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When we were clearing out my in law's house, I came across part of an old wooden panel. I remember my Father in Law telling me how he had rescued it from a skip as he felt sure it was something that should be conserved, rather than just chucked away. Anyway, it is now in my possession.
Anyway, I have had it for a few months and today, I had a visit from some clients who, in their day, were senior archaeologists with the local county council. They were both confident it dated from 'early Tudor' times, so 16th Century.
They were quite excited about the condition although this was mitigated by the fact that (obviously) many, many years ago (several hundred years they said) it had been 'customised' presumably for reuse elsewhere.
Anyway, this partial panel is quite dirty and 'could do with a sympathetic clean'. Does anyone who knows about this sort of thing, have any suggestions on how I should start? I am wary of simply looking for stuff online as it could be total bobbins and I could end up wrecking something that has survived for 500 years without my untutored 'help'.
Hoping that in amongst the hive mind, there is someone who knows what they are talking about (on this subject).
I'm no expert but dust away any dust and debris with a old paintbrush.
If its solid wood with no paint or textile covering on it then I'd sponge it with a slightly damp cloth(or sponge) to get any surface dirt off.
Leave to air dry away from any central heating then a bit of clear wax to protect it.
If its lasted 4/500 years a little bit of water shouldn't kill it.
You probably should have asked the guys who dated it rather than here!
Please don't rush into anything and risk damaging it.
I'd be VERY wary of amateur efforts, my ex was a conservator and things are remarkably sensitive.
Have a look at the trade organisation, [url= http://icon.org.uk/ ]ICON[/url].
APF
Good point APF