Notes
Remarks: Tested paint and surface dirt for solubility in a variety of solvents. Removed an initial layer of dark soot and loose grime with an aqueous solution of Vulpex detergent. Surfaces were still very brown overall and only a proprietary cleaner containing Oxalic acid would remove the brown surface to reveal a relatively bright red and white painted surface.
All surfaces were consolidated with 10% B-72 in acetone to consolidate loose paint, seal surfaces to aid in the reversibility of epoxy repairs, and to protect the surface from the accumulation of more dirt and dust.
Removed the bottom finial. It was found that 9 curvilinear heart shaped elements were squashed up against the bottom of the planter and the finial was haphazardly wired to the bottom. Only three of the 9 elements were original. Six were poor reproductions. Solder marks indicated that 12 of these elements originally secured the finial. Nine new elements were fabricated from steel wire and wired into place with 22 gauge steel wire.
The hanginging chains were all removed, untangled and reattached.
Realigned all bent and broken elements and reattach by wiring into place with a fine malleable wire or by bridging breaks with wire and securing with Sika-Dur Epoxy resin.
One complete and two partial hanging looped swags were fabricated integrated with the original elements.
Inpainting with Binney and Smith, Liquitex Acrylic Colours was restricted to newly fabricated elements and epoxy mends. The overall condition of the original paint is quite remarkable.