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Treatment; 29 Mar 1996; Stabilise areas of loose gesso and pigment. Consult AK re toning abrasions, filling losses, discoloured varnish etc.; Organics

Reason: Storage
Description: Tenting flattened and loose flakes relaid by infiltrating 12% Vinamul 3252 (vinyl acetate,ethylene copolymer) into the pigment/gesso and gesso/textile interface using white spirit as a surfactant. The treated areas were allowed to rest for about 20 minutes then covered with a sheet of Melinex (polyester) and carefully pressed back against the support using finger pressure with a slight rolling motion. The large blister was relaid by injecting a small ammount of 20% glue size in distilled water into the textile/wood panel interface. The blister was then pressed down against the support and held in place by weights until the size had set. Missing areas of gesso were replaced with a gesso made from 10% glue size in distilled water mixed with plaster of paris to a consistency that was as soft or softer than the original gesso. The makeup was coloured to blend with the original material using Winsor and Newton artist's watercolours (organic, inorganic pigments, gum arabic). The retouched areas were varnished with several coats 20% Ketone N (polycyclohexanone) in white spirit until a sheen similar to the original was achieved.
Details: Treatment