Preserving the artefacts in the National Brewery Collection can be a painstaking process, needing the help of specialist conservators.
We recently asked conservator Graham Key to look at the horse harness collection in our care. Some of the items in this extensive collection had at some point taken on low levels of mould. When inspected we realized that the mould was dead and this had left a powdery surface on some of the leather work. It was decided to carry out a basic ‘1st aid’ treatment on this material before re-packing and placing in storage.
Graham removed each harness set and collar from the store and took them to his studio where he removed the dry mould from each object using a mechanical cleaning method (conservation brushes and vacuum cleaner).
Objects were then further cleaned using two different solvents to remove any remaining mould. Each leather buckle had to be undone to access all the ‘hidden’ areas.
Once complete the objects were re-packed in their original sets, placed in crates along with each collar and returned to us for storage. Museum grade tissue, foam and crates were all used at this stage to ensure the long term care of the objects.
You can help preserve items in the National Brewery Collection by joining us as a member. We have individual and corporate memberships. Find out more here
Photo credit: Graham Key Conservation
