Showing papers in "Studies in Conservation in 1981"
TL;DR: In this article, the interrelationship between the various chloride ion containing compounds associated with the corrosion of iron in a marine environment is reviewed, and their role in corrosion promotion is evaluated as a basis for the selection of conservation techniques with a high probability of success.
Abstract: The interrelationship between the various chloride ion containing compounds associated with the corrosion of iron in a marine environment is reviewed, and their role in corrosion promotion is evaluated as a basis for the selection of conservation techniques with a high probability of success.
77 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the action of light, oxygen and interactions between mixed media components are discussed, and the influence of some conservation treatments is considered, in order to acquire new physico-chemical properties during ageing.
Abstract: During ageing, proteinaceous media undergo various chemical and structural alterations to acquire new physico-chemical properties. The action of light, oxygen and interactions between mixed media components are discussed. The influence of some conservation treatments is considered.
68 citations
TL;DR: The paper "Care and Preservation of Books and Manuscripts: A Symposium of the Cellular and Paper Division at the 172nd meeting of the American Chemical Society, San Francisco, California, August 30-31, 1976" as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: As the title page indicates, this volume is the result of "a symposium sponsored by the Cellular and Paper Division at the 172nd meeting of the American Chemical Society, San Francisco, California, August 30-31, 1976." There are 25 individual articles or contributions. With authors like Middleton, Cunha, Walker, Smith, Bear, and Fuller, the reader finds himself traveling in pretty good company. The topics for consideration include: deaacidification, permanent paper, design of pulp for repair purposes, mass drying, preserving and repairing of textiles, and artificial aging. After a preface by John C. Williams, the work is divided into three parts. The first is "Care and Preservation of Books and Manuscripts. " Bernard Middleton begins this section with a practical and philosophical look at where library collections stand today, and makes suggestions for a preservation program. The second section, "Care and Preservation of Textiles/ ' starts with Nobuko Kajitani's work on treatment of museum fabrics. Again, it serves as a practical and philosophical overview to the section. In the third section, entitled "Estimation of Permanence," a paper on testing methods by B. L. Browning from the Institute of Paper Chemistry, Appleton, Wisconsin, sets the tone for the ensuing articles, which feature chemical analyses of materials. Following an abstract, each article states a problem, explores it throughly, and ends with a summary or conclusion. Because of this format, the work may be read on several different levels. The reader benefits from the amount of knowledge he or she brings to it. Familiarity with Cunha or the word of the Barrow labs would be most helpful, but to plumb the articles' depths thoroughly, one needs to be well versed in chemistry. Most of the authors who discuss problems of paper are aware of the massive number of books and manuscripts in library collections that are in trouble. Smith and Wheeler relate their success with mass deacidification, and there are several articles dealing with drying of wet and flood damaged material. Since my work deals mostly with paper and books, I found the first section of the book to be the most interesting. However, since
43 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a glow discharge in hydrogen gas can reduce silver tarnish back to silver, which takes only a few minutes, and many of the disadvantages of wet chemical methods are avoided.
Abstract: A glow discharge in hydrogen gas can reduce silver tarnish back to silver. When a Daguerreotype is made an electrode of such a system, reduction takes only a few minutes. Many of the disadvantages of wet chemical methods are avoided.
40 citations
32 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the chemistry of modified polyamides and specifically soluble nylon is reviewed, as well as the reactions they undergo, and the behavior of soluble nylon in conservation is discussed on the basis of practical experience gained from working with objects treated with soluble nylon.
Abstract: Many conservators have had problems with objects treated with soluble nylon. The chemistry of modified polyamides and, specifically, soluble nylon is reviewed, as well as the reactions they undergo. The behavior of soluble nylon in conservation is then discussed on the basis of practical experience gained from working with objects treated with soluble nylon.
27 citations
TL;DR: The results of experiments with ferrous corrosion products are briefly reported in this paper, where the corrosion products found include the hydrated iron oxides as well as oxides and the iron oxychloride reported by North and Pearson was not confirmed.
Abstract: The results of experiments with ferrous corrosion products are briefly reported. The corrosion products found include the hydrated iron oxides as well as oxides. The iron oxychloride reported by North and Pearson was not confirmed. The X-ray diffraction patterns of iron oxychloride and beta iron oxide hydroxide are compared and certain similarities remarked upon as well as the differences.
24 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an Egyptian painting in an aqueous medium on linen fabric by means of optical and chemical microscopy, X-radiography and amino acid analysis revealed that it was painted in distemper, employing pigments consistent with those used in the ascribed period of the painting.
