House of Representatives Chamber furniture

Overview

Established in 2009, Old Parliament House and its collections constitute a significant national heritage site that promote the understanding of democracy and Australia’s democratic traditions and institutions. In 2023 the House of Representatives Chamber, an important part of the visitor experience, was closed to the public for major conservation work.

ICS wasengaged by Manteena to assist with refurbishing the House of Representatives in Old Parliament House, Canberra.  Working with the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) Heritage Team, this large project included wide variety of materials and heritage elements, the main elements being timber panelling and furniture.

The project involved conservation and repair of timber panelling elements, timber and leather furniture elements (benches, chairs and desks), upholstery repairs and selective structural repairs.

Year

2023

Client

Manteena Pty Ltd and Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD)

Services

  • Furniture conservation

Awards

Condition

  • A number of pieces in the Chamber had damaged wooden furniture, some of which was structurally unstable and requiring attention.
  • The upholstery and leather elements of the furniture, including cushions and covers, were split, torn and damaged in many places.
  • The timber panelling and doors, along with door brassware and hardware, all required cleaning and re-waxing.  Cases of timber damage and loss of coating tothe brass were also found.

Treatment

  • Conservators repaired the damaged timber panelling, then waxed and buffed all timber surfaces.  The furniture was fully conserved, with infills and repairs to the timber, along with a complete re-wax and buff, with selective structural repairs as required.  Most of the furniture was relocated to Fyshwick for treatment.
  • Upholstery and leather repairs were carried out on any seams, splits, and tears, followed by cleaning and application of a leather conditioner.

Treatment outcomes

The Chamberis looking fresh again, conserved for future generations and ready show nearly 300,000 visitors each year the foundation place of modern Australian democracy.

Before treatment

After treatment

Testimonial

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