A shiny new penny carried in a pocket will tarnish; a bronze bracelet buried for a thousand years will develop a crust and a statue by the sea, if uncared for, will green; these changes are all the result of corrosion. The way in which a piece of bronze corrodes is characteristic of the environment it has been a part of. This is not to say that the object’s unique structure does not contribute to its degradation, however, objects produced identically will corrode differently in different environments.
Bronze is a generic term for a copper alloy. It is an intimate blend of copper with one or more metals or non-metals (Street & Alexander 1995, p36). Copper alloys in an urban external environment fall mainly into two categories; statues and monuments including art works and commemoratives features and architectural features on buildings such as doors, window frames and lamps. For the purposes of this report, these two categories of bronze will be the focus.
An urban outdoor environment has certain characteristic elements; pollution from the burning of fossil fuels via cars, factories and houses, human contact and exposure to the weather. This environment is distinct from others such as marine where the salt content of the air plays a more dominant role or burial environments where the pH of the soil and soil’s content will make its mark. Even a museum environment contains pollutants given off from materials making up display cases, the outdoors and from its visitors.
Corrosion is an important topic; not least because in an urban environment it is can be looked upon with rose tinted glasses; common phrases associated with corrosion “ the monument has aged; the door has weathered; the statue has developed a patina”. Aesthetic preferences aside, understanding the science of what is occurring at the surface of our bronze features provides us with a romanticised view, which is valuable to the conservator for making treatment decisions, the custodian who must make decisions about the care taking of these pieces and the public who hope to enjoy them long into the future
Author bio
The author has been restoring bronze antiques for several years. It has done monument restoration, monument cleaning and restoration activities for antique dealers, Interior decorators, Museums and Collectors. For getting more information, access www.antiquebronze.co.u
What do you think about this article? Do you agree or disagree with it? Be the first to comment on this article, and share your thoughts with the world. No registration is required to post comments.
Go for the bronze.Repeat...go for the bronze.That's right, DO NOT go for the gold.Lets look at this another way. If you are learning how to read, will you start off by reading difficult philosophy?Certainly...
Pass by a statue in the park, and chances are that it's a bronze sculpture, which rank among the most common of cast metal works as a result of a naturally occurring trait that can make it more convenient...
Would you like to add some style to your bathroom? Would you like to change its look? Maybe your looking for that certain something that will make your bathroom an enchanting place. Might I recommend an oil...
The main finishes of door hardware are as follows: Satin Stainless, Polished Brass, Tuscan Bronze, Black, Pewter, Antique Nickel, and Antique Brass. The finishes are unique to each customer preference. ...
It doesn't matter what time of year it is, people who equate beauty with having a bronze tone to their skin want a way to be tan. One of the best ways to keep the look is a spray tan, regardless of whether you
In much of the country, in the fall of the year, nature paints the foliage of many of her trees glorious shades of orange, gold, scarlet, maroon and bronze. In California, few trees color well in autumn due to
Antique French furniture has been the love of antique furniture lovers around the world. This furniture is known to add warmth and depth to the living environment. During its origins, the French Country...
The trumpet, an instrument in the woodwind or brass group, is typically made out of brass or bronze and is comprised of: a mouthpiece, a horn, a spit valve, and finger controls. Trumpets are instruments...
The latest trend among homeowners and home builders is the selection of very dark and textured faucet finishes for the bathroom and kitchen. These faucets tend to blend in with the overall decor of the...
If you use sunless tanning products it's probably because your skin's health is very important to you - yet you still love the tan look. The following tips will help you make the most as you protect your...
Ever think about purchasing an antique coffee grinder? If you haven't and want a great looking collectible for your kitchen, then this is one item you'll want to consider. Some points to keep in the back of...
Finding the ideal antique coffee grinder no longer requires a ton of footwork and heaps of good luck. In fact, stellar antique finds are much more readily available online than at garage sales or thrift shops.
Would you like to invest in some truly wonderful goblets from which your guests can enjoy beautiful wines when dining with you in your home? If you would and can afford to now is the time to consider...
From Preston to Cumbria, antique desks are found in every shape and form imaginable. Now popular again after a long period of decline, they range from delicate 18th century writing tables, to heavy oak...
Gillows, one of the most prestigious names in high quality Victorian dining chairs, was a Lancashire company. So too were cabinetmakers Lamb & Co, Manchester is historically part of Lancashire. In fact...
Some people look down on mass produced products, but mass production is not necessarily a bad thing. It allows us to buy the products we want at affordable prices. And it makes sure those products are...
French antique furniture consisted both the sophisticated furniture made in Paris for the royalty, aristocrats and rich upper bourgeoisie on one hand, and French provincial furniture made in towns that...
Country French antiques have been a delight to connoisseurs of antique stuff. From the French antiques the armoires, chairs, chandeliers and tables are the most popular.
Imagine holding an object that has been in existence for over a hundred years and has passed several hands, before it has reached yours! Fascinating, isn't it? That's the beauty of antiques.
If you really want to alter the beauty of your room and want to create a perfect ambience then bring home a perfect canvas art painting. An interesting piece of sculpture has the ability to give new...
Article: A Report About Antique Bronze! Author: Harry Jonas Publication Date: 2009-09-08 Total Views: 255 Word Count: 392 Category:Home /
Leisure & Recreation / Antiques
Categories
