Wall of Iron
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Winterthur, DE, USA
In the fall of 2016 a pipe burst behind the plaster wall displaying a large installation of iron objects, mostly American from the 18th and 19th centuries.
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All objects were deinstalled, but many objects exhibited corrosion from even the brief contact with the plaster and water. I treated 5 historic iron objects in total. The "wall of iron," as it came to be called, was re-installed in the summer of 2018 (left).
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See below for more details of my treatment process.
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Be sure to hover on some of the images to reveal the after treatment photos!
Hasp
Iron strap hasp with remnants of orange and blue paint, corroded from contact with the plaster wall during the water event. Coated with Microcrystalline wax.
c. 1750-1800, Pennsylvania, USA, 1969.2121
Images by James Schneck
Hinge
Iron strap hinge corroded from contact with the plaster wall during the water event. Traces of beige paint from original door. Removed corrosion and coated with Microcrystalline wax. c. 1750-1800, Pennsylvania, USA, 1969.2132
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Images by James Schneck
Ladle
Wrought iron ladle with high zinc brass bowl. Inscription reads, "T·A 1827." Localized corrosion caused by polish residue left in the inscription. c. 1827, Pennsylvania, USA
1965.2717
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Images by James Schneck