Patinations

Chinoiserie Writing Cabinet

Chinoiserie Writing Cabinet, circa 1830.

With provenance relating to Bedford, this delicate piece of lacquer furniture has survived largely intact. Inappropriate over layers of varnish had discoloured to a muddy yellow colour which masked the vibrancy of the gilded decoration. Accumulations of dirt also diminished the brilliance of the object. Many areas of cracked and lifting lacquer work were present with numerous areas of loss.

The damaged lacquer was stabilised and gently cleaned with a solvent formulated to target over layers of varnish without affecting the original lacquer. This again revealed the ornate gold, bronze and silver ornamentation that was finally re-saturated with a paraloid and clear wax.