Wood veneering technology

Information on veneering technology at the turn of last century is
requested in relation to a large picture frame made in 1898 in
Melbourne, Australia.  It is of simple construction, with nailed
joins.  The frame profile is a wide descending bevel, that consists
of a single board attached to an outer member. The front surface is
covered with a quarter-sliced veneer that has the appearance of an
American oak.  The veneer is extremely thin (less than half
millimeter) and is backed with paper.  A brown, water-soluble glue is
used to attach the veneer to the paper backing and the paper to the
carcase wood. The veneer was applied following the construction of
the carcase which would make clamping rather inconvenient.  We were
wondering whether it could be an early form of "iron-on" veneer.

Holly McGowan-Jackson
Conservator of Frames & Decorative Wooden Art
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:15
                 Distributed: Thursday, August 24, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-14-15-012
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