Međunarodna konferencija studija konzervacije-restauracije

4 UNIVERSITIES 4 KONAVLE: Implementing collection care project - Stage 1

Authors: Viktorija Pilon, Caroline Dalhed, Julia Németh
Mentor: Danijela Jemo, PhD, University Assistent; Tanja Kimmel, PhD; Laura Peters, MA, Mateo M. K. Kesovia, MA, Teaching Assistant

Art and Restoration Department, University of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Study programme: First-Cycle Bachelor's Programme of Study in Conservation-Restoration
Specialization: textile (2nd year of study)

Abstract
4 Universities 4 Konavle is an international project held in the Konavle County Museum, 17.-21. September 2018. The project was organized by the University of Dubrovnik, Department of Art and Restoration; University of applied Arts Vienna, Institute of Conservation; University of Technology, Arts, Science, CICS-Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences and Hungarian Univeristy of Fine Arts, Department of Conservation; in collaboration with Museums & Galleries of Konavle, Konavle County Museum. The collection care project was divided into three groups. The first group, led by Dr. Katalin Orosz and MA Laura Peters applied the Risk Assessment Methods and Procedures. Their task was to evaluate all the possible risks in the museum and to develop a risk-based approach in order to diminish those risks. The first group also prepared an educational flyer with instructions how to preserve textile heritage in private collections. The second group led by Univ. Ass. Dipl. Rest. Tanja Kimmel was focused on improving the display methods for 2-dimensional „Konavle embroidery" and 3-dimensional „Konavle costumes". The third group was led by Danijela Jemo, PhD and MA Laura Peters. Their group focused on the digitization and documentation of the embroidery patterns from the Jelka Miš collection and implementation of new storage methods for the collection.

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Short biography
VIKTORIJA PILON was born in Požega, November 29th 1998. She graduated the Natural sciences – mathematics Gymnasium in Požega. As a 2nd-year student at the Department of Art and Restoration, University of Dubrovnik. Her field of study is textile conservation – restoration. She participated in several projects such as Modifying mannequins for ethnographic costume project that was organized by the Department of Art and Restoration, University of Dubrovnik.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF)

15th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CONSERVATION-RESTORATION STUDIES, SPLIT 2018

Below you will find posters (in PDF format) that were presented at the 15th International Conference of Conservation-Restoration Studies. The conference took place in Split in April 2018. To learn more about the event, please click here.

Wall Paintings in Churches in the Territory of Poljica

Author: Nikolina Lovrić
Mentors: Nikola Radošević, Lecturer; Krešimir Bosnić, Lecturer

Department of Conservation-Restoration, Arts Academy of the University of Split (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Wall paintings and mosaics (5th year of study)

Abstract

Before the invasion of Napoleon’s army and the ensuing abolition of its sovereignty, the Republic of Poljica had enjoyed the status of an autonomous territory. The area still abounds in churches, some of them built during the early Croatian period. The inhabitants of Poljica have always appreciated their religious  architectural heritage, repeatedly renovating the interiors and exteriors of their churches in order to preserve and even embellish their appearance. Unfortunately, in these renewals many wall paintings, together with original plaster, have been removed or overpainted. The most reliable way of finding out which of them have survived and which have been replaced by new paintings or lost is to compare the existing situation with archival documents and photo-documentation of the Croatian Conservation Institute. Oddly enough, the work done so far suggests that a significant number of them have been irreversibly lost in the relatively recent past, i.e. during the 20th century. To save what has left of this important part of Poljica heritage for generations to come, it is planned to create a digital catalogue of the paintings which have survived in situ, including overviews of the state of preservation of single paintings.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.58 MB)

Read more: Wall Paintings in Churches in the Territory of Poljica

Transfer of a Fragment of Painted Frieze from the Moise Palace at Cres

Authors: Ivana Dragozet and Lara Jurki
Mentors: Suzana Damiani, MA, Associate Professor; Neva Pološki, MA, Assistant Professor

Department for Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Zagreb (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Wall paintings (5th year of study)

