Wax models
Objects property of The Grant Museum of Zoology
Object before treatment
Object after treatment
Condition before treatment
The object came in two fragments which have been previously joined together using a metal pin and a clear adhesive which had failed.
There was superficial dust and debris on its surface alongside small, dislocated fragments of tiny wax details. Towards the centre of the object and on its underside, there was a deep hole filled with insect eggs.
Treatment
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The surface of the object was cleaned with 2% Synperonic A7 in DI water. A small toothpick cotton woll swab was used under the microscope to clean.
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The fragments were aligned and the edges to be joined were lined with a thin layer of Lascaux 498HV.
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A fill of Paraloid B72 in acetone with tinted microballoons was applied in the gap between the two fragments which was then roughly shaped and in-painted using mineral pigments in an acrylic medium (Figures 4 and 5).
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The object is temporarily stored into its original container but is further secured with wedges made of Ethafoam and positioned to areas where the “legs” appear sturdier, so as not to allow for movement within the box.
Justifications
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The metal pin was not removed, as in doing so, significant pressure would need to be applied to the fragile object which could have an adverse effect on its stability and create more fractures.
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A 2% concentration of Synperonic A7 was established as safe and the most effective for cleaning of the surface after testing. Cleaning had to be stopped at a point where further dislocation of the tiny details was introduced. Overall, the surface is clean, but there are some areas between the legs that are really difficult t reach without causing damage.
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Lascaux 498HV was used to line the edges of the fragments to act as a small barrier between the Paraloid B72 fill with was made using acetone.
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The small Paraloid B72 and microballoon fill introduced acetone to the wax object but it was necessary as the joint edges are too small to bear the weight of the object. The fill was applied with great care under the microscope so minimal clean-up of the mixture on the surface would be necessary so as not to disturb the original shellac coating.
