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.Restoration
Stabilising, not embellishing
Restorers usually do not begin their work in the laboratory but often start at the site. Here the state of preservation of the find is examined. After that, the decision is made whether the object can be recovered by the site technician or if particular safety measures need to be applied.
The very fragile finds are »block excavated«. This means that the finds are not completely excavated, but are taken into the laboratory together with the surrounding soil. For further stabilisation the entire block may be set in plaster.
In the laboratory the precision work begins. First of all the remnants of soil are removed. Then the ancient surface of the find is unveiled with tools which might remind some people of the dentist.
Finds of metal are sometimes covered by a thick layer of corrosion which makes it difficult to identify the original form. Therefore, a bronze coin may seem like an odd stone and an iron nail looks like a shapeless lump.
Radiography can bring light into the darkness of corrosion of the finds. With X- rays you can “look through” the surrounding rust and identify the core metal interior. Even embellishment with different metals can clearly be recognised.
Now, the bothersome rust layer can carefully be removed, either mechanically or by an electric grindstone. Meanwhile a vacuum extraction cabinet removes the generated fine metal dust.
After successfully unveiling the find, the decision has to be made whether chemicals are necessary to further stabilise the surface. After this treatment the find is ready to either be put into storage or to gleam in front of the visitors.
The aim of restoration is to preserve the find and prevent further corrosion. It is not to smarten up the find, although this is often the case after their visit to the laboratory.
The museums objects are stored in acclimatised showcases or store-rooms to prevent further decay permanently. Solely in such a way can the optimum conditions be met so that we do not lose these recently recovered objects a second time.