Consolidating plaster of Paris sculptures

On behalf of Estelle, historian to the Voortrekker Museum,
Pietermaritzburg, Lucy Campbell-Ker <lucyc [at] prcsu__durban__gov__za>
writes

>Estelle writes of the collection: The collection of sculptures
>contains busts which were cast in plaster of Paris, some moulds, and
>cast relief panels. Some of the busts have been painted with what
>seems to be a water-based acrylic paint. These works seem to be
>stable. However, some of the unpainted busts have been exposed to
>water while they were in storage in the artist's studio and I am
>concerned about their conservation.

Structural issues with plaster can be tricky and even more so when
the surface is not painted.  I would recommend that if the object
"must" be exhibited that you provide a suitable display
support--possibly a tray style.  The support should remove any point
stress and contour to the surface which takes the most pressure
(usually the bottom edge).  Try to adjust the tilt of the mount so
the object is at an angle to reduce more stress.

Shelley Reisman Paine
Object and sculpture conservator


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:16
                 Distributed: Sunday, September 3, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-14-16-009
                                  ***