ELAICH - Educational Linkage Approach in Cultural Heritage.
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How should it be done? Guiding principles in conservation
HMCS Vancouver Pre-Deployment Brief - May 2024 (Web Version).pptx
Elaich module 4 topic 4.3 - How should it be done?
1. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Prof. JoAnn Cassar and Roberta De Angelis – University of Malta The Conservation Process Module 4 Basic Cour s e Teaching Material Topic 4.3 How should it be done? Guiding principles in conservation Educational Toolkit
3. Abstract Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage A conservation intervention is often required to preserve works of art and buildings in the best possible condition. Conservation treatments, however, even if done with the best of intentions, entail some risks. Conservators work very closely with the materials making up works of art or buildings. They remove some materials from them – like dirt – or add new materials, which are usually meant to last for a long time. Wrong choices or decisions may lead to permanent damage to the works of art either in the short and/or in the long-term. For this reason conservation treatments follow specific “guiding principles” – meant to minimise the risk of making mistakes – and are carried out by professionals. Let’s see some of these principles... Prof. JoAnn Cassar and Roberta De Angelis – University of Malta
4. How should it be done? Prof. JoAnn Cassar and Roberta De Angelis – University of Malta Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Works of art that conservators treat are irreplaceable. The task that conservators undertake is challenging: saving works of art through delicate treatments which must be carried out carefully to ensure that no permanent damage is done during the intervention and in the long-term.
6. Let’s see some examples… Prof. JoAnn Cassar and Roberta De Angelis – University of Malta Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Both adding materials and taking materials away can imply risks to the object/monument if treatments are not carefully planned and carried out (especially in the long-term!).
7. Mistakes done in the past and sometimes even today… Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage The application of cement to weak historic structures causes in the long-term the deterioration of the original masonry materials (bricks in this case). The application of iron clamps to strengthen walls causes in the long-term the deterioration of the masonry since iron oxidizes, expands and breaks the surrounding stone. Use of cement Use of metal clamps/dowels
8. water repellent surface (the water-repellent material penetrates inside the stone for a few mm). Water dissolves and transports salts, carries pollutants, and is essential for the growth of micro-organisms and vegetation... So keeping water away through the application of a protective coating (water repellent) seems to be a good idea... Unless salts are a problem... Water + (dissolved) salts salts tend to crystallise just behind the water-repellent surface causing the detachment of the outer stone surface. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Mistakes done in the past and sometimes even today… surface coated with a protective (water repellent) coating drops of water water evaporates but salts remain behind
Not sure this is very clear... Hope Janice will bring the photos of her samples....
You could ask them to explain stability, compatibility and reversibility. If in difficulty there are the definitions below. Examples: Glue used to reattach the broken pieces of a statue may release with time acidic components which harm the statue, or it may yellow, or attract dust, etc. Cement used for pointing or repairing a porous and soft stone induces deterioration on the porous stone (it does not allow passage of water, it releases salts, etc.)