Conservator Marianne Webb was the guest speaker at a recent Suncoast Woodcrafters Guild meeting.
Webb, a member of the Guild, is the former decorative arts conservator at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. She pioneered new conservation treatments and techniques for Asian lacquer and similar materials. As an art and artifact conservation specialist, she has helped preserve many priceless antiques and works of art from around the globe.
Webb’s topic was “Working with Animal Hide Glues.” Among the oldest adhesives on the planet, these natural compounds have been in constant use for thousands of years and have truly stood the test of time.
Her presentation gave the attendees a good alternative to consider in this age of modern, high-tech “super glues.” Animal-based adhesives are still highly useful, and are often the best choice for some woodworking projects.
Hands-on displays, actual samples of types of hide glue and test glue blocks enhanced the superb discussion.
– Submitted by Ken Karaloff