Abstract: The technical examination of an Egyptian painting in an aqueous medium on linen fabric by means of optical and chemical microscopy, X-radiography and amino acid analysis revealed that it was painted in distemper, employing pigments consistent with those used in the ascribed period of the painting, namely the third-fourth century A.D. With the exception of murals and funerary paintings, few, if any, hangings or easel paintings from ancient times are extant. Nonetheless, there is ample evidence that many were created. Duell (1) tells about easel painting in Egypt. A fresco now in the Naples Museum appears to depict a seated woman painting a small picture on fabric (2). Pliny (3) describes painting as an important art form in Greece and Rome, detailing various styles of painting and describing the materials used. He reported both the use of beeswax and of a second water- soluble material as paint media, but he did not clearly identify the latter (4). The discovery by W. M. Flinders Petrie in 1888 of a large group of funerary portraits at the cemetery at Hawara confirmed Pliny's description of the use of wax as a paint medium on wood panels and clarified various aspects of the techniques the artists had employed in creating the portraits (5). The finds at Hawara also illustrated that the more naturalistic style of the Greek artists had greatly influenced the Roman and Egyptian artists.
23 citations
TL;DR: The condition before treatment and the subsequent consolidation of the wooden parts of an eighteenth century English fire engine are described in this paper, where experiments on a range of possible consolidants are outlined, and the application of polyvinyl butyral (Butvar B90, Monsanto) by brushing and vacuum methods is presented.
Abstract: The condition before treatment and the subsequent consolidation of the wooden parts of an eighteenth century English fire engine are described Experiments on a range of possible consolidants are outlined, and the application of polyvinyl butyral (Butvar B90, Monsanto) by both brushing and vacuum methods is presented A closing discussion examines the relationship of the experimental findings to the practical application, the need for consolidation, and the final results of the treatment
23 citations
TL;DR: A simplified, inexpensive method of analysis suited to the needs of museum laboratories for identifying the type of fibers which commonly occur in ethnographic textile collections is described.
Abstract: A simplified, inexpensive method of analysis suited to the needs of museum laboratories for identifying the type of fibers which commonly occur in ethnographic textile collections is described. Apart from a standard research microscope, the process requires a total investment of approximately 400 in hardware and chemicals. The analysis, which can be carried out even on a single one-inch-long fiber specimen, provides not only important data on material culture, but is often a reliable tool for verifying the authenticity and the given age of artifacts. A list of necessary chemicals and supplies is given and case histories described.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the problem of conserving excavated iron objects, often very corroded, has been studied in the Museum of the Musee d'art et d'histoire, Geneva.
Abstract: The Laboratory of the Musee d'art et d'histoire, Geneva, has been concerned with the problem of conserving excavated iron objects, often very corroded. In the search for a satisfactory method of desalination, the alkaline sulphite treatment developed by North and Pearson for marine objects was studied. Within the framework of a quantitative study of chloride elimination, this was compared with five other methods. Further researches were undertaken on the quantitative distribution of chlorides in a corroded iron object, the quantity of chlorides remaining after different treatments, the chloride concentration threshold at which corrosion starts and becomes dangerous.
TL;DR: In this article, temperature and humidity recordings taken inside and outside granitic caverns at a coastal and an inland site in South Australia show that cavern microclimates are characterized by smaller diurnal fluctuations in air temperature, rock temperature and air humidity than occur outside caverns, a result of lower maximum values and/or higher minimum values in caverns.
Abstract: Temperature and humidity recordings taken inside and outside granitic caverns at a coastal and an inland site in South Australia show that cavern microclimates are characterized by smaller diurnal fluctuations in air temperature, rock temperature and air humidity than occur outside caverns, a result of lower maximum values and/or higher minimum values in caverns. The influence of cavern aspect and size (within the range available) on microclimatic variables was minor. Diurnal fluctuations in air temperature, rock temperature and air humidity were all greater at the inland site than the coastal site. Some implications of these results for rock weathering and preservation of rock art are put forward.
TL;DR: In this article, a number of pieces within each sample were stored in a sealed Perspex-fronted container and they were arranged so that some had been exposed to light and some protected from it.
Abstract: Samples of linen canvas prepared in 1956 and kept in the Tate Gallery for 24 years were tested for tensile strength, acidity, reflectance and sulphur content. The samples included both unimpregnated linen and wax/resin impregnated linen. They were arranged so that some had been exposed to light and some protected from it. In addition a number of pieces within each sample were stored in a sealed Perspex-fronted container. Significant among the findings was that enclosing canvas in sealed containers had provided considerable protection against deterioration. Wax/resin impregnation of the samples aged in the open afforded similar protection, but there was also a small weakening effect in the same samples when they were enclosed.
TL;DR: In this article, the effectiveness of benzotriazole in reducing the corrosive behaviour of alkaline Rochelle salt, alkaline glycerol, Calgon, and citric acid on exposed tin-bronze surfaces was studied to determine a safe procedure to utilize these stripping agents.
