Polychrome Wooden Plaque

(A634985)

Date: 15th to 16th c.

Materials: Wood, gilding, paint, lead

Object Description: Wooden plaque depicting Saint Felicity with her seven sons, Spanish or Italian 15th to 16th centuries

Condition: Condition is poor overall with much of the polychrome surfaces being highly friable. The plaque is made up of  approximately five paint colours present on the surface: red/maroon, blue, brown, dark green, and black. The majority of the carvings are gilded. Red and blue paint appears to be newer with a gloss finish compared to other pigments on the plaque. 

Treatment Purpose: Safe transport from Blythe House to new storage facility. 

Treatment Performed: Surfaces of the gilding were cleaned using funori gel with cotton swabs. All chipped paint was carefully reattached using sturgeon glue. Locations that were delaminating were consolidated using Klucel G. Locations that were more stable were cleaned with 1:1 acetone and deionised water which effectively removed the staining and residues without affecting paint or gilding.