Event Year 2014

Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire Raisonné des Sciences,
des Arts et des Métiers

Restoration of the
June 2014

Work on this Project started in June 2012 with the evaluation of the state of conservation of each volume of the Encyclopédie ou Dictionnaire Raisonné des Sciences, des Arts et des Métiers. Although the extent of damage varied between the different volumes, it was concluded that the same restoration process would be applied to all volumes.

Restoration Process
The restoration of each volume includes checking all the pages to identify any missing ones, removal of the spine and the cover before dismantling the sections of the volume, and removal of the old sewing thread. Following this, all the pages are cleaned, first by removing dust, and then they are washed one by one and placed on racks to dry. The actual restoration of each page is then carried out, both manually and also mechanically by the leaf casting machine, whereby all missing parts of pages are filled with Japanese paper or pulp. Each page is then pressed and folded. Pages pertaining to respective volumes are put in sequence again and they are sewn applying the same method as the original. The back of each volume is then glued and rounded. The lining of each spine is carried out, and the headbands are sewn, again using the same method as the original. Acid-free boards for the covers are prepared, retaining the same size as the original. The restoration of the original covers is then carried out, with the manual replacement of missing parts, using matching leather where necessary, and repairing existing damaged leather. Finally the casing in and all finishing works are carried out.

To date, 9 volumes have been restored, namely Volumes I, III, IV, V, VIII, XIV, XV, XVI and XVII.

Attached are a number of photographs showing volumes before and after restoration.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Robert Buhagiar B.Eng (Hons) – Organ Builders & Restorers

Progress Report No.3 – Restoration of 1753 LoBianco organ at Wignacourt Museum

WIGNACOURT MUSEUM, Rabat, Malta

Restoration of the 1753 Lo Bianco positivo organ

Progress Report No.3, June 2014

Restoration by Robert Buhagiar B.Eng(Hons)

Introduction
The first Progress Report was compiled in June 2013. It featured mainly the dismantling works, restoration of the metal pipe-work and opening-up of the main windchest.

The second Progress Report was compiled in January 2014. It featured the reconstruction of the facade pipes and missing internal lead pipes, the keyboard and the two bellows flanges.

The following paragraphs and photos refer to the restoration works carried out between January 2014 and June 2014.

1.Catenacciatura (rollerboard)
The ‘Catenacciatura’ is a set of metal rollers hinged on a wooden board. Each roller connects one key of the keyboard to its respective valve (pallet) in the main windchest. Age affects the rollerboard in terms of rust developing on the metal rollers, debris and dirt especially in the hinge area. All this significantly influences the freedom of movement of the rollers.

In the case of this particular organ the rollerboard was significantly affected. All metal components were cleaned and protected by a layer of this oil. The wooden board was also treated against woodworm.

2.Main Windchest
Work has progressed on the main windchest.

Robert Buhagiar B.Eng (Hons) – Organ Builders & Restorers

Progress Report No.3 – Restoration of 1753 LoBianco organ at Wignacourt Museum

Top Boards:

The topboards were fixed to the ‘grid’ (the main part of the windchest) by means of nails. The heads of the nails went down into the wood surface. Given the fragile nature of the topboards, especially due to the woodworm damage, it was decided to dig around the head of each nail instead of using leverage to move the nails. Since this created some damage to the area around the head of each nail, this area was cleaned and new walnut wood carefully inserted such that the area around the nails is now as good as originally.
After removing the top boards the whole structure (the whole windchest) was treated against woodworm in a gas chamber and chemically.
The topboards were examined carefully and significant woodworm damage was found especially at the rear edge of the rear top-board. Such was the extent of the damage that part of the edge had to be removed and reconstructed. Removing part of this edge also gave the opportunity to consolidate the area due to better penetration.

Pallets:
The pallets (the valves, one for each note in the keyboard) were detached from the windchest, stripped of their old worn leather, treated against woodworm, had their metal ‘eye’ hook restored or replaced if too worn out, and releathered.

3.Bellows
The organ will have two newly reconstructed wedge bellows. The bellows found in the organ during dismantling were not original and completely out of style relative to this type of organ. Work has started on the reconstruction of these bellows. The wooden frames have been built, the ribs cut out and are being leathered.