Thinking outside the box: the re-conservation of a ceramic Clazomenian sarcophagus in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.

This article describes the investigation and re-conservation of an ancient Greek ceramic sarcophagus (GR.7.1902) in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. The sarcophagus is made from coarse orange ceramic decorated using the black-figure technique on a white ground. It had been restored twice since acquisition in 1902 and, by 2008, these repairs were weak, failing and unsightly. Using techniques adapted from organics conservation, twists of acrylic-coated Japanese tissue were inserted into gaps then reactivated with acetone. The paper is strong, flexible and easily removable and even narrow, deep cavities can be supported. Fills were surfaced with Fine Surface Polyfilla. Fills on the decorated upper surface were covered with Japanese tissue and painted using adapted 'visible retouching' techniques. The fills can be distinguished easily but give an overall effect of total visual reintegration. The sarcophagus was mounted on a moveable showcase base that facilitated safe handling, moving and installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]