Prékopa Ágnes (szerk.): Ars Decorativa 31. (Budapest, 2017)
Veronika SZILÁGYI: Rebirth of the Gundel Centrepiece: Methodological Experiments in the Restoration of Enamelled Metalwork
10. Replacement parts. Photo by Iván Jaksity An alloy with a higher content of silver was required because of the enamels, which, when melted, adhere better to silver alloys with a purity of 930 ppt or higher. The surfaces of the finished replacement parts were treated with the same preservative as the original parts. Among the replacement parts, the most complicated and time-consuming task was to make the missing filigree spherical decoration. The individual components were made from sheets and wires of different thicknesses, which had to be soldered and engraved in accordance with the original. In addition, two smaller filigree decorations were made, as well as a large number of settings and discs with pearl, some complete enamelled flowers, and the enamelled components of two entire spherical decorations. (Fig. 10) (The enamelled pieces were fired in a kiln. Tests were conducted to find the right enamel colours.) The missing gemstones, emeralds, al- mandines and pearls were replaced with new ones. Besides the missing decorations, the damaged enamel parts were also part of the restoration process. In order to devise the best method, I conducted a series of experiments with plastic materials and with enamel powders. As a result, I formulated two techniques. 1. Since the experiments using enamel proved successful, the idea of using plastic materials as supplements was discarded. The missing sections were now filled with kiln-fired enamel replacements, based on samples taken from the missing surfaces. Negatives were made of the missing elements using dual component silicone putty. The positives were made from the type of plaster used by jewellers. A thin layer of enamel powder was applied to the plaster forms, which could be removed after firing. This method makes feasible the manufacture of supplements that fit precisely in the missing spaces, and which are identical in material and appearance to the original parts. These could now be glued onto the surface. Some of the supplements on the centrepiece needed retouching with water- based porcelain paint to imitate the original patterning. (Figs. 11-12) \ 11. Replacing and affixing missing enamel with fired enamel elements. Photo by the author lL-jpí. 12. Affixing the missing enamels after retouching. Photo by the author 119
