Wood Conservation

The designation ‘wood’ is a material domain within the department of conservation and refers to the organic raw material, whose workmanship and conservatorial care are as varied as the objects themselves. Often in conjunction with wooden objects are other very diverse materials present such as metal, textiles, ivory, tortoiseshell, mother of pearl, or in modern times, plastics or the so-called wood-based materials.

The surface of the object has particular significance. On the surface, depending upon the application of specific materials and techniques - painted, polished, waxed, or decorated – is where the wood acquires an individual aesthetic. The surface finish is like a ‘protective covering’, making the surface of the wood almost unlike any other part of the object. Through uncontrolled environmental conditions, the substance of the wood is at constant risk of movement, such as swelling, shrinkage, and warping. In the conservation process, the historical meaning of the object is to be preserved as well as the various states of preservation, methods of construction, and materials in the whole object are appreciated.

The conservatorial care of the diverse collection of furniture, everyday objects, weapons, models, and technical equipment – of which there are many large-sized objects – presents conservators with ever more challenges, especially in exhibition presentation, storage, and transport.