My name is Beth Werrett and I am a conservator for the Wiltshire Conservation Service. I recently treated an extremely unusual table, which was inlaid with fossils; the object was so popular in our building it seemed like an excellent candidate for discussion on our blog.

 
Condition of the table before any conservation work was carried out

Background

Lyme Regis Museum successfully attained a grant from AIM (Association of Independent Museums) to conserve the Buckland Fossil Table. The table was owned by William Buckland one of the leading geologists of the 19^th Century. Buckland was a highly regarded character who, whilst Professor of Geology at Oxford University, carried out pioneering work not only in the study of dinosaurs, but also the analysis of coprolites or fossilised faeces. The large inlay panel of the Buckland fossil table is set with coprolites which have been cut in half and polished to a high sheen. The table is highly unusual and an extremely popular exhibit at Lyme Regis Museum.

Condition of the table

The table was stable, but fragile when it arrived at the Wiltshire Council Conservation Service. The table top was original, but the base of the table was a simple modern replacement. The veneer over much of the table top had lifted from the table surface, probably due to the age of the adhesive and fluctuations in the humidity of its display environment. In many areas the veneer had been lost completely.

 
Detail of the damage

It is thought that as the piece was on open display and the public were able to touch the surface of the inlay panel this may have weakened the matrix surrounding the coprolites, leading to loss of material. This was so great that in some areas the fossils were moving risking further damage in the future. In addition a substantial amount of cracking had occurred to the underside of the inlay panel. Repairs had been made in the past with substances resembling plaster and animal glue, however many of these repairs were unsightly and failing themselves.

Conservation Treatment

Due to the significance of the table and the unusual nature of the inlay a number of specialist Natural History conservators were consulted. The aim was to determine that the materials and treatments chosen would not have a detrimental affect upon the object. A lot of useful information and advice was gathered and a suitable treatment plan formulated.

It was important to avoid introducing moisture to the coprolites, as they are sensitive to fluctuations in humidity. Therefore I chose a fill material that did not have water as part of the mix and was strong, but light placing no stress on the surrounding original material. Only the new fills were tinted to blend with the original matrix. It was felt that the earlier repairs which were often white or yellowy in colour were part of the history of the object and should be retained in their current condition. The majority of the work required was focused underneath the table; after a month of lying on my back I have an even greater esteem for the work of Michaelangelo on the Cistine chapel, as I could barely move afterwards!

 
Conservation in action!

Simple repairs were carried out on the lifting veneer surfaces to ensure that no additional damage occurred. Consultation with a specialist furniture conservator resulted in two options for re-adhering the lifting veneer, which was identified as an animal glue. Attempts to reactivate this adhesive with a combination of heat and water proved unsuccessful. I decided to apply a small quantity of rabbit skin glue to the surfaces which had lifted, as this was sympathetic to the original methods of manufacture. The rabbit skin glue should react to changes in the environment in a similar way to the wood avoiding stress building in the joins and causing damage.

Following conservation of the table protective coverings have been constructed to provide protection from handling by the public and to support the inlay panel from underneath. It is hoped that this will prevent damage occurring in the future.

 
Table after the conservation work has been completed

If you have enjoyed this article, the following entries may also be of interest:

Conservation of The Vessel Hoard

Amesbury Archer