The conservation process for these fragile wooden seats took approximately three years to complete.
After careful washing and recording of the wood surfaces, the condition of the wood was examined to determine what treatment should be carried out.
The toilet seats were immersed in polyethylene glycol (p.e.g.), a water-soluble polymer commonly used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries today. The grade of polymer used is solid at room temperature and the treatment tanks had to be heated to dissolve the p.e.g.
The treatment continued for 78 weeks, during which time the concentration of p.e.g. was increased to a maximum of 84% by weight in water.
On removal from the tank, the wood was washed swiftly in hot water to remove the surplus p.e.g., patted dry using soft absorbent tissue, and set aside to dry.
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