Prékopa Ágnes (szerk.): Ars Decorativa 31. (Budapest, 2017)
Veronika SZILÁGYI: Rebirth of the Gundel Centrepiece: Methodological Experiments in the Restoration of Enamelled Metalwork
4. The reverse of one of the granulated filigree plates, with a surface resembling electrotype. Photo by the author cast. With regard to the parts that were presumably made using electrotyping, it was not possible in every case to determine the method of manufacture, so a series of experiments was carried out, the results of which will form the subject of a later publication. Preparation, cleaning, preservation Due to the size and complicated structure of the artwork, particular attention was paid to ensuring that similar components could be distinguished from each other, so that they would be returned to their original places. Dismantling was therefore preceded by careful planning. Disassembling the centrepiece, in certain cases, required the use of special tools and pliers. (Figs. 5-6) When removing the shell-shaped elements, a set of unique tools, including pliers with different types of profiles, was needed for the hard-to-reach screws that hold the patti in place. When disconnecting the decorative rim of the central section, removing the internal beaded wire posed particular difficulties. In addition to its decorative function, the rim also covers the threaded screws that affix the rim to the deep central part. With the passage of time, it also assumed a third function, as many of the threaded screws became broken or lost, and so it was held together only by the stems that were bent over to fix the beaded wire. The Gundel Centrepiece was cleaned— starting with the smaller components, together with the removal of the later, now worn-out additions, taking into consideration the size and condition of the surface to be cleaned—using the methods and materials that are generally used for surfaces of this kind. With the exception of the enamelled decorations, cleaning was begun everywhere with a weak solution of surfactant and distilled water. Acetone was used as a 5. Removing the shell decorations. Photo by Gábor Juhász 116
