Object Identification
- Object name: Bottle of unknown liquid
- Date: c. 1790-1840
- Origin: Found in a wall in a building in Cleethorpes, likely made in the UK
- Materials: Glass, cork
Object Summary
The glass bottle was found in a wall in a building in Cleethorpes during renovations and became a bit of a star object at the University. It posed a very interesting conservation project as the bottle is full of liquid which was an unknown substance. The identification required some scientific techniques and a bit of creativity as the bottle could not be opened and a sample taken. Thankfully the techniques gave us an answer and the liquid turned out to urine. A common component in witch’s bottles, used to ward against witch’s spells and curses and concealed in walls.
This object was conserved by Zara Yeates. Find out more about her by clicking on the profile below!
Zara Yeates
