During this century various adhesives and consolidants have been used on stone objects from the vast collection in the British Museum. Adhesives have included shellac, cement mortars, plaster of Paris, nitrocellulose, epoxies and polyesters. The consolidants have been nitrocellulose, water-glass, soluble nylon, polyethylene glycol wax and vinyl acetate. Some of these materials and their methods of application have proved successful, whereas others with the passing of time, have been less satisfactory. Problems of decay have in some cases been exacerbated, resulting in serious deformation of the upper surface and loss of carved detail. Examples of such deterioration and the evidence of previous treatments are illustrated. This paper evaluates the materials used and records the physical effects on various types of stone. Practical methods to remove old adhesives and consolidants and introducing a new consolidant following previous treatment are also described.