Conservation–restoration of cloisonné windows: A case study

Restoration–conservation of cloisonné glass is a little known method which requires specific techniques, materials, and skills. The steps taken in this method are very different from the common steps taken in stained glass conservation. In light of the fact that there are few objects manufactured and preserved in this method, conservation–restoration interventions are scarce, four in total to the author's knowledge, and as a result the bibliography is quite short as well. There is a great need to share methodologies and criteria about this method and to publish articles with descriptions and the results of the procedures used by conservators. In this article the steps taken to conserve a cloisonné glass window are explained. The restoration focused on minimal intervention, which, due to the technique and deterioration of the panel, was particularly challenging. The window was recently brought to light thanks to an antique dealer who was able to identify the piece through careful investigation. The window is assumed to be the work of Frederic Vidal Puig, the only known Catalan artisan who used this technique between 1899 and 1904.