Sjöofficershatt och dess hattask En föremålsstudie

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse a hat and its hat box, originally belonging to an officer of the Swedish marine during the late 19th century. The hat is constructed of different materials such as cotton, silk, gold threads, gold-plated buttons and wires, and leather. The box is made out of wood with a lining of cotton weave, with smaller details such as a brass clasp, iron hinges, a leather strap and stickers. The wooden box is deformed due to previous changes in temperature and relative humidity, which has caused it to crack and paint to dissolve. The hat has previously been treated with mercury and arsenic, which makes handling and cleaning difficult. The methods of this study consisted by a large part of literature studies to collect information about the different types of materials, their ways of deterioration and methods of conservation. This was also done to find out more about the objects’ history and cultural background. The objects were also studied using various different analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence, microscopy, ocular investigation, solubility tests, as well as literature reviews of similar objects. These methods further contributed to the understanding of the objects’ components and damages. Both the theoretical and the practical methods of investigation were necessary in order to produce an in-depth documentation of the objects and a basis for a conservation plan. Lastly, different possible ways of conservation were discussed, with a focus on preventive conservation. It was concluded that due to the fragility of the hat’s fabric and risk of contamination of toxic chemicals, the only conservation possible would involve light surface cleaning if the safety of the conservator is to be secured. With the box, more interventions would be possible, but still limited to surface cleaning and careful consolidation.