01 Jul 2011
Collar before and after treatment
A purpose made conservation quality mannequin was ordered for the display of the uniform, this was covered with silk and cotton and lightly padded to insure it provides good support for the uniform while on display.
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Mannequin with padding in place
To help manage the effects of long term display of this object we were keen to find a way of checking if any light damage has already happened to the coat and then use its present condition as a baseline for monitoring it in the future.
We were very pleased to be able to link up with the Conservation Science Department at the Victoria and Albert Museum and our own Photographic Department who have been able to provide the equipment and expertise to enable us to do this. The equipment was used to take readings from uncovered areas of the coat that have had most exposure to light in the past and to compare them with covered areas such as under the lapels and on the inside of the coat. Analysis of the data will give an indication of the degree of fading, if any, that has taken place over the years of display and help to ensure that future display will not be causing damage.
It has been a fascinating conservation project to work on with many challenging aspects to it, The uniform has now been given a new lease of life which will help preserve it for future generations. After surface cleaning and mounting on its new mannequin the uniform is now back on display in National Maritime Museum Galleries.
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