Abstract

The focus of the poster is on the transfer of a fragment of wall painting which was detached  from its original support (the wall), put on a new support, and installed in situ.  The fragment was discovered in 2015, in the Renaissance Moise palace at Cres. It is  part of a 16th century frieze, and was found underneath more recent layers of plaster. As the supporting wall was statically unstable and in danger of collapsing, it had to be demolished and replaced by a new one. This  meant that the painting, in order to be preserved, needed to be quickly detached. In 2016 the painting  was separated from the support using  stacco method, and  transferred to the Academy of Fine Arts, the Department of Conservation and Restoration of Artworks in Zagreb, where further work on the fragment was carried out by the 5th year students Lara Jurki and Ivana Dragozet. It included the treatment and preparation of the fragment for the new mount, its mounting on a movable support and  return to the its original place within the palace, but also  other  conservation and restoration actions indispensable for its new display.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.45 MB)

Read more: Transfer of a Fragment of Painted Frieze from the Moise Palace at Cres

Conservation of a Detached Anti-nazi and Anti-fascist Mixed-media Installation

Authors: Ewa Szarłata, Paulina Węgrzyn and Monika Topolska
Mentor: Edward Kosakowski, Full Professor

Department of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow (Poland)
Study programme: Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art MA Programme
Specialization: Paintings (Ewa Szarłata – 5th year of study; Paulina Węgrzyn and Monika Topolska – 4th year of study)

Abstract

The poster presents the conservation of an installation of historic value, made shortly  before  the outbreak of World War II: an inscription made with pencil in the corner between two painted walls, reading "the 7th of August /1939 / gallows / for Hitler / and Mussolini", with a nail placed above one part of the inscription, with a rope attached to it. The installation was found during the conservation works connected with another object, and had to be removed immediately in order to be preserved (stacco method was chosen). The most challenging moment of the  preparations for the transfer of  the two parts with the inscriptions to a new support was the design of a moveable support system which would allow the display of this corner object as it was found, with two parts placed at a right angle to each other, or,  should the display require,  parallelly. Moreover, the installation had to be prepared for transportation during which it had to lie flat. The authors designed and constructed a  two-parted moveable support of the "sandwich" type, which fulfilled all of the requirements. The backings for the detached objects were prepared and applied to the support. Further works are in progress.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 910.22 KB)

Read more: Conservation of a Detached Anti-nazi and Anti-fascist Mixed-media Installation

Conservation-Restoration Works on a Flavius Valens Sarcophagus from Salona

Author: Martin Zohil
Mentors: Ivo Donelli, Full Professor; Siniša Bizjak, Assistant Professor

Department of Conservation-Restoration, Arts Academy of the University of Split (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Stone (3rd year of study)

Abstract

The poster contains the overview of the conservation-restoration works carried out on a 4th century sarcophagus from Salona. When the sarcophagus arrived at the Department’s stone objects studio, it was  in a precarious condition. Since much of its sides was lost or broken, it was in need of an extensive reconstruction. The replacements in artificial stone (which was structurally reinforced) were applied in thin layers to allow proper drying. They were put in place and secured with stainless steel pins. The missing  decoration was  reconstructed from and old photograph, traced and carved with traditional tools.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 2.06 MB)

Read more: Conservation-Restoration Works on a Flavius Valens Sarcophagus from Salona

Role of the Archaeological Conservator in Excavations. The Examples of Good Practice

Authors: Tamara Kaličanin and Marita Marković
Mentor: Joška Tea Katunaric Kirjakov, Senior Lecturer

Department of Conservation-Restoration, Arts Academy of the University of Split (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Archaeological materials (3rd year of study)

Abstract

Since 2008, The Arts Academy of the University of Split has taken part in many underwater and terrestrial excavations. The students of archaeological materials conservation of the Conservation-Restoration Department have actively participated in them, focusing on the selection of the optimal conservation methods to be applied in the treatment of archaeological artefacts from the very moment of their discovery. The students have worked on the optimal conservation approach to human remains, ceramics, glass and metalwork already on the site, learning how to handle freshly found artefacts during their lifting and transportation, and how to implement conservation procedures in the laboratory. The objects which were recently moved from their primary archaeological contexts to new surroundings with different climates have experienced abrupt decay. It particularly concerns organic, but also to a smaller extent, inorganic materials. An understanding of the environment the artefact originates from is necessary for the development of the most appropriate conservation procedures and creation of the optimal conditions of its storing and display, but also for the interpretation of the gathered information in the further examination. Having that said, the collaboration between conservators-restorers and archaeologists is fundamental.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.58 MB)

Read more: Role of the Archaeological Conservator in Excavations. The Examples of Good Practice

