The 'Reynaertscribaan' from the collection of the city of Sint-Niklaas
Research and conservation of a writing desk of 'De vos Reynaert' from the STEM collection (Stedelijk Museum Sint-Niklaas).
Research questions.
Conservation of the writing desk with images of 'De vos Reynaert' implies research on the making of the object, its history, material and technical aspects, its deterioration and its future function as a part of the museum’s collection.
Two main research components are highlighted.
Firstly tackling the corrosion problems of the tin inlay, ensuring the object's future conservation. Secondly, the historical research and material findings on the cabinet, leading to the discovery that Victor Hugo most propably has worked at this writing desk.
Newly discovered facts contribute to a broader knowledge and understanding of an object and its historical context. They also enhance the value and the appreciation of the object in the museum's collection. Visitors to the exhibition will cast a different view on the writing desk, knowing now that it has belonged to Victor Hugo.
Impact.
Exhibition '80 topstukken' for the celebration of 800 years Sint-Niklaas
The research findings are reported and the outcome is indicated for the public, enabling to cast a new view on the object.