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The Erard Piano
Conserving the Erard Piano

This magnificent piano was showing signs of wear and tear

Replacing varnish losses

The large areas of loss to the varnish on the main lids were replaced using a dried version of the varnish and building this area back up to tie in with the original surface. These small, dried pieces of varnish were adhered with a dissolved version. Losses to the carved elements on the legs and piano sides were re-carved in lime wood and smaller areas were replaced with a special putty used for gilded surfaces. These replacements were re-gilded with gold leaf and toned to match the original gilding.

The other areas of gilding were cleaned with a conservation grade mild soap to remove the excess dirt. Any losses to the painted decoration were retouched with acrylic paints. A final layer of varnish was added to the lids to protect and bring together the new varnish with the old. The metal mounts were cleaned with a conservation grade metal cleaner.

Before conservation
After conservation

The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.