Story Behind the 16th Century Damask Fragment from the Island of Lopud

Author: Sara Vladić
Mentors: Danijela Jemo, PhD, Assistant Professor; Mateo Miguel Kodrić Kesovia, Teaching Assistant

Department of Art and Restoration, University of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Study programme: Undergraduate study programme in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Textile (3rd year of study)

Abstract

Many of the historic vestments and other  liturgical items,  still in existence along the Croatian coast, contain interesting and valuable Italian damask fabrics. Sometimes they have been cut and re-used  for new purposes. One such object is a "burse" made of Italian 16th century damask, which now makes part of the textile collection of the church of Our Lady of Šunj, on the island of Lopud. A detailed historical and technical analysis of the fabric has shown that it bears a similarity to other 16th century damasks found in Croatia, most notably the precious bale of damask recovered from a shipwreck near the island of Gnalić, now on display in the City Museum of Biograd. The present work brings  the results of a further investigation carried on the damask fragment from Lopud, which consists in a comparison of its visual and technical features with those of other similar fragments documented in Croatia. The conservation and restoration procedures undertaken on the fragment so far are also presented here.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.09 MB)

Read more: Story Behind the 16th Century Damask Fragment from the Island of Lopud

Restoration of a Polychrome Wooden Cabinet with Oak Graining Imitation

Author: Paulina Węgrzyn
Mentors: Aleksandra Hola, PhD, Assistant Professor (Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow); Charles Indekeu, Reader (University of Antwerp)

Department of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow (Poland)
Study programme: Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art MA Programme
Specialization: Paintings (4th year of study)

Abstract

The poster presents conservation-restoration treatment of a 17th century wooden corner cabinet with oak graining imitation, executed in the 18th century in oil technique. The treatment was done during the Erasmus+ Exchange Program in Antwerp, Belgium in the winter semester of 2017/18.

The first part of the poster focuses on the analysis of oak graining imitation technique and technology, based on the research of relevant literature and an empirical test carried out by the author of the poster. The test, the results of which are shown here, was performed to understand better the original technique and the elaborate method of reconstruction of graining imitation on cabinets.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.05 MB)

Read more: Restoration of a Polychrome Wooden Cabinet with Oak Graining Imitation

Elecrolytic Cleaning and Silvering

Authors: Ira Fabrio and Antonia Kunjašić
Mentor: Marta Stanic, Teaching Assistant

Department of Art and Restoration, University of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Study programme: Undergraduate programme in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Metalwork (2nd year of study)

Abstract

Electrolytic cleaning is a method of removing soil, scale or corrosion products from a metal surface by subjecting it, as an electrode, to an electric current in an electrolytic bath. Electrolysis cleaning works somewhat like chrome plating in reverse. By connecting the positive and negative wires, the opposite of the plating process, you get crud and rust removal.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.49 MB)

Read more: Elecrolytic Cleaning and Silvering

Applied Art of Intarsia

Author: Ante Pereza
Mentors: Andrej Aranicki, MA, Associate Professor; Maja Sučević Miklin, Assistant Lecturer

Department for Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Zagreb (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Sculpture (3rd year of study)

Abstract

The poster presents the work of the Croatian master of modern intarsia Antun Župan (1912–1983) and the conservation and restoration works done on two of his artworks, both of which are wooden tables decorated with inlays and produced in 1954. In addition to the presentation of new materials and techniques, the authors of the poster we faced with the issue of approach to intarsia as a medium and means of artistic expression, and as an aesthetically valuable work of art with. The state of the artworks before the restoration are presented, from the damage inflicted by negligence, mechanical damages caused by the use of the objects for everyday purposes, to inadequate repairs and the common problems of all wooden objects, such as biological, physical and chemical damage. The authors believe that by carrying out the analysis and testing the materials, by analysing the causes of deterioration and the ways of protection based on the ethical principles of the profession, the quality of the future conservation and restoration interventions on objects like these will increase.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 6.85 MB)

Read more: Applied Art of Intarsia

Methods Used in Restoration of Flood Damaged Paper Objects

Authors: Karmen Đanić, Valnea Gjivić, Barbara Butigan and Domenika Krasan
Mentor: Tanja Dujaković, Teaching Assistant

Department of Art and Restoration, University of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Study programme: Graduate programme in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Paper (1st year of study)

