AIC's 46th Annual Meeting

The conservation treatment of a small mid-19th century sofa with horsehair upholstery has been performed in this project, with the primary goals of: stabilization, reduction of visual disruption from damage, and retention of original material. This has involved utilizing fill materials and repairs where possible in contrast to traditional reupholstering techniques. Secondary to these goals, analysis and imaging have been performed in order to more closely understand the materials involved in the construction of the sofa, its intended purpose (likely as a child’s plaything), and in hopes of uncovering some of its history and origin. Analytical techniques such as: transmission Fourier transform infrared microscopy, pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry, and polarized light microscopy have helped to reveal information about the sofa’s materials. Imaging techniques such as: X-radiography, long wave ultraviolet radiation induced visible fluorescence, reflected infrared imaging, and imaging using a scanning electron microscope were also useful in this fashion and provided insights into date of construction, period of use, and repair history. Keywords: Children’s furniture conservation, mid-19th century sofas, haircloth, horsehair upholstery