Treatment of this object was complicated by its composite nature and because it was a working object. Corrosion was removed from the iron components but soot was left as evidence of use. Mottled varnish on the handle was the result of use with liquid methylated spirits.
The Bugolette was a travel-sized spirit iron designed to be heated by burning flammable solid fuel “meta” tablets or liquid methylated spirits. According to research into contemporary newspaper advertisements, it was most popular circa the 1920s.
The original box required a more interventive approach. A treatment was designed by combining object and paper conservation techniques involving repairs with toned Japanese tissue and wheat starch paste. The greater level of intervention was justified by its greatly improved physical stability and appearance.