Conservation and Restoration Report
Object Description
Object: Folding fan
Attributed to: Princess Victoria, Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter (Victoria, Princess Royal, later German Empress and Queen of Prussia)
Date: Circa mid-19th century
Materials: Painted silk or paper leaf, mother-of-pearl sticks and guards with engraved and pierced decoration, gilded monogram, lace trim
Condition Before Treatment
Leaf:
- Noticeable distortion and minor tears along pleats.
- Yellowing and localized staining.
- Paint layer stable but with superficial soiling.
Sticks and Guards:
- Mother-of-pearl elements slightly dulled, with surface abrasions.
- Several blades (sticks) had fractures and partial breaks, including losses along delicate pierced areas.
- Edges of broken areas fragile and at risk of further flaking or detachment.
- Slight warping affecting alignment.
Pivot Area:
- Slight looseness, compromising structural rigidity.
Treatment Process
Surface Cleaning
- Dry surface cleaning using soft brushes and micro-vacuum.
- Localized cleaning with dampened cotton swabs and deionized water to remove grime from mother-of-pearl surfaces.
Structural Stabilization
- Minor consolidation of fragile areas on the leaf with a reversible adhesive.
- Controlled humidification to relax and reshape warped guards.
Mother-of-Pearl Blade Repairs
- Consolidation of Cracks: Fine cracks and partial breaks stabilized using conservation-grade adhesive (e.g., Paraloid B-72), carefully injected into fracture lines.
- Edge Re-adhesion: Broken segments carefully aligned and bonded under magnification to ensure accurate fit.
- Gap Filling: Where small losses occurred, fills made using compatible reversible resin mixed with iridescent mica powder to approximate mother-of-pearl sheen.
- Surface Finishing: Light polishing of repaired areas to blend with surrounding mother-of-pearl, followed by a protective microcrystalline wax layer.
Decorative Elements
- Stabilization of gilded monogram and painted coat of arms to prevent further flaking.
Mechanical Adjustments
- Tightening of pivot area to improve alignment and secure opening and closing.
Condition After Treatment
- Leaf realigned, free of major distortions; colors and details visibly enhanced.
- Mother-of-pearl sticks structurally stable and aesthetically unified, with cracks and breaks consolidated.
- Decorative motifs protected and visually strengthened.
- Fan functional, allowing safe operation.
Visual Documentation
Before and After Images
Left: Before treatment, showing distortions, soiling, and broken blades.
Right: After treatment, showing restored alignment, consolidation, and enhanced surface appearance.
Recommendations for Future Care
- Store in a climate-controlled environment (~50% relative humidity, ~18–22°C).
- Avoid direct light exposure (particularly UV).
- Handle only with gloves.
- Store flat or in a custom archival box with acid-free supports when not on display.
- Limit frequent opening and closing to reduce stress on repaired blades.
- Periodically inspect for any new fractures or signs of instability.
Historical Note
The crowned monogram “VM” and heraldic motifs support attribution to Princess Victoria, underscoring this fan’s significance as a ceremonial and personal royal artifact.
