Recent Projects: Hastings Town Hall Roll of Honour 1914-1917

The restoration of the 15 parchment panels of the Roll of Honour of the Great War

Concerns were raised by the Deputy Mayor of Hastings Town Council when it was noticed that several of the parchment panels were splitting inside the frame of the Roll of Honour located on the first floor of Hastings Town Hall. On opening up one of the sections it was realised that there were several issues to consider. The parchment panels had been fixed to plywood backing boards. This meant the parchment had no means to expand and contract as parchment is particularly known to do. As the boards were fixed tightly into the frames and resting on the lower edge, further stresses were put on the parchment encouraging splitting to occur. The back of the recess into which the panels were fitted  was open to the cavity of the walls, so dirt had easy access to the surface of the parchment. Several of the boards were warping and splitting causing further stress to the parchment and wood burn from the plywood was begining to discolour the back of the parchment. It was decided to remove all the panels and block off the cavity with inert perspex sections.  New marine plywood boards were made slightly smaller than the originals. They were sealed and covered with acid free paper. The parchment sections were cleaned, flaking gold leaf lettering was restored, and the tears were reapaired with japanese tissue. The panels were tabbed in such a way as to allow for expansion and contraction. They were floated in the frames with wooden blocks to prevent the weight resting on the lower edge. This historic Roll of Honour has been restored to a presentable condition and sound conservation practice will ensure its survival for another century.    

Tool Tip:
Hover mouse over images to pause slide show. Move mouse away from images to keep slide show active.

« Click here to return to the project gallery