Output details

The Bronte Parsonage Museum, Haworth: an analysis of decorative finishes with focus on the Bronte period of occupation [architectural paint research]

Context:

The research provided analysis of the historic painted finishes surviving within selected interiors of the house, informing client decisions on redecoration and re-presentation.

The research resides in: -

Site visits and sampling allowed researchers to use their knowledge of historic sites to select appropriate samples. (i.e. main report p. 3,7,10,16,19)

Microscopic analysis revealed patterns in the paint stratigraphy allowing individual paints to be identified (i.e. main report, p.20,27,32)

Site Analysis allowed researchers to evaluate the microscopic analysis in the context of the physical evidence of changes to the interiors that post date the Bronte residency. (i.e. main report p.7,10,13)

Collation of the paint sample analysis in tabular form enabled analysis of the decoration and allowed researchers to identify patterns in the scheme at various periods (i.e main report p.21, 23, 30, 34).

Insights included: -

• Dining Room: a distinctive scheme of oak wood graining was undertaken in the 1850s, possibly at the request of Charlotte Bronte (main report p.3-6)

• Study: artificial French ultramarine suggests that scheme 5 post dates 1825 and the that wood graining in scheme 7 may relate to Charlotte Bronte's remodelling of the house (Report p.7)

• Mr Bronte's Bedroom: Scheme 3 suggests a marked change from the earlier Palladian style schemes and may indicate changes made by Charlotte Bronte in the 1850s. (main report p.16-18)

• Collated paint research suggests that the wall faces were refinished when Charlotte Bronte enlarged her bedroom - this identifies her activity strongly with scheme 8 (main report p.19-21)

Sharing:

The research was commissioned by the Bronte Parsonage Museum and shared with them in a report.

Contribution:

Ian Crick-Smith was principal investigator for historical and architectural research, paint techniques and sampling strategy. He was co-author of the reports and co-researcher for paint stratigraphy and interpretation of research findings.