South Tipperary County Council
Comhairle Contae Thiobriad Árann Theas

The general condition of the frame was very poor and special attention was necessary. Overall construction was unstable. The frame had marks of previous non-professional reparations, clearly legible from the back. Through the years, rapid changes in relative humidity and temperature as well as improper handling had led to splits of the wooden elements of the frame. The frame’s surface was visually disturbed due to presence of three schemes of over gildings, which obscured much of the fine detail of the original moulded decoration. The last over gilding represented very low quality and aesthetic values. Deterioration of the decoration was very advanced and the overall loss was estimated at around 30%. In conclusion, the frame in its present state was unsuitable to protect this fragile artwork like a glass painting.
The information found from the examination of the original finish was very limited and could not have been determined from the available samples. The established facts make up only a general view on technique and materials used originally. In this particular case a decision was taken to remove the degraded last renovation scheme and return the appearance of the frame to its second renovation scheme, which increased the aesthetic value of the frame.

A five core treatments were carried out and these consisted of:
1. Reattachment of the flaking decoration.
2. Pest control, consolidation and repairs of the wooden material.
3. Removal of the last renovation scheme.
4. Reconstruction of the moulded, ornamental decoration.
5. Reconstruction works of the gilded surface.