Filling and retouching of losses in a Portuguese Army model 1859 clothes backpack

Abstract

Two identical backpacks were treated on two occasions to be exhibited alongside at the Lisbon Military Museum. Although both backpacks are the model 1859, the treatment procedures related to the painted canvas were approached differently. The distortions and losses of canvas on the first treated backpack were easily addressed with an ultrasonic humidifier and the insertion of new canvas. Regarding the surface coating, it was consolidated with BEVA® 371, and the inserted canvas was filled with a pigmented wax paste described in a book from the late 19th century. The second backpack was in far worse condition, which, when compared with archive record, seemed likely that it was exhibited for a long period in a damp environment. There were also traces of an organic coating distinct from the original coating. These conditions resulted in a stiffer backpack, with more losses of canvas and surface coating. As a result, the distortions could not be removed, new fabric could not be properly inserted, and the consolidation of the surface coating had to be addressed in a different way. For these motives, the goal of treatment of the second treated backpack was cut short for a more realistic goal, but resulted in a good outcome, nonetheles.