Conservation around the Millennium (Hungarian National Museum, 2001)

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RESTORATION OF A PAIR OF 18TH CENTURY LEATHER GAITERS

Márta Kiss-Bendefy

INTRODUCTION

The leather gaiters were found in a chest recovered during excavations between 1994-95 from the charnel-house of a crypt under the Church of the Dominical Order in Vác. The bones of approximately 40 persons were laid here originated from coffins removed probably during the 18th century, but we suppose that this place could have been the earliest burial place of monks. For lack of the original coffins, the human and other remains found here could not be identified with names anymore.1

CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE RECOVERY AND CONSERVATION

The recovered pieces of leather were covered with organic residue and were slightly wet. (Picture 1.) Since several pieces of leather were found in the charnel-house it was hard to tell whether they were all from different pieces of clothing or whether they belonged to the same piece. The recovered pieces were wrapped in paper tissue sprayed with a thymol solution than wrapped in polyethylene foil and were stored in a temporary storage room in cardboard boxes. For cleaning the pieces of leather were soaked in deionised water for two days while moving them regularly. 1% of fatty alcohol sulphate was also added to the water in order to assist the removal of decomposed substances, organic residue and fatty stains. The water used for cleaning was changed several times and at the end of the cleaning process everything was rinsed in water. The pieces of leather were placed in a 50% water solution of glycerol for 24 hours and then placed between sheets of blotting paper for dehumidification. The pieces were treated with fat liquor2 on both sides and then laid out neatly between sheets of blotting paper and slowly dried one more time.

After drying, the pieces of leather regained their flexibility and it was possible to determine which pieces belonged to the same footwear. (Picture 2.)

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Before restoration could began we tried to find objects similar to the original, as without knowing the original format and manufacturing techniques of these items we couldn’t carry out an authentic reconstruction. Unfortunately we were unable to find similar pieces in Hungarian museum collections and contemporary illustrations of clothing didn’t have anything to offer either. We looked through the price lists of several contemporary shoemaker workshops, but found no trace of leather gaiters. Finally works on the history of Western European military attires helped us to find similar pieces.- 3-6- 7-8- 10

According to the descriptions gaiters can be found in the clothing of every nation. Their purpose was to protect the legs of those working or walking outside. They were made out of leather, livery or canvas. In many cases the straps of sandals wrapped tightly around the leg served as gaiters as well.

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