About the Work of the Restorers of the Belgorod State Historical and Local Lore Museum
Restoration is an art that requires deep knowledge, a refined taste, and enormous effort. A restorer is an important and significant profession in preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the Russian Federation. A restorer works with unique fragile museum objects that have centuries-old histories. A restoration specialist not only restores objects but also prevents their further deterioration, preserving the traditions and characteristics of the era. It is the restorer who can give museum objects a second life.
The Belgorod Historical and Local Lore Museum operates a restoration workshop where a textile restorer and a metal restorer work.
Bondar T.I. — Textile Restorer
Mezenko V.V. — Metal Restorer
Before beginning work on a museum object, the restorer conducts an examination of the item: the material it is made of, the degree of wear and deterioration, and also analyzes any earlier restoration interventions, if present. Specialists try to minimize their intervention and use the most gentle restoration methods possible.
After completing the examination the master determines the restoration method and creates a work plan.
When proceeding to the practical part of restoring textile collection items, the restorer performs removal of soiling and surface cleaning.
To carry out cleaning, the type of fabric, the dye, and the structure are identified. The textile restorer uses surgeons' and dentists' tools, needles of various shapes and thicknesses, and semi-transparent threads. A loupe is used for detailed study. To remove localized stains from museum textiles, various cleaning and washing agents are used, solutions of acids and alkalis, solvents from different chemical groups, solvent mixtures, oxidizers and reducers. Before washing, a dye fastness test is always conducted. All fabric cleaning procedures have been verified by more than one generation of restorers in our country.
After cleaning the fabric of surface contaminants, the restorer proceeds to the practical stabilization of fragile yarns and fibers. The simplest method is sewing torn cloths — a technique borrowed from peasant household practice. Tear areas are overcast-stitched with threads matching the fabric color. Such restoration does not save fragile fabrics but can be applied to repair joining seams. Another method for repairing tears in fragile fabrics is sewing-on. This method involves securing the upper layer to the lower (lining) layer with fine threads. One of the most effective methods is adhering damaged fabric areas to a transparent support cloth. However, it should be noted that when restoring textile objects it is impossible to use only one cleaning and restoration method.
At the Belgorod State Historical and Local Lore Museum the textile restorer has restored household textiles dating from the late 19th — early 20th centuries, items of traditional folk costume and various pieces of women's clothing from the late 19th — mid 20th centuries, and 19th-century headwear. Among the restored items are a lace shawl from the early 20th century that belonged to A.A. Shchepkina, the great-granddaughter of M.S. Shchepkin, and a unique panel from the late 19th century.
Panel before restoration
Panel after restoration
Shawl. Belonged to A.A. Shchepkina. Russia, Yelets. Early 20th century.
A small pillow used for storing handkerchiefs from the late 19th century also required restoration. It was transferred to the museum by the State Hermitage Museum in 1988. The pillow's stuffing was cotton wool, which over time had become compacted; the fibers became brittle and darkened. Because of its altered properties the filling could have damaged the object. The restorer therefore replaced the filling with a neutral material to preserve the museum item for many years.
Fragment of the exhibition 'Magic Patterns'
A large part of the museum collection consists of metal objects. The metal restorer performs restoration and conservation work on museum items made from various metals and alloys, including those of increased complexity.
All metal objects, with the exception of gold and platinum, are subject to corrosion to varying degrees.
To preserve metal items that have undergone corrosion, the restorer conducts cleaning of the object. The 'Everyday Items' museum collection contains many exhibits made of 'black' metals. This is an irons collection, some of which have already been restored.
Iron before restoration
Iron after restoration
Also among the restored exhibits is a washbasin with two spouts. This item arrived at the museum in poor condition. The lid and walls of the vessel were covered with a thick layer of rust. After many hours of painstaking work by the metal restorer, the vessel regained its original appearance.
Washbasin before restoration
Washbasin after restoration
Restoration artists constantly improve their knowledge, undertake internships at the largest restoration centers of leading museums in Russia. They study the newest techniques for conducting research and restoration procedures.
Thanks to the painstaking work of restorers, the monuments of history and culture of the Belgorod State Historical and Local Lore Museum are preserved. Restorers help museum objects continue their journey through time, preserving unique items for future generations.
Prepared by
O.M. Dmitrichenko,
Keeper of Museum Objects, Category I
Department of Inventory and Storage of Collections.
