There has been ongoing restoration on this series of horizontal showcases. The goal of the work is to restore luster on this special part of the Vatican Museums. In our Wood Materials Laboratory, we have a specialist in inlays, veneers, and treatment of wooden surfaces. The display cases show a strong oxidation of the final varnish caused by the sun’s rays. In fact, these display cases are near the large windows of the gallery. There are detachments and missing pieces of walnut paneling that should cover and enhance the cabinetry. Details of the carvings are also missing. A full study of the mechanical parts is needed in order to seal the cabinet, preventing the deposit of particles on the artefacts displayed inside.

• Anti-woodworm anoxic treatment
• Checking of structural soundness
• Intervention suitable for its restoration
• Reattachment and/or repair of raised plating
• Resurfacing of missing portions of carving and grouting of old woodworm flicker holes
• Checking hinges and locks
• Cleaning of surfaces from oxidized and altered varnishes
• Polishing with wax finish

Two New Showcases in the Christian Museum - Library Area - Final Restoration Report

The piece undergoing restoration is one of six display cases on display in the Christian Museum.

The display cases, made by an unknown cabinetmaker, measure 201.5 x 86.5 x 108 cm in height and are veneered in walnut wood, except for the four legs made of solid walnut.

The piece consists of an upper element forming the display case, with the longer sides adorned with a carving depicting the coat of arms of Pope Pius IX (reigned 1846–1878). The lid has two glass panels that can be opened to reveal the interior display area. Recently, restorers applied a silicone border to prevent dusting. The lower part consists of four legs with carved male faces, connected by bands. The two parts are joined together with glue and nails.

Although there were no signs of an active woodworm infestation, restorers decided to treat the furniture with anoxia. The pieces have undergone various modifications and restoration work over time, but none of this has been documented. Some of these modifications are structural, such as the insertion of a brass bar on the right-hand side of the display case to prevent it from opening (a system which was later modified) and the installation of alarm sensors. Others are aesthetic, probably necessitated by the constant oxidation of the finish due to frequent direct exposure to sunlight. The aesthetic restoration involved recreating the small missing parts of the carvings in walnut wood, filling in the missing veneer, and reattaching the raised walnut veneers to the support. As the silicone edging did not provide adequate insulation from external dust, restorers decided to remove it.

The Diagnostic Laboratory for Conservation and Restoration recommended using a three mm-thick polypropylene gasket instead. During the cleaning phase, restorers removed the old fillings and found only a few instances of previous woodworm damage, meaning that the subsequent filling and sanding phases could be eliminated almost entirely, significantly reducing the time required for the work. The restorers applied several layers of protective varnish, such as ethanol-based dewaxed shellac containing Tinuvin, which remedies damage caused by UV exposure, and a layer of Cosmoloid C80 microcrystalline protective wax. At the end of these stages, in agreement with the Conservator's office, restorers applied UV-filtering films to the glass to protect the works on display inside the showcases.