Copper alloy objects suspected of bronze disease: The Burrell bronzes
Resource type
Book chapter
Creator (person)
Bryan, Bethan N
Date published
2020
Abstract
Sixty-four copper alloy objects from within the Burrell Collection at Glasgow Museums were separated from the rest of the collection in 2000, due to suspected active ‘bronze disease’ – copper trihydroxychloride corrosion. Analysis of the corrosion products on these objects had indicated that only 20 of the 64 had copper trihydroxychlorides present. The present research focussed on assessing if the presence of copper trihydroxychloride corrosion indicated that the objects were unstable. To assess the level of corrosion activity, the objects were exposed to a high humidity environment in order to promote any active corrosion. Any subsequent corrosion minerals were analysed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to determine the nature of the corrosion activity present. If the corrosion was found to be active, appropriate treatment options were pursued. This testing and treatment protocol enabled the return of stabilised copper artefacts to the Burrell Collection with the minimal level of chemical stabilisation treatment.
Book title
Studies in Archaeological Conservation
Editor
Caple, Chris
Garlick, Vicky
Publisher
Routledge
Official URL
Rights statement
In Copyright