Cheryl,
The method of choice should be as non-abrasive as possible, given the
extremely sensitive surfaces of plasters. I would think the kneadable
erasers would be less abrasive in that situation for lifting off accretions
or dirt. Rubber erasers are going to encourage rubbing insted of dabbing,
which is very dangerous for plasters. It is also very easy to go too far
when erasing in the traditonal sense of the word.
This topic came up several months back. However, the topic was not what to
clean them with, but whether they should be cleaned at all. The concensus,
based on the respondents, was that if they are actually soiled or dusty,
then they could be cleaned with care. If they are simply dark colored or
mottled, then abolutely not. Such coloration is normally the result of the
water and materials used to make further casts from the plaster, or from
the casting itself. It is most often a thin layer of varnish or consolidant
placed on the plaster after casting and before a new mold is made, which
can discolor over time. "Cleaning" off the coloration also removes a great
deal of fine detail, which the consolidant is intended to preserve and
enhance, and which is of course permanently lost. If they are not stark
white, then it is part of their history which should not be erased.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850
Cheryl Kramer
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Plaster casts (again!)
03/22/2005 02:28
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Hello all,
We are cleaning plaster casts for exhibition and have been doing so
with white erasers. A colleague has started using Design brand kneaded
rubber erasers (distributed/manufactured by the Sanford Corporation.
The label says that it "stretches, shapes for highlighting or erasing
graphite, charcoal, pastels and crayon."
Is this suitable for the job at hand? Should we stick with the white
plastic erasers, switch to the Design erasers or use both?
Thanks so much,
Cheryl
Dr. Cheryl Kramer
Handwerker Gallery
Gannett Center
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY 14850
607.274.3548 (tel)
607.274.1774 (fax)
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