Statue of male worshipper
Object property of The British Museum
Statue of male worshipper before treatment
Photo property of The British Museum
Statue of male worshipper after treatment
Photo property of The British Museum
Condition before treatment
The limestone statue had discoloured fills and superficial dirt and debris on its surface. The object was needed for loan, so investigation over its stability to travel was essential due to its height. The object is secured on a slate backing, attached with possibly plaster and ferrous screws. An X-ray was taken of the object to confirm the presence - or not- of dowels which would inform the decision to either take it apart and secure it or to just improve the appearance of the existing fills on the 3 breaks which run horizontally on the knees, elbows and neck area.
After the X-ray, it was confirmed that there were dowels in its interior so the following treatment was completed:
Treatment
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The surface was dry cleaned using Wishab sponge (vulcanized latex, filler). Removed dirt and sponge residues with a soft brush and vacuum cleaner.
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The circular label on the front of the statue was consolidated with a layer of 10% Klucel G (synthetic cellulose polymer) in IMS (Industrial methylated spirits (ethanol, methanol).
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The surface was wet-cleaned using deionised water and a stencil brush. Excess water and mobilised dirt were picked up by dubbing with dry cotton wool pads.
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Old plaster fills were reduced using a scalpel blade.
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New fills were applied on the recessed cracks using Microballoons (silica or phenolic resin), in a 20% solution of Paraloid B72 (ethyl methacrylate copolymer) in IMS (Industrial methylated spirits (ethanol, methanol) : Acetone (propan-1-one/dimethyl ketone)1:1). The fills were then lined with Flugger (acrylic putty) and were toned-in using Windsor and Newton acrylic pigments.
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The base of the statue was cleaned with deionised water and a stencil brush and was sanded down. Acid-free card was attached to the bottom of the base with Paraloid B72 (ethyl methacrylate copolymer) from tube.
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The ferrous screws attached on the back of the sculpture were consolidated with two layers of 20% solution of Paraloid B72 (ethyl methacrylate copolymer) in IMS (Industrial methylated spirits (ethanol, methanol) : Acetone (propan-1-one/dimethyl ketone)1:1).
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The slate backing was painted with Windsor and Newton acrylic pigments to match the original limestone.
Condition after treatment
The surface of the statue is now clean. The old fills were reduced to allow for the application of more sympathetic fills which match the surrounding fabric.
