The National Association of
Decorative & Fine Arts Societies

Volunteers from Royal Leamington Spa DFAS help restore the weapons collection at Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick 

In October 2008 the Master of the Lord Leycester Hospital approached Royal Leamington Spa DFAS for help to clean and restore the Hospital’s weapon collection which was displayed in a damp 15th Century Hall.

It had not been touched for decades and it was in a sad state.

Jane Thompson-Webb, Head of Collection Services at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery helped assess the collection and advise on how we should proceed. A shopping list was compiled and by the beginning of January 2009 six very eager volunteers were ready for a “hands on” training session with Jane.

There were twenty seven edged weapons, a dozen muskets, pikes, armour and other artefacts but the group were keen to get started.

It is amazing what can be found once the cobwebs and dirt are removed using acetone, rust removed with 0000wire wool and 3in1 oil. Wood, treated with wood reviver and the object finally waxed and polished. A transformation indeed.

The group expects to finish the project later this year.

The exhibition is permanently on display at the Hospital and visitors are always welcome.