Abstract

The poster is inspired by the objects which the students of Conservation and Restoration of Paper had the opportunity to restore as part of their final year MA project. It concerns the recovery of paper artefacts following flood. The poster presents theoretical and practical aspects of the issue, describing two sets of procedures, those which are applied in the recovery of individual objects and those which are applied on large quantities of damaged material. Any work on the objects is preceded by the object’s (or objects’) condition check, value estimation and damage ranking. Based on this, a decision is made concerning the appropriate method of recovery, i.e. whether to recover individual object or to perform "mass" recovery. Interventive treatment on individual objects usually includes separation of the pages with the appropriate chemical substances,  while mass methods use freeze drying, lyophilisation, deacidification... The poster presents examples of both methods, taken from the Conservation and Restoration of Paper studio practice and used in the recovery of the objects, on which the students have had the opportunity to work.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.84 MB)

Read more: Methods Used in Restoration of Flood Damaged Paper Objects

Photodocumentation of Cultural heritage (Objects): Tips on Studio and On Site (in situ) Approaches

Author: Ivan Goldin
Mentor: Mario Braun, Lecturer

Department for Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Zagreb (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Sculpture (4th year of study)

Abstract

The poster contains simplified yet essential tips on how to plan photo shooting in different conservation and restoration situations, including the selection of appropriate lens and the set-up of basic parameters, in order to make photographic documentation more reliable even in the conditions which are not ideal.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.48 MB)

Read more: Photodocumentation of Cultural heritage (Objects): Tips on Studio and On Site (in situ) Approaches

Applied Brocade. Art Technology and Conservation-Restoration

Author: Erica Sartori
Mentors: Miladi Makuc Semion, Associate Professor; Martina Vuga, MA, Teaching Assistant

Department of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Study programme: First-Cycle Bachelor's Programme of Study in Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art
Specialization: Polychrome Wooden Sculpture (3rd year of study)

Abstract

Applied brocade is a decorative technique found mainly on wooden supports. Its goal is to imitate the three-dimensional appearance of brocade by shaping a tin foil in a mould, gilding it and gluing it to the support. The technical studies, based on the motifs of the existing tin reliefs, follow the instructions found in medieval receipts and recent publications. The technical and historical study of applied brocade laid the groundwork for the conservation treatment of a 16th century reliquary bust which,  due to the extreme fragility of the relief, was mainly focused on consolidation.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.17 MB)

Read more: Applied Brocade. Art Technology and Conservation-Restoration

Use of Combined Physical and Chemical Examination of a Panel Painting for Decision-making Purposes: Retouching Removal

Author: Justyna Kędziora
Mentor: Aleksandra Hola, PhD, Assistant Professor

Department of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow (Poland)
Study programme: Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art MA Programme
Specialization: Paintings (5th year of study)

Abstract

A 16th century Italian panel painting depicting The Raising of Lazarus was retouched more than once in its history. Some of the overpaint will have to be removed due to their unacceptable aesthetic qualities, faulty plank joints and bad condition of wood. The poorly preserved original paint layer, extensive retouching and damaged support give rise to the question  which particular overpaint  to remove and which to kept in place? With the help of observation in raking light, ultraviolet induced fluorescence photography (UVIFP), infrared radiography (IRR), X ray radiography (XRR), scanning X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (MA-XRF), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) the author of the poster will propose the safest course of conservation actions, with the emphasis on the decision which parts of the painting layer should be removed.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.95 MB)

Read more: Use of Combined Physical and Chemical Examination of a Panel Painting for Decision-making...

Varnish Preparation and Application on Easel Paintings

Authors: Ivana Guljelmović, Patricia Prevarek, Ana Sokač and Anamaria Udovičić
Mentor: Tamara Ukrainčik, MA, Associate Professor

Department for Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Zagreb (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Easel paintings (4th year of study)

Abstract

The poster presents a varnish preparation exercise in which natural and synthetic resins and solvents were prepared and applied to different substrates. The selection of substrates has offered an insight into different absorption properties of different materials, and consequently, different behaviour of the applied varnishes. The choice of varnish was based on scientific research results and restoration interventions carried out over the last few years, in which the selected varnishes have shown satisfactory properties (stability and resistance to aging and changes caused by external influences).

