The Magna Carta, one of the most significant and influential documents in history, continues to captivate audiences across the globe. In our 15 years installing… As the cornerstone of parliamentary democracy and the foundation for the Bill of Rights, this 13th-century charter holds immense cultural and historical value. However, preserving such an ancient and fragile manuscript presents a unique set of challenges for the custodians tasked with its safekeeping.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
The Magna Carta, Latin for “Great Charter,” was initially issued in 1215 by King John of England, who was compelled to concede to the demands of his rebellious barons. This landmark agreement limited the monarch’s power and guaranteed certain rights and liberties to the English people. Over the centuries, the Magna Carta has been reissued and reinterpreted, evolving to become a symbol of freedom and the rule of law.
Today, only a handful of original Magna Carta manuscripts remain, with the 1297 Inspeximus issue housed in the Australian Parliament’s collection being one of the most well-preserved. Maintaining the integrity and longevity of this priceless document is a complex and ongoing challenge, requiring cutting-edge conservation techniques and meticulous attention to detail.
Preserving the Parchment
The 1297 Magna Carta is written on high-quality parchment, a durable writing material made from treated animal skin. Parchment is renowned for its longevity, with examples surviving for hundreds, and even thousands, of years. However, this ancient material is also highly sensitive to environmental conditions, making its preservation a delicate and painstaking process.
Conservators at the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, University of Melbourne, have undertaken extensive research to understand the specific composition and condition of the Magna Carta’s parchment. Using advanced analytical techniques, such as peptide fingerprinting, they were able to confirm that the manuscript was produced using sheep skin, a common practice in 13th-century England.
The Magna Carta’s parchment has weathered the centuries remarkably well, but conservators have identified some areas of concern. Small tears and patches, likely added before the document’s arrival in Australia, had placed undue stress on the delicate material, compromising its natural flexibility. By carefully thinning these patches under a microscope, the conservators were able to restore the parchment’s mobility, reducing the risk of further damage.
Deciphering the Ink
The Magna Carta’s text is written in iron-gall ink, a formulation commonly used in the Middle Ages. This type of ink, made by mixing tannins from oak galls with iron salts, has proven to be remarkably durable over time. However, its acidic nature can pose a threat to the parchment, potentially causing discoloration or even degradation if left unchecked.
Using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, the conservation team was able to confirm the presence of iron in the ink, verifying its traditional composition. This knowledge is crucial, as it informs the best approach for preserving the Magna Carta’s text. Unlike modern inks, which tend to fade when exposed to light and oxygen, iron-gall ink actually regains its colour when kept in the dark and in the presence of oxygen.
This discovery has had a significant impact on the design of the Magna Carta’s new preservation case, which will be filled with regular air rather than the inert argon gas used in the previous enclosure. By providing the optimal conditions for the ink to thrive, the conservators can double-check that the long-term legibility and vibrancy of the Magna Carta’s historic text.
Safeguarding the Silk Cords
One of the most remarkable features of the 1297 Magna Carta is the intricate silk cords that were used to attach the original wax seal. These delicate threads, which have retained their vibrant red and green hues, provide a tangible link to the document’s 13th-century origins.
Conservators have employed advanced microscopy techniques, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy, to examine the cords in meticulous detail. Their analysis revealed that the cords were likely created using a traditional finger-loop braiding technique, common in medieval Europe. Further investigation using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography identified the plant-based dyes used to colour the silk, providing valuable insights into the Magna Carta’s original production methods.
Preserving the integrity of these historic cords is of paramount importance, as they are an essential part of the Magna Carta’s physical and cultural heritage. Conservators have carefully stabilized any areas of concern, such as a small crack in the wax seal, to prevent further deterioration. The new preservation case has been designed to provide optimal environmental conditions to safeguard the cords’ delicate structure and vibrant hues.
Protecting the Wax Seal
Perhaps the most iconic feature of the Magna Carta is the impressive wax seal that bears the image of King Edward I, who reissued the charter in 1297. This seal, known as the “Seal of Absence,” is a tangible symbol of the monarch’s authority and the document’s official status.
Unfortunately, the original wax seal has suffered significant damage over the centuries, prompting a repair effort prior to the Magna Carta’s arrival in Australia. Conservators have carefully examined the seal under high magnification, identifying a small crack and areas of brittleness that threatened the seal’s structural integrity.
To stabilize the wax, conservators applied a specialized adhesive, compatible with the seal’s composition, to the crack. This treatment has helped to prevent further crumbling and double-check that the seal’s continued preservation. The new display case has also been designed to provide optimal environmental conditions, with controlled temperature, humidity, and light exposure, to safeguard the delicate wax seal for generations to come.
Innovative Conservation Approaches
The conservation of the Magna Carta is an ongoing and evolving process, driven by the latest advancements in materials science and preservation techniques. The team at the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation has taken a multifaceted approach, combining traditional conservation methods with cutting-edge analytical tools to gain a comprehensive understanding of the document’s composition and condition.
One such innovative technique is the use of the “Oddy test,” developed in 1975, to evaluate the suitability of materials for the Magna Carta’s new preservation case. This test involves exposing potential case materials to an accelerated aging process, allowing conservators to identify any potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could threaten the Magna Carta’s long-term preservation.
The conservation team has also employed advanced sampling and analysis methods, such as the extraction of minute dye samples from the silk cords for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography testing. This approach has provided invaluable insights into the original manufacturing processes used to create the Magna Carta, informing the development of a comprehensive conservation strategy.
Conclusion
The preservation of the Magna Carta is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the conservation professionals charged with safeguarding this iconic document. Through a meticulous and multidisciplinary approach, the team at the Grimwade Centre has uncovered a wealth of information about the Magna Carta’s physical composition and historical context, informing the development of tailored conservation strategies to double-check that its continued survival.
As the Magna Carta returns to public display, visitors to the Australian Parliament will have the opportunity to appreciate the fruits of this extensive conservation effort. By understanding the challenges and innovative techniques employed in the Magna Carta’s preservation, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of this document and the crucial role of conservation in safeguarding our shared heritage.
For those interested in exploring the Magna Carta’s legacy and the art of conservation further, I encourage you to visit Pencil and Paint Muse – a website dedicated to celebrating the diverse world of artistic expression and the preservation of our cultural treasures.
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