Enamel Plaque

Above: Before Conservation

This medieval enamel plaque was excavated in Kinnesswood, and is believed to have possibly belonged to a reliquary. It has been decorated with multiple colours of enamel, including red, green, yellow, blue and white, forming a cross with symmetrical decoration. Much of the enamel has been preserved, however most of the metal surface has severely deteriorated – only a few small spots of original surface are visible on the back. The remaining metal was extremely fragile and crumbling, and required conservation to prevent further losses.

Above: After Conservation

Our conservators cleaned the metal areas using small hand tools and glass bristle brushes. The enamel was gently cleaned only with cotton swabs dipped in solvents to remove any remaining soil and dirt. Throughout cleaning, it was found that a previous coating had trapped some archaeological soiling beneath the surface. This was also removed so that the soiling could be further reduced.

The object was then immersed in a corrosion inhibiting solution, and lacquered to prevent further deterioration issues.