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.61 MB)

Read more: Varnish Preparation and Application on Easel Paintings

Conservation and Restoration of the "Seoba Srba" Chromolithograph by Paja Jovanović

Authors: Tijana Mihailović and Milica Terzić
Mentor: Tijana Lazić, Assistant Professor

Department of Conservation and Restoration, Faculty of Applied Arts in Belgrade, Academy of Applied Arts, University of Arts in Belgrade (Serbia)
Study programme: Conservation and restoration
Specialization: Paintings and artworks on paper (5th year of the Master's programme)

Abstract

The poster presents the process of conservation and restoration of the chromolithograph of the Seoba Srba painting by Paja Jovanović. The picture was produced in the chromolithographic studio in Zagreb, founded by the merchant Petar Nikolić. The technique of chromolithography was popular in the nineteenth century, and this particular chromolithograph was produced in 1909. At the time when it was acquired it was already in a poor condition. After a microscopic analysis (USB microscope) and microbiological analysis (by MVP), the conservation treatment included fixing of mechanical damage (Tyvek) and the removal of the canvas carrier, followed by mechanical cleaning of the back and face of the picture (eraser, groom-stick) and the chemical cleaning of the face of the picture (alcohol-water mixture). The damage to the back of the picture was repaired with starch glue and Japanese tissue. The chromolithograph was glued to a new paper carrier (Japanese tissue). During the regluing (using starch glue), the original pieces of the chromolithograph were integrated. Due to the damage to the paint layer, the restoration process was carried out in the form of retouch (watercolor paint). On the edges of the picture, tissue straps were added and the picture was put in a mounting frame.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 2.16 MB)

Read more: Conservation and Restoration of the "Seoba Srba" Chromolithograph by Paja Jovanović

Development of New Mosaic Tesserae for Artists and Conservators-Restorers

Authors: Urška Lončar and Monika Zobec
Mentors: Blaž Šeme, PhD, Assistant Professor; Gregor Kokalj, MA, Assistant Professor

Department of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Study programme: First-Cycle Bachelor's Programme of Study in Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art
Specialization: – (? year of study)

Abstract

Students of the  Academy of Fine Arts and Design and the Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering in Ljubljana, in collaboration with experts from different fields, are working on a new kind of mosaic cubes made of inorganic and organic compounds. The idea of the project originates from the need for high-quality and affordable mosaic tesserae, which art students can make by themselves and which can be suitable for use in the  wider area  of artistic creation, including copying, at the same time meeting  the needs of  mosaic conservation-restoration. For the purpose of the project, two groups of students tested two different basic binders: a ceramic-based mineral binder (Kremenit) and an epoxy-resin-based synthetic organic binder. After the addition of various pigments and additives, and the manufacture of moulds for test samples, two types of tests were performed: workability tests on the materials in the studio (consistency, setting time, shrinkage, cutting and adherence) and tests of the physical properties of the tesserae in the scientific laboratory (compressive, bending and splitting strength tests and frost resistance tests). The results of the project are mosaic tesserae that can be used for outdoor and indoor purposes. The research will hopefully continue as planned.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 777.38 KB)

Read more: Development of New Mosaic Tesserae for Artists and Conservators-Restorers

14th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CONSERVATION-RESTORATION STUDIES, ZAGREB 2017

Below you will find posters (in PDF format) that were presented at the 14th International Conference of Conservation-Restoration Studies. The conference took place in Zagreb in April 2017. To learn more about the event, please click here.

Producing copies of the Late Bronze Age pottery from Dugiš on the river Cetina

Authors: Francis Dragičević and Ivana Vukadin
Mentor: Miona Miliša, PhD, Assistant Professor

Department of Conservation-Restoration, Arts Academy of the University of Split (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Archaeological materials (5th year of study)

Abstract

The archaeological site of Dugiš is a prehistoric settlement of stilt houses located on the banks of the river Cetina in vicinity of Sinj. Being a very durable and resistant material, as well as the most characteristic feature of any prehistoric settlement, ceramic findings indicate a thousand year long continuity of living on the site. The pottery was of everyday use, mainly cooking ware, acquired by the courtesy of Archaeological Museum at Split. There is more than one way of presenting an object as an whole, especially if there are merely fragments left of the original. As an alternative to reconstructing the missing areas, there is always an option of producing a copy of the vessel. Making of a copy and making of a replica have two very different meanings. The difference is in the materials used as well as in the technique of production. While a copy only imitates the physical characteristics of the original, a replica is produced of authentic materials and by the authentic process of production and also provides authentic visual appearance. Producing plaster copies is an elegant and cost efficient way of presenting ancient pottery, especially in cases of major original material loss.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.21 MB)

Read more: Producing copies of the Late Bronze Age pottery from Dugiš on the river Cetina