Arigid timber beam, 100 3 30 mm in section, was then used
across the back of the frame as a retaining bar to hold the panel/support
assembly in place (Fig. 15).
Finally, the back of the frame was totally enclosed with two thin
plywood sheets as backboard sections, fitted above and below the retaining
bar. The backboards may be removed to allow inspection of the retained
assembly without its being disturbed in any way.
An advantage of using this type of auxiliary support system is that
it is one of the least intrusive methods of tackling problems such as those
presented by the Keirincx-Savery panel. Most of the remaining original
surface features have been preserved, and if at any time there is a suspi-
cion that further problems are arising, conservators can gain access
quickly and easily by removing the lattice, leaving only the retaining
blocks attached to the panel. By themselves, these blocks are unlikely to
have an adverse effect on the panel and do not preclude the possibility of
further conservation work being carried out, after which the lattice could
again be easily replaced.Reducing friction on the supporting edge of heavy panels
When the panel work was completed, there still remained a framing
difficulty to overcome. The Keirincx-Savery highlighted this recurrent
problem of displaying large, heavy, horizontal-grain panels.396 Marchant
Figure 14
Keirincx-Savery, Death of Orpheus,reverse. The
retaining blocks are glued in place; the flexible
auxiliary support is engaged.
Figure 15
Keirincx-Savery, Death of Orpheus, reverse.
Thecompleted panel/support assembly is
shown mounted in the frame, with the retain-
ing bar in place.