The artifact should be aired in a clean, dry room and then be checked periodically for any recurrence. Cleanliness and regular inspection will keep insects and rodents under control. A competent conservator can repair works on paper and reduce the visual effects of some damage. A preventive philosophy is far less costly, both in terms of expense and of sustaining the integrity of the art or artifact, than calling for help after it is too late and the damage is done. I just spent a few days in New York City at the International Fine Print Dealers Association Print Show.
Most people think of prints as traditional etchings, engravings and lithographs.
Times have changed. There were three-dimensional prints. Elizabeth Murray lithograph was a maze of shapes and colors that stood out a foot from the wall like freeway interchanges. Several prints by New York artist Lesley Dill had cut pieces of paper hanging from threads, one in the shape of hands, and another with different shapes that together looked like a necklace. Other Lesley Dill prints were dresses, standing out from the wall or a paper figure in a shadow box frame with text printed on it.