Farverestaurering af solbleget pels - Color restoration of sun bleached fur

Taxidermied animals are employed by institutions such as museums, nature centres, and nature schools to support the communication of natural history and scientific knowledge. When these taxidermied animals are exposed to light over extended periods of time, their colors deteriorate. In mammals, the fur becomes noticeably pale, and characteristic patterns, such as the mask on a raccoon , are lost. Once such fading has occurred, the specimen can no longer be used effectively for species‑specific interpretation.

Rather than replacing these faded taxidermied animals with new specimens, this thesis investigates the potential for restoring the original appearance of the fur. Conservation guidelines emphasise that color restoration must respect the authenticity of the original material, while ensuring that its potential scientific value remains accesible. All treatments therefore need to have high degree of reversibility, and minimal adverse chemical effects on the fur. This approach is, when possible, more sustainable, and considerate regarding ethical animal use.

Accordingly, this project examines under which circumstances retouching of natural history specimens may be permissible, and identifies which materials can be applied to fur in an effective and conservation‑appropriate manner.