Day 21 - 29 September

Last week Karen was able to clean the rest of the 113 Silver neck rings and document them. Today, she will photograph all the rings including the numerical markings, at different angles, at least four times.

Day 22 - 30 September

Yesterday 89 of the 113 Silver neck rings were each photographed at 4 different angles so that all the detail is recorded including the numerical engravings. The remaining 24 will be completed today along with the documentation.

All measurements are inputted along with the description of the function of each numbered part. This is so that if any conservation takes place in the future the specialist can see what has been done and why.

Day 23 - 1 October

With the cleaning and recording of the neck rings completed by Karen, Matthew has designated today as 'National Neck Day.' This is the final day before the actual neck mechanisam will be dismantled.

Before the Swan's neck is removed Matthew and Karen will work together on the preliminary photography and drawings of its structure. This will give a full understanding of where everything goes to ease reassembly.

Once they begin removing the neck, the front part of the Swan will have to be fully supported from underneath, as the beam it sits on is displaced to get at the bolts.

Day 24 - 2 October

Yesterday was set aside for the removal of the Swan’s neck. However, Matthew was able to remove the levers without having to take away the neck, which he is trying to leave in place as long as possible.

The 5 levers that were removed help to operate the Swan. The 1st operates the lower bill, preening the feathers and eating the fish. The 2nd operates the fish, the 3rd allows the Swan’s head to nod, the 4th arches the neck whilst the final one is linked to the middle of the neck and allows the graceful movement.

This morning will see the cleaning of these levers. The Swan will be removed from this workshop at 1.00 for this afternoon’s talk about the work to date. This takes place at 2.30.

Day 25 - 3 October

Yesterday, besides the fascinating lecture, where Matthew entertained a large audience about the project so far, the levers were cleaned and photographed.

Today Matthews’s first task is to remove the Sector that rotates the Swan’s head.

He will then dismantle the Multi-function Cam which operates the whole movement. This part has over 50 smaller pieces. It will all be cleaned and photographed for documentation.

Matthew and Karen can be viewed at work every weekday from 10.00 - 5.00 for the next five weeks.

The Silver Swan Conservation Lecture

Thursday 2 & 30 October at 2.30

Conservators, Matthew Read and Karen Barker will give an illustrated talk about their work in progress on The Silver Swan Conservation Project.

Please note the talk is free of charge but admission to the Museum applies.

Silver Swan Soirée

Thursday 27 November, 6.30 – 8.00

Hear about the intricacies of The Silver Swan and the challenges encountered during its conservation.

Culminating in a special performance of the Swan.

£10 Adults, £5 Friends of The Bowes Museum. Booking Required

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