Notes
Remarks: In the course of winter cleaning (1/30/214) the mirror was removed from the wall and examined. Areas of white milky mold spots were found evenly distributed across the back of the object, scattered across the wooden backing, top back of the carved crest and a few spots on the front of the mirror frame especially in the molding at the top of the mirror. While the mirror was examined (and held tipped forward at an angle) several drops of liquid mercury escaped from the unbroken glass (evidently from the edge between the two panes) and dripped down the front of the mirror onto the moving blanket. The mirror was removed for conservation consultation and moving blanket, gloves and dust cloths treated as hazardous waste.
On July 2, 2014, conservator Eugenie Milroy came to VCM to consult about the mirror. She examined the piece, removed more beads of mercury with the mercury disposal kit and talked about possible treatment options (none of which are optimal, encasing the piece, etc.) Nothing, it seems, can be done to seal the original glass. The amalgam of mercury has become unstable and will continue to leak. Upon examination of the original location of the mirror, Milroy identified the opening in the wall as a potential source of the problem; cold air was hitting the mirror at a vulnerable spot, the seam in the mirror. She suggested that the mirror should not be rehung there even if it was treated, without some repair work being done to the wall, insulation added, etc. The piece was re-wrapped in clean plastic and placed in a new location, awaiting further decision-making. As of 9/2014 there has been no report by Milroy, and so she has not been paid for her consulting visit [Jessa J. Krick, 9/8/2014].Notes
Remarks: Details of condition: Old glass mottled; veneer molding reveals the many small pieces from which it was carved.