Behind the Scenes in Conservation: Objects Conservation is working on this modern glass sculpture by Japanese artist Etsuko Nishi. Two of the purple glass tops from its repetitive interlocking pattern are missing. To repair these losses, a mold was taken from an existing section to cast a new matching piece. First, a soft molding clay is used to take the impression of a similar piece.

Next, resin dyed to match the purple glass is poured into the mold to create the new piece, lower right. Once the resin hardens it is released from the mold, shaped to the exact size, and reattached with adhesive. See this piece after treatment later this year when it goes out on view!