England to manage the Department.

  • 1925

    "Extra Binding at the Lakeside Press" is published, illustrating the department's services and capabilities. Three years later, "A Rod for the Back of the Binder," an important document in the field of specialty binding, is published.

  • 1935

    Mr. de Sauty retires, and Harold Tribolet is appointed manager. As he leaves, Mr. de Sauty emphasizes the importance of engaging in paper restoration and conservation work.

  • 1954

    "All the King's Horses" is published, describing many of the department's interesting projects and offering guidance on the proper care of books and works on paper.

  • 1964

    One of twenty-five known original letterpress copies of the Declaration of Independence is restored along with original prints of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution

  • 1966

    A 32-page booklet, "The Million Charms of Empress Shotoku" is published, describing many of the department's recent bindings and restoration projects.

  • 1970

    The Extra Bindery Department changes its name to the Graphic Conservation Department, reflecting the increased focus on conservation work.

  • 1982

    RR Donnelley closes the department and its managers William Crusius and Robert Weinberg form a new company dedicated to paper conservation. The Graphic Conservation Department thereby becomes Graphic Conservation Company.

  • 1995

    Graphic Conservation Company performs a series of conservation treatments to one of five copies of the Gettysburg Address.

  • 2011

    Graphic Conservation Company celebrates its 90th anniversary. During this year, the company performs a series of complex conservation treatments on the House Resolution for a Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.