In February 2014 RNA conserved the gilt leather wall hanging and parchment name registries in the Churchwardens Room of the Pieterskerk in Leiden. The gilt leather and parchment in this room – the room is used only for special occasions – had suffered damage in recent years. There were two large tears in the leather, some parts of its varnish layer were damaged and there was a corner in the room were severe moisture damage had occured due to an unfortunate placement of the humidifier. Furthermore, there were two shrinkage cracks in the middle of both parchment name registries. The damage was repaired on site over a period of two weeks.
In the future, a larger restoration project will have to be carried out. The current elastic suspension behind the gilt leather wall hanging dates from the mid-nineties. This type of elastic suspension will last for another 10-15 years. After that, the suspension will lose its elasticity resulting in deformation of the leather. In due time a sustainable, flexible suspension, which facilitates the natural expansion and contraction of the leather has to be made.
Until that time the conservation work carried out by RNA makes sure the room retains its impressive monumental character.