the wet cloths that they applied to stop solvent-resistant mesh basket for Work on the dipping the fragments a few at a the plaster from setting before the pavement time in a steel basin of consolidant, paint could be applied. framework of modern conservation continues, and carefully sealing it to allow the that, having learnt from past the excitement consolidant to wick up into the experiences, requires the minimum builds as this porous fragments, thoroughly of intervention that is sufficient wonderful The use of the fresco technique has permeating and strengthening them. to achieve stability and increased vignette from ensured the pigments have remained longevity of the object. the distant past bright and well adhered. Cleaning off once more this organic coating has required I have been working on two sections evokes the of swabbing with a solution of ethanol Next the pieces of this ancient that clearly join each but which and water, and picking away the exotic Nile and jigsaw have to be joined, again with are broken into 111 pieces. remaining coating, and dirt trapped the Microscopic examination revealed a special adhesive that can be under it, with a fine-pointed dental achievements great detail, including that the white dissolved if necessary and that will tool under a microscope (Fig 4). The of Akhenaten’s lime plaster was strengthened by the not become brittle and discolour organic coating has encouraged the brilliant incorporation of very fine plant fibres, over time. growth of black mould that has craftsmen. and the paint surface had been Because the plaster was laid directly now been treated. coated since excavation with a Dr Wendy on the ground its thickness is substance that is now brown. Because the pavement fragments uneven, requiring support Reade is a with their crumbling edges were This coating lies in the multitude underneath so that it does not have Conservator, fragile, I consolidated them with a of tiny pits and abrasions of the to take its own weight with the risk of Sydney weak solution of a high-quality, plaster surface, which also bears the further fractures. We need to design conservation-grade adhesive. This University impression of baskets and cords that a support system that meets the necessitated the construction of a its creators rested on it when damp requirements of display and safe Museums. (Fig 3), and fabric impressions from handling. 2011 (UA2012.575) Fig 4: Dr Reade manually cleans a fragment of the fres
framework of modern conservation that, having learnt from past experiences, requires the minimum of intervention that is sufficient to achieve stability and increased longevity of the object. I have been working on two sections that clearly join each but which are broken into 111 pieces. Microscopic examination revealed great detail, including that the white lime plaster was strengthened by the incorporation of very fine plant fibres, and the paint surface had been coated since excavation with a substance that is now brown. This coating lies in the multitude of tiny pits and abrasions of the plaster surface, which also bears the impression of baskets and cords that its creators rested on it when damp (Fig 3), and fabric impressions from the wet cloths that they applied to stop the plaster from setting before the paint could be applied. The use of the fresco technique has ensured the pigments have remained bright and well adhered. Cleaning off this organic coating has required of swabbing with a solution of ethanol and water, and picking away the remaining coating, and dirt trapped under it, with a fine-pointed dental tool under a microscope (Fig 4). The organic coating has encouraged the growth of black mould that has now been treated. Because the pavement fragments with their crumbling edges were fragile, I consolidated them with a weak solution of a high-quality, conservation-grade adhesive. This necessitated the construction of a solvent-resistant mesh basket for dipping the fragments a few at a time in a steel basin of consolidant, carefully sealing it to allow the consolidant to wick up into the porous fragments, thoroughly permeating and strengthening them. Next the pieces of this ancient jigsaw have to be joined, again with a special adhesive that can be dissolved if necessary and that will not become brittle and discolour over time. Because the plaster was laid directly on the ground its thickness is uneven, requiring support underneath so that it does not have to take its own weight with the risk of further fractures. We need to design a support system that meets the requirements of display and safe handling. Work on the pavement continues, and the excitement builds as this wonderful vignette from the distant past once more evokes the exotic Nile and the achievements of Akhenaten’s brilliant craftsmen. Dr Wendy Reade is a Conservator, Sydney University Museums. 2011 (UA2012.575) Fig 4: Dr Reade manually cleans a fragment of the fres
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