The aim of this thesis was to collect information about composition ornament and papier mâché focusing on the aspects of conservation and restoration, their properties and the manufacturing process. Research methods were observation, combined with material and comparative studies. The main objective of the thesis was to conserve a chandelier made mainly of composition ornament. History of chandeliers and imitation materials, such as composition ornament and papier mâché, were studied to form a better understanding of the artifact.

The chandelier probably dates back to the early 19th century Russia. It has been originally gilded with water and oil gilding. During previous restorations and conservations, metal leaf and bronze paint have been added. There was considerable damage in the chandelier such as missing ornaments and cracking of the gilded surfaces. The chandelier was documented carefully with photographs taken before and after the conversation. In addition, technical drawings and a damage survey were made. The actual conservation included cleaning of the artifact, attaching separated pieces and layers and consolidation. The missing orna-ments were replaced with a new patch of composition ornament.

The objective of this thesis was fulfilled quite well. Information was collected from various sources in different languages, and material studies and different tests provided new infor-mation about the techniques and the history of the artifact. The chandelier was conserved and future damage was prevented. It was fragile before conservation, and whole and uni-form after. Main challenges in the process included availability of the sources and their small number. Furthermore, the artifact consists of a large variety of sensitive materials which made the conservation challenging and time consuming.