Archaeological water skin

Regarding Marina's query on an archaeological skin

Is it not possible to support the waterskin on a form-fitting
Perspex mount? It should be possible to construct such a mount which
supports the object without any need for attachment with glue or
thread. This would be far preferable to using adhesive or causing
further stress with either the original stitching holes used in the
1950s or the insect holes . Obviously no one  would contemplate
making new holes.

If an adhesive has to be used, it should not be one of natural
origin (gelatin, funori etc) as this compromises the future analysis
of an archaeological object. Paraloid B72 acrylic copolymer (known
in the USA as Acryloid B72) has been used on archaeological material
for 30 years and has proved to be extremely useful and efficient. A
viscous solution in acetone (some prefer a mixture of solvents)
handles well and usually provides good adhesion with ancient
leather.

It is hard to give more detailed help without further information on
the size and shape of the object and how it is intended to be
displayed. We hope this helps.

Richard and Helena Jaeschke
Archaeological Conservators

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:75
                  Distributed: Tuesday, March 23, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-75-005
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