La Perouse Anchor

The anchor was in poor condition, separated into two pieces and heavily corroded. It maintained its structural integrity, although it appeared to have at least one potential fissure across the shank and was fragile.

Firstly, the anchor was transported to ICS, where a visual assessment was undertaken and documented. ICS conservators then did the mechanical removal of loose and detached corrosion products and set aside the larger chunks for reattachment later.

Next, the anchor was given an aqueous cleaning of its surface, and surface dried with heat. Following the cleaning, the retained chunks were reattached to the substrate and a layer of SW2 synthetic fish oil was applied to protect the metal from further corrosion.

The treatment was incredibly successful in returning the anchor to a pristine state free of corrosion and paint.  Following the completion of the conservation treatment, ICS designed and constructed a support for the anchor to ensure its safe display, before relocating the treated anchor to the museum and installing it on the purpose designed and fabricated support frame.

The anchor was then returned to its home with the Randwick City Council who celebrated its arrival back home.