Lead and its alloys: metallurgy, deterioration and conservation

Abstract

This article aims to offer a comprehensive approach to the conservation of lead artefacts, presenting useful criteria for evaluating their condition and the possible need of treatment and/or protection. It is not intended to suggest or recommend any specific recipe or treatment for a given case. In addition to providing a background discussion of the metallurgical properties of lead alloys, their possible forms of deterioration are considered, as well as their highly characteristic features, such as intergranular corrosion. A descriptive review of materials and methods used for cleaning, consolidating and protecting lead artefacts is then presented.