Collections Online | British Museum

Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience.

Treatment; 16 Aug 2001; Clean. Secure paint and gesso. Touch in replacement string.; Organics

Reason: Temporary Exhibition
Description: The harp was cleaned with Wishab sponge (vulcanized latex,filler) the residue was removed with a low suction vacuum cleaner. The fibre 'sound board' was secured using a 20% solution of Klucel G (hydroxypropyl cellulose) in Industrial methylated spirits (ethanol,methanol). The lifting areas of gesso and pigment were secured in the following manner: 1. The area was consolidated with a 1% solution of Paraloid B72 (ethyl methacrylate copolymer) in a 50:50 mixture of Industrial methylated spirits (ethanol,methanol) and Acetone (propan-1-one/dimethyl ketone). This was applied with a sable brush. 2. The areas was then flooded with white spirit, this protects the surface from staining while allowing the adhesive to penetrate beneathe the flakes. 3. A 6% solution on Vinamul 3252 (vinyl acetate,ethylene copolymer) is introduced beneath the flake using a sable brush. 4. Light pressure is applied until the adhesive has cured. The colour of the replacement string was evened out using a wash of Cryla colours (acrylic) applied with a brush.
Details: Treatment