Abby Huntoon ceramic vase
This sculptural ceramic vase is a part of the Garman Art Conservation Department's study collection. I took it on as a challenge to familiarize myself with ceramic repair and structural treatment.
Before treatment images
The vase is in two distinct pieces. The weight distribution of the two stacked sections makes for an unstable, difficult to clamp adhesive joint. I designed my treatment to solve two main problems:
1. The need for a strong clamping system to support an adhesive joint
2. The need for an adhesive strong enough to support the oddly distributed weight of the original configuration of the vase
Custom clamping system
The system I used for the final treatment worked from the inside out. A foam-padded molly bolt was threaded onto a rod. The molly bolt was held closed and lowered into place where it sprung open once released.
Holding onto the rod, a wooden disc with a hole at its center was placed over the end. The system was tensioned together using a washer and wing nut at the very top of the board (the underside of the board was thoroughly padded with foam).
The internal pressure from the open molly bolt inside the vase was distributed over the surface of the board at the top, firmly holding the adhesive joint together as it dried.
For the adhesive, I used a 3:1 mixture of paraloid B-72 in acetone and paraloid B-48N in acetone, with a small amount of fumed silica. This mixture is documented to operate well in structural repairs demanding strength.
After treatment image
A few minor losses around the break were filled with Modostuc and toned with Golden Fluid Acrylics.
