Can you handle it?

Last night, the Family Adams Project creative group had their last meeting before Christmas 2011.

The weather was atrocious, gusty winds and horizontal rain. But still most members managed to attend the gathering at the ADeC headquarters in the Babylon Gallery, Ely, Cambridgeshire.

Each of the members reported good progress, but we agreed there was a huge task ahead of us to have this show on the road for April 2012.

Five of these nicely aged, brass drop-handles will be installed on the 

plinths of the 2 models.

For my part (as the model maker), I was delighted to take receipt of a small collection  of original Victorian, solid brass handles. These were donated to the group by Susan & David Porter, the current owners of the shop. These totally authentic fittings came from cabinets that are no longer required, but have been in the Littleport shop since c1880. They will provide the exact finished effect we need for the two model plinths - not just cosmetic, but very well designed and functional.

Sample wood tiles as used to clad the model plinths.

Top left sample shows the freshly cut, raw grain. The remainder show 

various shades of  spirit-based wood stain effects.

The exposed timber components that were cut from the antique shelf are all fresh and raw-looking as a result the slicing and dicing. I am beginning to experiment with wood stains and finishes to restore the appearance of the original shelf surface.

Although a natural wax finish would be very desirable, it is clear that the ongoing maintenance of such a finish would be hard to guarantee as the long-term venue and storage arrangements are not yet known. A low-maintenance option must be employed - for example, a water-based satin floor varnish may prove the best option. Who knows if solvent-based finishes will still be available or legal in 50 years time when this model is itself a heritage item?