Ottawa - Canadian Association for Conservation

Burning Questions:
Treatment Considerations for a Fire-damaged Sewing Table
Amanda Salmon, Conservator, Intern
Canadian Institute for Conservation, Ottawa ON
Alastair Fox, Conservator, Furniture and Decorative Arts
Canadian Institute for Conservation, Ottawa ON
In 2008-2009, the Furniture laboratory at the Canadian Conservation Institute undertook the
treatment of a Victorian sewing table that had been damaged in a fire. Approximately 85% of the
inlaid veneer on the lid and the front of the apron was destroyed, there was localized, superficial
charring of the case substrate, and scorching on the front of the work basket and the base. The
structure of the table was considered quite stable; however, much of the remaining veneer was heavily
soiled, blistered, brittle and/or lifting.
The treatment of the object posed a variety of issues and challenges. While the condition of the lid
was poor, valuable details including tool marks and the ‘ghosts’ of all missing marquetry decoration
were retained in the char. Similarly, the marquetry on the front of the scorched bonnet, blackened
and brittle through its entire thickness, was still relatively complete. The overall condition of the base
was good in comparison, as damage was limited to the front and almost entirely to the finish. Issues
of structural integrity were relatively uncomplicated, but the aesthetic and interpretive integrity of the
object was compromised by the sewing table’s incongruent appearance. Through consultation with the
curator, and considering the potential for new research in the area of consolidation of charred wood,
the decision was made to stabilize charred areas, fill losses and return the object to a more complete
appearance.
With very little information available regarding the treatment of charred wood, extensive testing
was required to find a suitable resin to consolidate the fragile surface. Charred areas of the substrate
required consolidation with a resin with the strength and flexibility which could accommodate the
inevitable movement of sound adjacent wood in the future, and also, where necessary, bond with inpainting
media, adhesive, fill materials and veneer components. A resin was chosen and a method
for the impregnation of localized areas on the oversized object was developed to ensure adequate
penetration of the consolidant.
To replace the missing marquetry, photographic analysis was used to reveal original details. A
marquetry chevalet was constructed and the decorative elements revealed through the photography
were reproduced using traditional techniques. Scaled photographs of the lid before treatment were
also used to accurately register the new veneer fills adjacent to the original marquetry.
This presentation will discuss both the ethical and technical challenges faced throughout
the treatment and will highlight new methodologies and the use of existing technologies for
unconventional means.