Conserving the Caledonia!
Back in March, the conservation department here at AOC Archaeology travelled to North Ayrshire to collect a very unique object – this beautiful model of the frigate, Caledonia, built by Mr. William Dunlop in 1804!
The model, built by Dunlop as thanksgiving for his survival during the Napoleonic Wars, was displayed in the Ardrossan Parish Church in Saltcoats until 1908, when it was moved to St Cuthberts Church. Where it was displayed until very recently, when the church sadly closed its doors; the model was then donated to the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre, which is on the site of the old Ardrossan Parish Church.
Caledonia Ship Model, North Ayrshire Heritage Centre
Among the many intricate details on the ship, the female figurehead, painted gold and wearing a broad-brimmed hat, is most eye catching, with the name ‘Caledonia’ painted in gold beneath. The transom at the stern of the boat, which is painted black with decoration and windows highlighted in gold, is also a testament to the skill and craftsmanship that went into the model.
Once it had safely arrived at AOC, the first task was to undertake a full assessment, and establish a treatment plan. This included checking the structural stability of the model, identifying all loose components, and cleaning tests to establish the best method of cleaning.
Having been on display for many years, the model has accumulated a thick layer of soiling across all surfaces. But before this could be removed, tests were undertaken on all the various substrates to not only determine the most effective cleaning method, but also to ensure that the paint layers would not be adversely affected. Tests were undertaken on all the various surfaces – as you can see, deionised water proved to be just as effective as the surfactants!
The model has two rows of guns running along both sides of the ship, one on the top deck and another on the gun deck, which are painted black with gold detailing. Initial assessments found that two of these guns had detached and had to be retrieved from the base of the hull beneath the decking. Upon closer inspection, we discovered that 11 more of these guns were loose or detaching! Once all the loose components had been identified, retrieved, and cleaned, they were reattached using high tack fish glue.
The model is fully rigged, with what seems like hundreds of lines running between the masts and deck. Having been conserved several times over the years, there are a number of different types of thread noticeable among these lies, and while most remain intact, several had severed or become detached, most notably the bob stays running from the jib boom/flying jib boom to the bow of the ship.
Where possible, the original rigging was retained, with new lines spliced on so that they could be reattached. Where this wasn’t possible, the severed sections were removed and new lines were added, in sympathetic colour and thickness.
The last task is to complete conservation work on the flags. While the model has no sails, handmade flags, most likely silk, were mounted on the main mast, foremast, and the bowsprit. The flags attached to the main mast and the bowsprit were in very poor condition and had to be protected in situ during transport to prevent further deterioration. Once back at AOC premises the flags were carefully removed and cleaned using a soft bristle brush.
The flags were confirmed to be much too degraded, likely due to light damage, to reattach them to the masts; instead, they will be mounted onto these custom-made padded boards, and stored in archive boxes, so that the Heritage Centre may preserve them in perpetuity alongside the model.
The flag mounted to the foremast, a Blue Peter, which signals that the ship is about to set sail and all crew must board, is intact and has therefore been left in position.
Now that conservation is almost complete, the model awaits a custom mount before being returned to the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre; stay tuned to see further post conservation images, and no doubt a very warm homecoming from all the staff at the Heritage Centre!
If you would like to learn more about the Caledonia, or visit the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre, visit the website below, or find them on social media.