Conservation of 16 Pounder Artillery Piece

Tender description

Tender submissions are requested from suitably qualified and experienced contractors. It is beneficial, though not essential, for the conservator or company to hold accredited status (PACR - Professional Accreditation of Conservator-Restorers). The scope of the work will be: • Provision of replacement wheels to the correct artillery pattern, it is assumed that the metal tyres from the existing incorrect wheels can be utilised on the new wheels. The new wheels will also require correct lynch pins, drag washers and 'Madras' pattern cast bronze hubs. The contractor may also be expected to re-fit the new wheels. • Provision of the two missing axletree boxes with foot steps, elbow and back rests. Securing axletree boxes to the carriage onsite in Stevenage, potentially by drilling out a number of the original holes on the carriage which have previously been filled. • Provision of replica wooden tools - trail handspike and associated leather retaining straps (x2), combined rammer and sponge and associated leather retaining straps and a drag shoe attached to an existing drag chain, designed to hang on rear hook to the PL side of the carriage. • Leather work as detailed above for attaching the tools, any associated leather on the axletree boxes and the provision of leather crew handholds with necessary attachments. • Repair to pair of existing foresights to be removed from the barrel and repaired offsite and reattached during onsite work. • Any woodwork to be colour matched to the existing colour of the carriage. • Once all work is completed the contractor is to provide the all up weight of the work This contract will be carried out offsite by the company or conservator, but with some onsite work fixing replica components. It is expected that the majority of work will be completed offsite with the object itself anticipated to remain in Stevenage. It is anticipated that the work would start by December 2021 and be completed by end of February 2022. The requirement is for the work to be carried out off site and as such, a UK Registrars Group security supplement will be required. The company will also need to ensure that they are able to provide nail-to-nail insurance covering the total value of any parts of the object that are removed from NAM premises and public liability totalling £5million. It is expected that companies or individuals wishing to tender should complete a site visit at NAM Stevenage before submitting their estimates