Wood Conservation Bibliography

The function of the painted wooden object ranges from the practical to the profound. These objects may perform utilitarian tasks, convey artistic whimsy, connote noble aspirations, and embody the highest spiritual expressions. This volume, illustrated in color throughout, presents the proceedings of a conference organized by the Wooden Artifacts Group of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) and held in November 1994 at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Williamsburg, Virginia. The book includes 40 articles that explore the history and conservation of a wide range of painted wooden objects, from polychrome sculpture and altarpieces to carousel horses, tobacconist figures, Native American totems, Victorian garden furniture, French cabinets, architectural elements, and horse-drawn carriages. Contributors include Ian C. Bristow, an architect and historic-building consultant in London; Myriam Serck-Dewaide, head of the Sculpture Workshop, Institut Royal du Patrimoine Artistique, Brussels; and Frances Gruber Safford, associate curator of American decorative arts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. A broad range of professionals—including art historians, curators, scientists, and conservators—will be interested in this volume and in the multidisciplinary nature of its articles.

THE purpose of this book is to present in concise form the essential information concerning the preservation of timber which has appeared in the proceedings of the American Wood Preservers' Association and elsewhere during recent years... Contains a chronology of the development of wood preservation in this country... also... a bibliography. * * * * * * From the Foreword: Wood properly preserved is practically permanent wood, and because efficient avoids the cost of unnecessary replacements. The treatment of timber to make it last the limit of its serviceability is a fundamental feature of modern engineering. Briefly, in the following pages, the American Wood-Preservers' Association presents facts and figures for those becoming interested in the subject. Further information will be cheerfully given by any of its members or officers (see pages 47-55). Reference to the literature listed on pages 56-73 also is recommended. The most comprehensive publications on the subject are the Proceedings of the American Wood-Preservers' Association and Howard F. Weiss' "Preservation of Structural Timber." For the guidance of treating-plant operators, construction engineers, and others interested in the technique of wood preservation, the American Wood Preservers' Association will soon issue the beginnings of a Manual of Recommended Practice. By up-to-date methods and in conformity with the best practice wood can be so preserved that its life is prolonged to at least three times what it would be without treatment. Consumers of wood can figure the savings for their own particular service, after getting quotations from their nearest wood-preserving plant.