Friday, December 30, 2016

Restoration

©2016 Barry Smith - Aged detail on top of timber post sculpture
Over the last couple of days I have spent the cooler parts of the day, morning mainly, restoring a chunky timber post sculpture and a galley press that we will use for printmaking.

We were moving the sculpture as we are redesigning the area where Lena our cast bronze sculpture resides.

©2016 Barry Smith  - Lena hidden in the bushes
We discovered that the base of the timber sculpture had developed a bit of wood rot; the splits in the timber were getting a little too wide on the sides; and some of the copper nails etc were working loose. To deal with the dry rot on the base I treated it and added a waterproof ply base; to stop the cracking I added two more threaded steel rods right through the block; and I re-nailed where necessary. The piece will now continue to age but no fall apart.

©2016 Barry Smith - Aged detail on top of timber sculpture
©2016 Barry Smith - Aged timber sculpture (about 80cm high and 40cm square)
©2016 Barry Smith - Aged timber sculpture - few repairs obvious - but adding to the chunky and aged beauty
The press started out a bit worn. I dismantled it and then just got into sanding; dealing with rust; repainting; and assembling the lot.

©2016 Barry Smith
©2016 Barry Smith
©2016 Barry Smith - Rust dust
©2016 Barry Smith - Paint production
©2016 Barry Smith - Rehabilitating screws and bolts
©2016 Barry Smith - Reassembling rehabilitated roller
©2016 Barry Smith - Restored to former glory and ready for action
©2016 Barry Smith - Restored to former glory and ready for action
©2016 Barry Smith - Restored to former glory and ready for action
I also sanded and repainted four chases that came with the press.

©2016 Barry Smith
No art pieces  - but art related and art enabling activity.

5 comments:

  1. Such beautiful detail in these old pieces.
    Great post.

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  2. Lovely all round! I'm curious...did you get a direct print off the rust dust? The marks within it are wonderful. Enjoy!

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  3. The decay on the base is beautiful however, nature's art, for sure!

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  4. I don't comment often but I really enjoy your posts especially in the middle of our grey wet winter. Here's looking forward to more and wishing you a peaceful, happy and creative 2017.

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  5. Hi R, J, VA and J - thanks you for visiting the blog and leaving uplifting comments. R - the piece must be about 7 years old and has had no protection - adds to the ageing beauty? J - I'm afraid I didn't - bit of a rush at the end of the day. VA - wood decay is beautiful as you know from your forest - but one needs to arrest it if the art work is to survive. J - thanks for your comment - and I'm pleased that the images can bring a bit of light and joy. All - go well & peace. B

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Comments are welcomed - it is good to connect with fellow travellers.