Műtárgyvédelem, 2008 (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum)
Várhegyi Zsuzsanna: Egy 18. századi bőrborítású nyereg konzerválása, restaurálása
the leather cover and the leather lining, through which the crumbles of the stuffing matter was pouring out. It was probably also affected by moisture since the surface hardened and developed stains at several places. The research of the history of the object revealed the date of the production of the saddle: it belongs to a group of objects, to the harness of a coach-and-six, which was used on the occasion of the crowning of King Francis I in 1792. The harness of the coach of six is in the possession of the Hungarian National Museum. The materials that compose the object and a part of the dirt on them could be determined with the analyses of the materials. Microscopic analyses revealed that a grey dirt layer covered the surface of the leather cover, under which the blue-dyed grain layer appeared during cleaning. The dilution tests of the dye showed that the pigment flows off the surface when it is moistened. To check and to interpret the result of the analyses, we made dying tests, which contributed to the planning of the conservation as well. It could also be determined that the dye on the leather was of an organic origin but the exact determination was not explicit. It had to be decided after the analyses of the materials to what degree the object should be disassembled since this step would determine the process and the methods of the entire work. With consideration to the poor condition of the materials, we decided to partly disassemble the object, so the various organic and inorganic materials had to be treated together. The cleaning of the saddle brought a spectacular result: the original blue and white surface appeared from under the dark dirt layer and the colour contrast became conspicuous. A mixture of organic solvents was used for cleaning with respect to the water-sensitivity of the leather. The peeling grain layer of the leather cover had to be consolidated with 1% hydroxi-propyl-cellulose dissolved in isopropanol. After consolidation, the missing areas were replaced: first the wooden frame, then the leather components and the paper inlays were treated. The leather components were completed with various leathers of similar tanning as the originals, and ones the surfaces of which matched the original ones the best. The surfaces were dyed and aged to resemble the worn surface of the object. The textile support was also consolidated, and then the object was reassembled. The missing stuffing matter was replaced with upholstery wadding. In result, the stability of the saddle was reconstructed and it can safely be moved with the mended tears and the replaced missing areas. The majority of the original stitches and nails could be preserved so the original production technology can be studied on the object. The worn surfaces of the characteristic blue colour were not reconstructed because of aesthetic considerations, yet the appearance of the object significantly improved. A szerző címe /Author’s address: Várhegyi Zsuzsanna Papír-bőr tárgyrestaurátor müvész/Paper- and leather conservator MA Tel.: 06/70/457-60-18 e-mail: varhegyizsu@gmail.com 182
