Ship

The Central Museum in Utrecht, The Netherlands, has in its halls,
amongst others, an archaeological ship. This ship dates from around
the year 1000 and is made of oak. It was found in December 1930 in,
as most finds in The Netherlands, a wet surrounding. It was treated
with warm creosote (oil) to which later linseed oil was added. It
was reconstructed in its present location in a basement-hall of the
museum. There it has been supported by iron framework, made in the
30th. Its largest part is 14,3 by 2 meters.

Over the last 60 years the wood has shrunk and despite supports and
additions warped. The wood is dark in colour, "oily" to the touch,
still has the smell of creosote and is extremely brittle. Especially
the brittleness makes conservation treatment necessary.

Because of renovations of the museum the ship has to be moved. Since
the installation however extensions have been added to the building
that make it impossible to get the ship out in one piece., therefore
it is necessary to take the ship apart.

So far, in short, the situation, now the questions:

    *   does anybody know whether it is at all possible to treat an
        object formerly treated with creosote and linseed, if so,

    *   what are the possibilities,

    *   the ship can not be treated in situ, therefore it is
        necessary to support it(s parts) in dismantling and
        transportation, has anybody got suggestions

I am open for any information, first or second-hand experience and
suggestions. Also if you want more information, please contact;

Jaap van der Burg
Collection Care & Consult

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:13
                  Distributed: Friday, August 1, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-13-017
                                  ***