October 9th to 20th: Meanwhile, back in the Studio!
Back at Hirst’s Fine Art Studio, the conservation works to the panel paintings are underway...
Last week, Phillipa McDonnell from University of Lincoln Conservation carried out XRF analysis on the various colour fields to help determine elemental composition of the paints. This data is now being assessed to provide insight on pigments used and whether it can explain some of the corrosion behaviour, particularly when coupled with environmental conditions within the church.
This week, after an action plan was determined for treating corrosion to the panel paintings, the removal process began. The initial removal of corrosion product is being carried out mechanically. This careful and controlled method removes the evident galvanic corrosion, revealing the underlying zinc substrate. Corrosion inhibitor is then being applied to prevent reoccurrence. This will then be followed with a coating to all affected areas, to further prevent future corrosion.