condition, Conservation, History, treatment

What is it?..and why does it affect our treatment approach?

by Vicki Humphrey on 22 January, 2014

This strange looking object is just one part of the Daimler that represents the balance of pure conservation and minor restoration that will be characteristic of the work we are doing. In many discussions with visitors and on our blog we have mentioned our desire to stick – as far as possible – to a conservation approach. That is, retain and reuse as much of the original as possible. However, we always knew that there would be parts that would have to have extra work along with some that need to be replaced – the crankshaft is a fine example of the latter.

Continue reading “What is it?..and why does it affect our treatment approach?”
Conservation, Fundraising campaign, History

Spinning with the Royal Daimler

by Catrina Vignando on 17 October, 2013

Spin Canberra’s Weekend on Wheels

A Virtual Concourse D’elegance for the Museum’s Royal Daimler
This Sunday, 20 October, the National Museum of Australia’s Royal Daimler will make a virtual appearance at the Centenary of Canberra Car Rally on the lawns of Old Parliament House. Continue reading “Spinning with the Royal Daimler”

condition, Conservation, treatment

Chassis work

by Vicki Humphrey on 3 October, 2013

Ian Stewart spray painting the Royal Daimler chassis decked out in his PPE

The Daimler chassis that has been a major presence in the Large Technology lab over the past few months has been moved to another Museum site for painting now that it has been repaired. The painting will be done on the forecourt of one of the stores inside a specially constructed tent, with the team decked out in their personal protective equipment (PPE). Our investigations and helpful information from UK and Australia established that the chassis would have been gloss black; and so it will be once more. Continue reading “Chassis work”

condition, Conservation, treatment

Paint and Project Planning

by Vicki Humphrey on 5 August, 2013

After the excitement of the RACA dinner we are now back into practicalities.

Vicki Humphrey is working with the National Museum’s three conservation labs to coordinate the work on the different components of the vehicle. While the bulk of the work will be carried out by the Large Technology team, there is no denying that there are challenges and considerable work ahead for the Textiles team, who will be treating the upholstery and the textile fittings.

Continue reading “Paint and Project Planning”
Conservation, treatment

Here is a challenge for you: Conservation not restoration

by Monica Lindemann on 2 April, 2013

One-150x150When conservators are treating objects, including large technology objects, they aim to preserve as much of the original as possible. This is different from the approach of restoration, which might replace original materials, for instance paint surfaces, and would aim to make the object look brand new. In the past, this has been the approach of car restorers.

QUESTIONS: Continue reading “Here is a challenge for you: Conservation not restoration”