This carriage was created by Flaury à Paris in the 19th century in France. The restoration has been made by handmade processes in Carruajes Romero.
Description and historical introduction
The carriage was built at the end of the 18th century and it is considered one of the most used vehicles from its period. It presents some innovations: iron wheels were changed and rubber wheels were used.
As we can see in the photographs, it is a two-wheeled carriage and it could be hitched to a limonera (one horse) or a tandem. It has a single seat, which can carry two people, the coachman and a footman. Its wheels are large too. Furthermore, it may seem light, but it is one of the heaviest carriages of its family.
The suspension system has got two rods that finish at the rear of the body to the back of the seats. The position of the seat backs indicates that this vehicle was used for promenades.
Conservation status and diagnosis
Once the historical investigation of the piece had been carried out and the physical methods of image examination had been performed, the following conclusions were reached:
The conservation status of the piece was horrible, it presents problems in the layer of the wood, significant deformations, rusting in the structure and serious textile deteriorations on the seats and backrests. The wood was affected by xylophagous insects. In addition, there were many cracks in the wheels and in the body, which could endanger the integrity of the carriage.
Restoration Project
This project began the piece is moved to Carruajes Romero studio. First, an ocular inspection and a detailed study were done. Our craftsmen analysed the samples and photographed the piece using natural, grazing and ultraviolet light techniques. Furthermore, the information was compared with the historical study and the technical datasheet.
Then, the wood was cleaned, disinfected and consolidated. The most important part done during this restoration process included the reintegration, the treatment of cracks and rusted areas by a specific method known as “sand-blasting”. Moreover, we have used natural goatskin and black leather buttons for the upholstery renovation. This project also includes the renovation of the lanterns.
This project shows a wonderful carriage, which has got a linoleum to safeguard the lower floor and it presents rubber carpets decorated with diamonds on the floor of the driver’s seat.
Then, red paint has been used in this restoration. Also, we have performed the artistic drawing technique known as fileteado (black paint). Finally, it was lacquered and received final protection.
