Seminars and Workshops
Seminars and Workshops
This internship was part time and fully remote.
Treatment of an Islamic Palace Facade
Object: Palace Facade from the palace of Sayyed Akbar Shah
Acc.#: 1993.1.1-57
Date: 1835 (construction date)
Dimensions: 12 ft by 20 ft
Materials: Wood (Himalayan cedar, Indian rosewood, walnut) ferrous alloy, pigment
Collection: Denver Art Museum
Culture of Origin: Islamic, Pakistan
Treated in 2021 for permanent display in the Asian Art Galleris, in the newly renovated Martin Building at the Denver Art Museum
After Treatment & Installation
Context
This façade was part of the palace of Sayyed Akbar Shah, King of Swat (1835-57) between 1835 and 1992, located in Pakistan’s Swat Valley in the capital of Saidu. Sayyed Akbar Shah was the first and only ruler of the Kingdom of Swat, appointed to govern the newly unified Afghan clans in the area. The political upheaval after and British occupation of India prevented anyone from ascending his throne after his death in 1957. The Swat Kingdom - and palace - were abandoned.
The façade is one third of the main entrance, which would have stood to the left of the main doorway.
The façade had been treated upon acquisition in 1993, which may have included washing with a surfactant and local consolidation of the paint. It was exhibited from 1993 until 2017, when it was deinstalled for the renovation of the Martin building. It was treated several times for an unknown white bloom that routinely leached from the wood, usually heaviest at the interior carved elements.
Click images for details
Condition
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Scattered breaks and separated splinters
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White fatty acid bloom in areas of heavy carving. Heaviest area of bloom at the center of the door frame
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Previous adhesive repairs
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Wear to the pigment
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Overall surface dirt and dust
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The facade had been installed for decades and treated several times for the unknown white bloom since acquisition. Prior to this treatment campaign and reinstallation, the sections had been stored off site.
Click images for details
Treatment
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Surface cleaning of dust, debris, and bloom
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Lifting or loose splinters were stabilized with Paraloid B72 bulked with glass microballoons
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Fully separated splinters, or areas that supported weight after assembly were stabilized with hide glue
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Analysis of the white bloom, conducted by the Winterthur Scientific Research and Analytical Labratory. Bloom identified as palmitic acid.
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Treatment included brief documentation for each section and coordination with the Exhibitions and Installation Department
Click images for details
Before Treatment
Several Sections Staged for Treatment in the 5th Floor Gallery
During Treatment, Showing the Heavy Bloom on the Doors
After Treatment
Assembled Facade After Treatment and Installation
Detail of the Center of the Door, After Treatment and Installation