A Terracotta Horse, Back in the Race

Originally published on our website, this article is reprinted here as part of our effort to consolidate our written archive.

BACK IN THE RACE: REPAIRING A CHINESE TANG DYNASTY ARTIFACT
By Natalia Ivancevich, Assistant Conservator of Objects; and, Gabrielle Tieu, Senior Conservator of Objects

This Chinese Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Figure of a Prancing Horse was damaged as a result of improper packing and packing materials during the shipping process. Upon examination, it was discovered that the breaks occurred at points on the legs where they had been previously repaired. It also became evident that there were other areas of previous poor restoration, notably around the face of the horse; these areas remained unharmed.

To begin treatment, the horse was held securely in place by a combination of foam padding and weights. This allowed for exact positioning of the legs with the help of conservation tools and gravity. They were then easily re-adhered with conservation adhesives.

Losses along the break lines were filled with a reversible material and in-painted with conservation grade pigments.

Repairing the shipping related damage was now complete.

However, the previous restoration remained unresolved. With the client's approval, additional treatment was preformed to address and repair the distracting previous interventions.

The existing excess adhesive was mechanically removed, and losses were filled and in-painted.

A replacement ear was also created using a gypsum based material which was shaped and in-painted to emulate the existing surface.

The legs are now repaired and stable, and the troublesome previous repairs have been resolved. Finally, a fitted crate was fabricated to insure a safe shipping and proper storage.

The Napoleonic Dragoon Helmet

Originally published in our June 2010 Newsletter, this article is republished here as part of our effort to consolidate our written archive.

WAXING AESTHETIC:
HISTORICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE RESTORATION OF A NAPOLEONIC DRAGOON HELMET
By Gabrielle Tieu, Senior Conservator of Objects, and Natalia Ivancevich, Assistant Conservator of Objects

Before treatment: A Napoleonic Dragoon Helmet made of metal and horsehair

The Napoleonic Dragoon Helmet, an example of the Grecian-inspired helmets worn by specific members of Napoleon’s cavalry, was brought to The Center in need of restoration. The leather lining of the helmet was loose with several losses to the leather and the risk of further degradation. The proper right leather strap was loose as well, with both straps having been previously re-attached with blue putty. Furthermore, the skull of the helmet exhibited several shallow dents and the horse hair mane was tangled and messy. The top decoration was missing from the helmet completely. There were some scratches on the surface, as well as evidence of use and wear. The metal and hair elements were both coated with dust and grime. There was also some tarnish on the gilded areas.

Before treatment: Detail of missing elements

 To begin, the surface was dusted with a brush and vacuumed. The hair was dry cleaned with a textile sponge. After testing, metal surfaces were cleaned with mineral spirits using cotton swabs. The lifting velvet on the underside of the straps was re-adhered with a pH-neutral resin.

Detail of re-created elements

In accordance to the client’s wishes, the organic elements of the helmet were re-created according to historical research. Examples of Napoleonic helmets like this one vary in appearance slightly, and therefore a balance of historical accuracy and aesthetic consideration was applied. The upper part of the helmet (the horse hair ornament above the brass crest), feather plume, and stick were recreated using antique brass, genuine leather, horse hair, and rooster feathers. Recreated elements were toned and artificially aged using micro-crystalline wax and dry pigments. Micro-crystalline wax was also added to all metal for protection. 

After Treatment

In order to stabilize the recreated elements, a dowel was inserted into the inside of the original   upper brass element which was filled with Ethafoam. The helmet was then placed on a custom-built museum-quality mount to safely display this historic object.