Condition
Considering the age of SSILO and its numerous moves (UK to Australia, installation on South Solitary, and relocation back to the mainland), the glass and metals components are in remarkably good condition overall. Significant flooding that occurred in 1996 and 2009 caused rusting of internal components of the pedestal, but the glass was unaffected.
Glass components – Condition
- Numerous small chips
- Significant damage to one prism in one panel and several loose elements
- Variation in patina on copper-alloy frames, and surface dust and grime
Pedestal – Condition
- Small losses to paint
- Extensive greasy residue from oil, grease and dust
- Mercury basin filed with rusty sludge
- One metal bar component missing
- Float that sits in the mercury basin and supports the glass filled with vast quantity of rusty water
- Gear mechanisms greasy and dirty, with small rust spots
- Motor box greasy and dirty- motor functioned but several screws missing
Additional components- canisters, weights, and paraphernalia
- Areas of flaking paint and rust spots
- Surface dust and grime
- Broken handles
Treatment
CHCC proceeded with the conservation and relocation of SSILO to the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore, as part of a broader NSW Government project to revitalise the area.
Conservation treatment consisted of the following steps:
- Disassembly and cleaning and conservation of all pieces
- Packing and transport of the object
- Reassembly of the SSILO in new structure on the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore
- Electrical works
- Provision of ongoing advice to the architects on conservation requirements of the new structure
- Review and amend the current maintenance and cleaning schedule to reflect the new location
- Provision of an update to the appendix of the SSILO Management Plan to document the works undertaken during the project
Treatment outcomes
The most valuable object in the Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) collection, was carefully relocated to its current position on the Jetty Foreshore, once again in sight of the ocean where it belongs. It has been described asthe “jewel in the crown” of the beautiful Coffs Harbour precinct.
Before treatment
After treatment
