The Structural Conservation of Panel Paintings

Case description

This apparatus was constructed in 1988. The method follows the principles

described in the previous section. Screw clamps are arranged by some

means around the panel to provide joining pressure. Alignment pressure is

applied perpendicularly to the panel plane.

A more extensively damaged panel^13 of larger dimensions than the

one discussed above necessitated construction of a more versatile combina-

tion of support table and rejoining apparatus. It was necessary to remove

battens to gain access to splits and to insect-damaged wood. The panel

required interim support until all the splits were glued and an auxiliary rein-

forcement applied. As the restraining battens were removed and the splits

glued, it was expected that the panel conformation would vary accordingly,

so that the interim support would have to be made adjustable to panel

warp. Again, right-angled-section girders were used for construction.

Apparatus description and application

Amain table was constructed that could, as work proceeded, support the

panel’s changing curvature across the grain direction and also provide a

framework from which joining apparatus could be applied (Fig. 9a, b). The

Larger Apparatus

for Treating Panels

Horizontally

S R M  P P 427

Legs

Feet

Right-angled-

section metal

Wooden

beam

Soft foam Panel Blockboard

Extension Box-frame table

Figure 9a, b
Drawing of an apparatus for rejoining larger
panels, consisting ofa table with extension,
shown in elevation (a) from the end-grain
edge of the panel. Note the angle adjustment
of the extension, which accommodates the
panel’s curvature, and the turnscrews on the
left, which are angled so as to direct joining
pressure through the panel plane, thereby
reducing buckling tendency. A view from
below (b) shows the same end of a large panel
during the rejoining ofa split. The panel is
facedown, and the facing is removed only in
the area surrounding the split.

a

b