PRŮZKUM POVRCHOVÝCH ÚPRAV A RESTAUROVÁNÍ ŠICÍHO STROJE WHEELER-WILSON Z 19. STOLETÍ.

Hrdlička, Martin; Rapouch, Karel; Selucká, Alena; Nekuža, Petr

The subject of this paper is a comprehensive evaluation and description of the conservation-restoration process of a treadle sewing machine made by the Wheeler and Wilson Manufacturing Company in 1867. During the survey, the typical design elements of the sewing mechanism, cast iron stand and wooden case characteristic of this manufacturer were assessed, which together with the surviving serial number contributed to a more accurate dating of the machine. In this context, attention was also focused on the investigation of the metal materials, including the surface treatment called japanning and the gold decorations in the form of decals used on the head of the sewing machine. The inlaid walnut wood surfaces with shellac polish were also examined. The results of instrumental analyses (XRF and FTIR spectroscopy, microscopy in VIS and UV light) are interpreted in the historical context of the production of the Wheeler-Wilson brand, one of the early manufacturers of sewing machines. These findings are also the starting point for choosing the optimal restoration intervention, the aim of which is to preserve the original parts and surface treatments, including the restoration of the shellac polish. The restoration process is documented by a series of photographs of the individual parts of the sewing machine before and after treatment.

SEWING machines; SURFACE preparation; FOURIER transform infrared spectroscopy; CAST-iron; MACHINE parts

Fórum pro Konzervátory-Restaurátory, 2024, p41

1805-0050

Academic Journal

10.61574/FKR.2024.1.041