It all began on 14/7/86...
The Titanic was discovered, its foremast had fallen and the forward funnel was no longer in existence. But the bronze telemotor control to which the ships wheel had once been attached stood intact and polished to a shine by the ocean currents.
The Plunge
The grand staircase shaft which represented the fabulous
luxury of the ship survived. Unexpectedly, the chandelier was almost
perfectly preserved.
Thousands upon thousands of objects
littered the rolling fields of the ocean bottom, many of them perfectly
preserved. Cups, saucers, silver serving trays, pots and pans, wine
bottles, boots, chamber pots, space heaters, bathtubs, suitcases and tons
of other things.
Preservation
The following is a brief explanation of each treatment step for the main catergories of artifact material. Any composite artifacts are disassembled and bags are emptied.Paper is freeze dried and organic materials are fumigated if they are contaminated by mould.
1)Cleaning
A soft bristle brush and a gentle stream of fresh water is used to remove any remaining silt, debris, surface salts and extrataneous deposits such as calcareous matter or corrosion products.
2)Reduction
Reduction of corrosion products on metal artifacts is done either chemically or electrolytically.
3)Desalination
Objects of similar material types are placed in the same tanks. Metal
objects are desalinated in alkali solutions to minimise corrosion.
4)Drying
A protective coating is applied, however each material has its
own method of drying.
5)Numbering
Makes it possible for computers to
track down the object.
Titanic Discovered