Conservation work on this Regency period commode. It is distinguished by its crossbow shape and its rosewood veneer, adorned with gilt bronzes, on an oak and softwood structure.
Our first task was to stabilize the veneered surfaces by injecting protein-based adhesive. Next, the gaps were filled with grafts of new rosewood, sawn, scraped, and sanded. These grafts, then varnished with a French polish, were allowed to oxidize naturally under UV light. Finally, we positioned them to the correct thickness on the backing and then glued them in place with hot glue.
Furthermore, the shellac finish was dry-cleaned with synthetic sponges. In addition, we performed color touch-ups, protected by a urea-aldehyde varnish. As for the bronzes, they were dusted and degreased with aliphatic hydrocarbons, without being disassembled. Finally, a light coat of microcrystalline wax harmonizes the finish of the entire piece.
Last week, we presented a Regency commode finished with a wax polish. We also colored its ungilded bronze mounts, following the recipe of Jean Félix Watin. Here are the two chests of drawers side by side. On the right, the finish is polished wax, with restored, ungilded bronze mounts. On the left, however, the chest of drawers is varnished with shellac, with gilded bronze mounts.
