British Bronze age pottery; an overview of deterioration and current techniques of conservation at the British museum

The condition of British Bronze Age pottery on excavation is a reflection of both poor manufacturing techniques and the effects of burial. The pottery was not kiln‐fired, and therefore can range from barely fired pottery, to well‐fired robust ceramic. The poorly fired material is softened by water, and is at its strongest when completely dry; this has implications for conservation treatments, particularly cleaning. The paper describes experience and techniques developed at the British Museum for treating material from recent excavations. Support methods including temporary consolidation which may be required during lifting from site and during the conservation processes for this very fragile material is discussed. Surface examination, cleaning, and the removal of the contents of cremation urns as practised at the Museum are all covered. It is argued that in certain circumstances and when carried out using developed processes, the benefits of long‐term consolidation outweigh its drawbacks. Choice of adhesives as well as dealing with sprung vessels are fully described. The distinction between gapfilling for conservation and for restoration is introduced. A new material, Paraloid B‐72 mixed with glass microballoons, is now used at the Museum specifically for gapfilling rough earthenwares. Its benefits over other materials and method of application are described in detail.