[NHCOLL-L:1083] bird taxidermy mount cleaning

[Karen Idoine]

I have a 30- 40 year old taxidermied swan that is in desperate need of
cleaning.  It has spent all or most of its life as a still life prop for
drawing classes, and the charcoal residue it has accumulated has caused
its feathers to turn nearly black.

i have attempted to clean it many times, first trying vacuuming, dusting
& brushing.  In my last attempt i used a sponge, a weak solution of dish
detergent and water.  This removed most of the charcoal black color, but
left the feathers both matted down and badly yellowed.

Any suggestions for returning this creature to somewhat better
condition?


Katy Dika, Special Assistant

The Edna Lawrence Nature Lab
Rhode Island School of Design
2 College Street
Providence, RI  02903
phone:          401-454-6179
FAX:      401-454-6384