Metallic memorandum books—history, materials and conservation

Abstract

Metallic memorandum books were a common stationery item in the nineteenth century—small notebooks of varying dimensions, sold with a special ‘metallic’ pencil. However, few extant examples survive in collections. Very little published information exists regarding their manufacture, distribution and use. Research sought to discover their likely prevalence in Australian collections, materials used in their manufacture, and the conservation implications of their construction. Data analysis of Australian newspapers held on the Trove website found evidence of their use between 1831 and 1915, primarily between 1850–1870, across Australia. Contemporary accounts suggest they were an everyday item used by workmen, artists and explorers, amongst others. This research technique shows potential for further art materials research. XRF analysis of a sample notebook found low or trace amounts of lead and tin within the metallic pencil and low or trace amounts of barium and strontium in the paper. FTIR analysis of the paper returned a spectrum that matched to barium sulphate. This corresponds to historical accounts and makes them materially similar to metalpoint drawings. They are therefore likely to experience similar condition issues, such as marking, staining and flaking of the prepared surface, and may not respond well to aqueous conservation treatments.