J.CAC VOLUME 23 (1998)
A Note on the Use of Vacuum Clamping to Treat Damaged Parquetry on a Bombe Writing Desk
Fulford Place in Brockville, Ontario is home to a turn-of-the-century Louis XV style “Bureau de Dame” bombe writing desk. This composite artifact consists of a wooden carcase, a variety of veneers, metal ornament or ormolu, a clock, and wired candelabra lights. This technical note focuses primarily on the manner in which lifting and replacement veneer was reattached to the substrate using a vacuum clamping method. This method is suitable for curved surfaces and other areas that are problematic to clamp. While the technique is not new, vacuum clamping has more applications than was previously realized. A description is provided of the procedure and the materials required.
Download: JCAC23 Kolbach