Restoration of a Regency cartel clock in brown tortoiseshell and brass marquetry, with an Atlas bronze mount bearing the dial. The piece exhibited significant structural and decorative damage, necessitating a complete intervention according to the principles of conservation-restoration.
State of affairs report
This cartel clock, probably dating from the early 18th century, showed signs of age: lifting marquetry, detachment of the tortoiseshell, oxidation of the brass, and multiple losses. Furthermore, the bronze of’Atlas, Bent under the weight of the celestial vault, it was blackened. Indeed, decades of dust and oxidation had frozen its expression.
We therefore carried out a systematic survey of all the elements, with a mapping of the alterations.
• First, a marquetry partially detached at 80 %, with tensions between the scale and the brass due to hygrometric variations.
• Next, a oxidation brass, a sign of active corrosion.
• In addition, a bleached scale, sometimes brittle, often detached from the base.
• Finally, some bronzes covered with a non-uniform black patina, with traces of oxidation and wear on the polished areas.
The Restoration
After partially dismantling the added elements, we first stabilized the solid oak support:
• Then occasional rehydration of certain subsided areas, followed by pressing.
• Afterwards, consolidation dovetail joints using reversible animal glue injection.
• Moreover, deposit of certain brass components and deoxidation by bath.
• Moreover, rehydration of scale and glues by vacuum infiltration.
• Then restitution missing brass, after cutting on the marquetry easel.
• Finally, regluing marquetry using hot animal glue, to guarantee reversibility and compatibility.
As for the unregistered brass marquetry, we cleaned and deoxidized it by peeling. A light coat of shellac varnish then protected it. Finally, we sanded the varnish and applied a layer of microcrystalline wax. Furthermore, the bronzes were cleaned ultrasonically, without any abrasion of the modeling. Thus, a natural patina based on waxes and oxides restores the figure's dignity without betraying its age.
Restoring a Boulle marquetry clock case is therefore about finding a balance between historical accuracy and artisanal skill. The bronze of Atlas, once again in all its majesty, becomes the central point of this clock, a symbol of the strength and endurance of time.
Through this restoration, a whole facet of French decorative art is brought back to life. It pays homage to the craftsmanship of cabinetmakers of yesteryear, while respecting modern requirements. Indeed, this intervention aimed for maximum reversibility, legibility of the restorations, and respect for the original materials. Finally, the cartel clock regains its aesthetic unity and stability, while retaining the marks of time that attest to its authenticity.
