Restoration · Fire-gilded silver
Renaissance Object
Restoration of a fire-gilded silver object from the Renaissance period. Dimensions: approx. 7 (h) x 6 (w) x 6 (d) cm.
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Client
Private property
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Period
Unknown, probably between 14th and 16th century AD
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Origin
UvA, studio building
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Duration
June 2017
Challenge
Structural restoration work to approach/reconstruct the original appearance.
Approach
The missing parts (two cups) were cast in silver and attached using a Joke Multispot 2 micro-welding device. The whole was retouched through local gilding using a galvanic pen and rectifier. Work was done with a Rhodinette Goldbad gilding bath at a voltage of 6.2 to 12 Volts. Further retouching was done with Golden Acrylics conservation colors. The bending of one of the little dragons was undone as much as possible through mechanical force. The surface of the object was cleaned with acetone and a mild abrasive to reduce the silver sulfide and dirt on the surface.
Outcome
The object was successfully restored with new silver parts and local gilding. The bending was corrected and the surface was cleaned. The original appearance was approached and reconstructed.
Techniques
- Silver casting
- Joke Multispot 2 micro-welding device
- Local gilding with galvanic pen
- Rhodinette Goldbad gilding bath
- Retouching with Golden Acrylics
- Mechanical correction
- Cleaning with acetone and mild abrasive
Materials
- Silver
- Joke Multispot 2 micro-welding device
- Galvanic pen and rectifier
- Rhodinette Goldbad gilding bath
- Golden Acrylics conservation colors
- Acetone
- Mild abrasive
Interested in conservation services?
Each project receives individual attention, with a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of your object.