In Need of Some Polish: Conservation of a Late 19th C Shoe Polish Box
Sometimes when a museum curator is planning an exhibition, they discover that there are artifacts needed to tell a story that are not yet part of the overall collection. This box was acquired by the BSM for just such a reason. It was purchased, along with its accompanying glass bottle containing remnants of black shoe polish, for our 2014 exhibition Fashion Victims: The Pleasures & Perils of Dress in the 19th Century.
As you can see from the photographs taken at the time of acquisition, the box was in poor condition. The paper wrapping covering the cardstock form was very dirty and had many losses. The corners of the box were torn and misshapen making it structurally unsound for display.
The paper was cleaned with cosmetic sponges and vinyl erasers to remove surface dirt. The box and its lid were gently humidified to reshape the distorted sides back into the intended shape. Holes in the torn paper wrapping were filled with a Kozo paper of similar weight. Kozo is made from the inner bark of the mulberry bush. The paper fills and torn corners were glued with wheat starch paste.
One side of the lid was missing some of its descriptive text. The gold ink drop shadow letters were recreated by photocopying an ‘R’,‘H’, ‘E’ and ‘S’, cutting them around them with a scalpel, then gluing them on to the Kozo paper patch.
13 comments
You know i have been a follower of your blog for a while now , and it amazes me how you always post such amazing stuff. I wish i had so much to say or knew this much.
ReplyDeleteEnthusiastic words written in this blog helped me to enhance my skills as well as helped me to know how I can help myself on my own. I am really glad to come at this platform.
ReplyDeleteรองเท้า เพื่อ สุขภาพ ผู้หญิง
I am thankful to this blog giving unique and helpful knowledge about this topic, I read your blog now share great information here. This blog increse my knowledge source .
ReplyDeleteสเปรย์ กันน้ำ
This is great! I’ll book mark this blog for future references
ReplyDeleteGreat information.
Keep up the good work and continue providing us more quality information from time to time.
www.fashionstyleio.com
Nice information! Buy shoe cleaning brush online made of soft and natural bristles.
ReplyDeleteShop Elevator Shoes for increasing height at JOTASHOES Online or In Store with the Lowest price on dress & business suit collection every day! elevator shoes for men
ReplyDeleteI found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work...
ReplyDeleteToys and Games
Toys and Games
What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteCheap Women Jewelry Online
It was wondering if I could use this write-up on my other website, I will link it back to your website though.Great Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSolar Power CCTV Camera
Great article Lot's of information to Read...Great Man Keep Posting and update to People..Thanks
ReplyDeleteBuy Computer Accessories Online
Thanks For sharing this Superb article.I use this Article to show my assignment in college.it is useful For me Great Work.
ReplyDeleteBuy Mobile Accessories Online
Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has provedyour hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading.
ReplyDeleteBuy Home Decor Online
Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share.
ReplyDeleteBirthday Party Supplies Online