Wall Panel Interventions at Mount Vernon

Abstract

ABSTRACT Many approaches have developed over time for the conservation of architectural, wood wall panels. Some proved effective at handling severe issues such as warpage, while others more cosmetic. At George Washington's Mount Vernon home, the wall panels of the Front Parlor have been the subject of many iterations of treatment, and exploration of previous interventions provides examples for conservators to analyse treatment efficacy, the causes of panel issues and the rationale behind implementing treatments. The results from the most recent panel intervention at Mount Vernon illustrates that wall panels can be treated with humidification and battens to be re-flattened to a certain degree. This article will explore previous wall panel treatments at Mount Vernon through visual assessment and archival research, and evaluate all past treatments to reflect a comprehension of the dynamic between wood, structure, and moisture. Also included are the procedures used to implement the latest round of treatment, which employed a protocol of controlled humidification and pressure developed by conservator F. Carey Howlett, and installation techniques using modified battens on the reverse of panels for in situ leveling and filling. Lastly, data is provided regarding the reactions of panels to humidification treatment.