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Evolving challenges, developing skills

Abstract This paper explores various recent changes to the heritage context in which conservators now work, including changes to the accepted composition of the heritage, the inclusion of wider audiences, the understanding of wider, often intangible, meanings of objects, and the development of conservation as a social practice. Other factors such as funding pressures and climate change are also considered, together with their effects on conservation work patterns. The second part of the paper looks at the skills needed by conservators working in this evolving context, including both specialist and wider professional skills, and considers how these are to be developed. The final section examines the roles of formal university or college courses, internships or apprenticeships, and continuing professional development in equipping conservators for work in the 21st century.

Gessoes in Portuguese Baroque Gilding Grounds: Part 2: Analytical Study of Historical Samples and Archaeological Reconstructions

ABSTRACT This paper arises from a wider research project focussed on Portuguese gilded altarpieces and sculptures of the Baroque period, which also involved research into contemporary documents and into historical context, as well as into the history of use of materials and practices in gilding technology. It focuses on the results from analyses of historical samples and samples from archaeological reconstructions of gessoes and gilded surfaces. Analytical and experimental research shed light on diverse aspects of the technology of gilding grounds, such as range and composition of materials within historical objects, methods of production of gilding materials, gilding practices, actual performance of materials and gilded surfaces, and the science underlying the artists’ empirical choice of materials and practices. The documentary research (discussed in Part 1) elucidated the analytical and experimental research presented here, and vice-versa, resulting in a richer and more balanced understanding of the gessoes and of the motives of the people involved in their production. It is hoped that the results will inform future technological studies and conservation decisions.

Gessoes in Portuguese Baroque gilding grounds, part 1: A study of historical documentary sources

The surviving gilded and polychrome altarpieces and sculptures in Portuguese churches, and the historical documents relating to them, offer an opportunity for understanding material and technological choices regarding gesso grounds. This paper focuses on the historical documentary research about gessoes — one aspect of a wider research project which also involved investigation of physical/chemical evidence, and archaeological reconstructions of gilded gesso grounds. Documentary research sheds light on the meaning of the terms used in historical documents, and on artists’ choice of materials and practices, production, and trade patterns of materials. It informs technological investigations and conservation decisions. The paper also stresses the importance of the evidence gained by using the historical and archaeological methodology applied in material culture studies, in which documentary, analytical, and experimental information complement and/or elucidate each other, leading to a comprehensive understanding of this technology.

Authenticity challenged? The ‘plastic house’ at Çatalhöyük

Abstract This paper focuses on the problems of identifying and conserving authenticity in an object or structure. Using a range of examples it discusses the effects of material change on the many values, both technical and social, which may be assigned to an object. In particular it looks atthe problems of repeated conservation treatment and whether gradually modifying the material of the object may eventually erode its authenticity. It explores these issues with reference to the earth structure known as Building 5 at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük Turkey. This house is often referred to by the excavation team as the ‘plastic house’ because over the last seven years it has been treated annually with an acrylic polymer. The paper concludes by proposing that, despite the presence of the acrylic, the authenticity of Building 5 will not be undermined unless the treatment reaches a stage where it radically changes the surface appearance of the earthen structure.

Caring for the Past: Issues in Conservation for Archaeology and Museums

Caring for the Past discusses the evolution, philosophy and current practice of conservation. It is intended to encourage a better understanding of what conservation involves, and of how it can contribute to the study and enjoyment of the heritage. Issues affecting conservation and its future development are examined, and illustrated with examples. The main focus of the book is the consveration of archaeological, ethnographic and museum objects.