Guidelines for Cemetery Conservation - National Trust of Australia

GUIDELINES FOR CEMETERY CONSERVATION
PART FOUR -- APPENDICES
adhesive to a block at the centre or base of the grave. In exceptional cases where the
character of the inscription and detailing of the monument is of such significance that
it must be preserved, it should be carefully removed to a prepared location in a local
museum and a facsimile monument erected in its place.
9. Rusting of cast iron memorials and loss of
inscriptions
Exposure to elements
10. Rusting of wrought iron memorials and
surrounds
Exposure to damp
11. Iron monuments broken in parts
Vandalism
Other inscriptions may be recut provided:
• recutting is carried out by a competent letter cutter;
• the precise character and mistakes of the original are meticulously retained.
Rusting of cast iron memorials such as those by ETNA and PATTON is superficial
and presents no structural problems. However, as the inscriptions are generally
painted on, these are rapidly lost and should be recorded before all trace is gone.
Failing this, documentary and oral sources should be tapped.
Rusting surfaces on most wrought iron is not seriously damaging unless it is flaking
heavily. However, where treatment is necessary the iron work should be dismantled,
grit blasted back to a hard surface and rust inhibitor applied. Alternatively, wrought
iron can be galvanised and painted. If it is considered necessary to clean back the iron
on site, great care must be taken to prevent particles falling on stonework, where it
will usually develop into ugly rust stains.
Parts can be joined if necessary by pin or splint. Wrought iron, but not cast, can be
easily welded.
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