ABSTRACT
In many instances the first action of a conservator after initial examination of a ceramic object is to remove materials applied during former conservation and restoration treatments. There are indeed a number of reasons why this may be desirable. Such materials may simply be unsightly, if, for example, they were clumsily applied, or if they have become discoloured (Figure 6.1). They may have been applied in such a way that they are misleading, with modelling of missing parts being spurious or with fillings or retouching too extensive, hiding original material (Figure 6.2). Included in this category are ‘restorations’ that have intentionally changed the appearance of the object (Figure 6.3). In other instances they may have deteriorated to a state where they are no longer effective and perhaps make handling of the object unsafe (Figure 6.4). In the worst cases, deterioration of materials can be causing damage to the object, for example, when adhesives, coatings or consolidants are shrinking and breaking up the fabric of the object, or when metal rivets are corroding and causing staining.
