Colossal head
Object property of The British Museum
Colossal head before treatment
Photo property of The British Museum
Colossal head after treatment
Photo property of The British Museum
Condition before treatment
The head was loosely secured on its dowel and base as the previous fill material had failed. There was a discoloured restoration on the nose area and residues of cleaning material applied in the past in the curls of the hair and the beard. There were various abrasion marks on the neck area and chipped edges on the base. Furthermore, the head rested too close to its base, not allowing for full appreciation of its shape.
Treatment
-
-The surface was dry cleaned using Wishab sponge (vulcanized latex, filler). Removed dirt and sponge residues with a soft brush and vacuum cleaner.
-
-The surface was wet-cleaned using deionised water and a stencil brush. Excess water and mobilised dirt were picked up by dabbing with dry cotton wool pads.
-
-Old plaster fills were reduced using a scalpel blade from around the perimeter of the face and were recessed to reveal as much original surface as possible.
-
-The head was removed from its old dowel support using a scalpel. It was found that it was attached on with plaster and the dowel was running through the plaster and not the object itself.
-
-Small fills around the edges of the face were introduced 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 toned-in using Windsor and Newton acrylic pigments.
-
-The base of the statue was cleaned with deionised water and a stencil brush and was sanded down. Small fills were done on chipped edges using Pollyfilla (calcium carbonate). Acid-free card was attached to the bottom of the base with Paraloid B72 (ethyl methacrylate copolymer) from tube.
-
-The plaster remaining on the back of the head was painted with Windsor and Newton acrylic pigments to a sympathetic tine with the original limestone.
