Műtárgyvédelem, 2005 (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum)
Összefoglalók
vation of an object - whether it be a Roman archaeological find, a sixteenth century decorated book, a seventeenth century inlaid cabinet, or an ornamental well not even a hundred years old - requires every bit as much erudition and expertise on the part of the conservator as does the conservation of an icon or a mural. It can perhaps be summarized by saying that we are striving to create a greater awareness of the principle that all objects which we have around us form part of our cultural heritage, irrespective of their intended purpose or current market value. They may owe their significance to the place they occupy in different movements, for example artistic, historic or cult; they may be in State, Church or private hands; but, in all cases their conservation and preservation requires a sound grasp of the ethical dimension to conservation, tried and tested means and equipment, and experts who are well qualified in their particular fields. Restoration of a second century bronze lantern from Kálóz Attila Péter In the course of the work the physical condition of the lantern was stabilised and the chances of it undergoing further chemical change were reduced.. The lantern was broken with parts missing; in places it was severely corroded and badly fragmented. During cleaning acetone was used to dissolve the ceresine that had been left behind by earlier conservation attempts; by doing so the object was then in a state where further treatment on it would be possible. The tin-solder that had been used on the handle was removed by mechanical aids, paying due regard to the danger of thus forming a galvanic cell. The remainder of the cleaning was completed using an alkaline glycerol solvent. The fragments of the base of the lantern were evened with the aid of wooden instruments, and glued them together with epoxy resin. The replacement pieces were fashioned in plasticine, and galvanoplastic copies were made from their mould. Then the fragments were able to be glued to them. The prepared fragments of the flange were glued that held together the top of the lamp to a ring which was reconstructed from pressed copper on the basis of the available fragments. Where it was necessary the top was supplemented with polyester synthetic resin containing metallic filler. The handle was glued with epoxy resin and placed a small brass disc underneath for added strength. The missing supporting piece, the two legs and the replacement spheres for the top were cast using the lost wax process. The triple braid of the hanging apparatus was reconstructed on the basis of the existing material. Reconstruction of the lamp was achieved analogically with pressed metal which was then decorated by punching and on to which the wick holder was soldered. The patina on the replacement pieces was enhanced with potassium polysulphide, and the conservation process was completed with Paraloid B72. In its newly restored state, the lantern, as well as being of interest in an exhibition context, opens up numerous possibilities for further study. For example it can make a useful contribution to surveys of the age of the Roman Empire in general, and into everyday life and bronze craftsmanship in particular. 197
