Conservation is a way to help beloved objects stand the tests of time. But sometimes time needs a little help, too- timepieces that is. Here at The Conservation Center, we recently conserved an antique wall clock that dates from the mid to late 19th century.
This wooden wall clock was made by János Brauswetter, a master craftsman who specialized in clock work. The inscription on the clock face is “Brauswetter János Szegeden,” which is the artist’s family name, given name, and then “from Szeged,” the city in Southern Hungary that Brauswetter called home. Other than the attention to detail seen in his clocks, Brauswetter is also known for his renovation work on the ancient synagogue and city hall of his hometown.
Before Treatment
After Treatment
Time had taken its toll on this piece. Some of the damages our conservators reported were splits in the door rails, loose moldings, and a dulled polished surface. The carcass bottom of the clock had undergone previous restoration attempts and had an area of loss. In addition, many parts of the clock had gone missing over time, such as the hands and pendulum, the crown, decorative door blocks, and the column to the left of the door, among others.
During Treatment
The clock provided our team with many challenges, especially due to the missing pieces, but our Furniture Department quickly created a plan of action. Proposed treatments included polish revival, securing the splits in the wood, filling small areas of loss and toning them to emulate the surrounding area, and reducing the size of the glass in the door to better fit the frame. Areas of loss in the clock would be reproduced and replaced. Finally, once the treatment is complete, the clock will be covered in a protective coating of microcrystalline wax to help prevent splits and loss in the future.
During Treatment
After Treatment
After initial documentation, the treatment for the clock began with a surface cleaning to remove the layer of particulate film. Next, the polished surface was revived, the splits in the wood were secured, and the area of loss on the carcass was filled and toned to emulate the surrounding area. Lastly, the glass on the clock face was reduced in size to properly fit the clock.
During Treatment
During Treatment
One of the conservators of our Furniture and Objects Department, Robin, led the project. He was also responsible for carving the replacement pieces for the clock.
After Treatment
After Treatment
After Treatment
Once the freshly carved pieces were installed onto the piece and toned to match the rest of the clock, the entire piece received a layer of microcrystalline wax for future protection. We think János Brauswetter would be proud.
Before Treatment
After Treatment
