Interesting article, but pretty basic compared to the level that you and Greg have reached. They used nital in the V&A and did so sympathetically (or extremely cautiously - as do all conservation teams).
That axe is a good quality piece, and I am sure the pattern would have appeared with almost any etchant. I would have loved to see an article on something more stubborn, that would have needed serious teasing to bring out, and how they tackled each hurdle everytime the etchant failed.
Simon Metcalf has left the V&A, and now has the exhalted position of the Queens armourer. Not a bad collection to be allowed to play with!
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