Abstract: The effectiveness of benzotriazole in reducing the corrosive behaviour of alkaline Rochelle salt, alkaline glycerol, Calgon, and citric acid on exposed tin-bronze surfaces was studied to determine a safe procedure to utilize these stripping agents. Test pieces of modern metal were immersed in the reagents using two different treatment methods. The effect of benzotriazole was observed by metallographic techniques. The method of pretreatment of the samples with benzotriazole before immersion in the stripping reagents gave successful corrosion inhibition only for the samples in Calgon. The method of direct addition of benzotriazole to the reagent was found to be most effective for the Calgon solution, less effective for the alkaline Rochelle salt and alkaline glycerol and not effective for the citric acid solution.
TL;DR: In this paper, the Freer collection of Japanese paintings of the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries has been determined, and basic lead carbonate (lead white) was found in 12 out of 13 Chinese paintings and in all three Korean paintings.
Abstract: Japanese paintings of the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries in the collection of the Freer Gallery of Art has been determined. In 12 out of 13 Chinese paintings, and in all three Korean paintings, basic lead carbonate (lead white) was found. Of the 29 Japanese paintings, six had basic lead carbonate, 20 had basic lead chloride (which occurred as two different compounds), and two carried both of these species. One Chinese painting had lead sulphate and one Japanese painting lead phosphate. Historical evidence suggests that two forms of 'lead white' were known and distinguished during the eighth century in Japan; the possible connection between this and the present findings on Japanese paintings is discussed.
TL;DR: The unpublished Gospel book from the Armenian school of Glajor and now held by VCLA contains numerous miniatures depicting scenes from the life of Christ and five distinct painters of these miniatures, working in two different ateliers, have been identified as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The unpublished Gospel book from the Armenian school of Glajor and now held by VCLA contains numerous miniatures depicting scenes from the life of Christ On the basis of stylistic analysis, five distinct painters of these miniatures, working in two different ateliers, have been identified Seventy-six samples, selected to yield the spectrum of hues from each artist, were abstracted from the MS and analyzed by standard methods The resulting palette was compared with pigments known to be in use at the same time in Byzantium and western Europe
TL;DR: In this article, a simple low cost alternative to X-ray diffraction for the identification of corrosion products on marine iron artifacts is based on the differential solubility of the minerals in pure acetyl acetone and on the color of the product formed.
Abstract: A simple, low cost alternative to X-ray diffraction for the identification of corrosion products on marine iron artifacts is based on the differential solubility of the minerals in pure acetyl acetone and on the color of the product formed.
TL;DR: By a selective staining method combined with UV fluorescence microscopy, gypsum can be detected even in small amounts in calcite sandstone as mentioned in this paper, which reveals to what extent and in which crystal size the new deposits are formed.
Abstract: By a selective staining method combined with UV fluorescence microscopy, gypsum can be detected even in small amounts in calcite sandstone. In thin-sections, gypsum shows a striking orange colour. This method gives an insight into the dynamics of gypsum formation, because it reveals to what extent and in which crystal-size the new deposits are formed. The reaction of atmospheric SO2 with the stone becomes vividly clear and makes it certain that SO2, along with various other causes of natural erosion, plays an additional and meaningful role in stone corrosion.
TL;DR: In this paper, the main results of a radiographic examination which was made on the marble statue of Hermes at Olympia were presented, revealing clearly the previous attempts at restoration, and the information derived from this diagnostic work is valuable for the static study of the monument, so that one can evaluate its resistance to earthquakes and tremors which are frequent in the area of Olympia.
Abstract: The aim of the present paper is to present the main results of a radiographic examination which was made on the marble statue of Hermes at Olympia. During this examination all parts of the statue were radiographed, revealing clearly the previous attempts at restoration. The information derived from this diagnostic work is valuable for the static study of the monument, so that one can evaluate, first of all, its resistance to earthquakes and tremors which are frequent in the area of Olympia. Apart from this point, the general conclusions arrived at and evaluated by competent archaeologists and restorers can contribute substantially to the preservation of a precious work of art.
TL;DR: A mold made of epoxy resin and fiberglass was taken from the inside of a Pre- Columbian copper-alloy mask to support its fragile parts securely while on exhibition and in travel as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A mold made of epoxy resin and fiberglass was taken from the inside of a Pre- Columbian copper-alloy mask to support its fragile parts securely while on exhibition and in travel.
TL;DR: In this article, the coating on a stoneware plate damaged in a fire was found to be PVA contaminated with carbon particles, and dilute sodium hydroxide was selected to dissolve the coating.
Abstract: The coating on a stoneware plate damaged in a fire was found to be PVA contaminated with carbon particles. After solubility tests, dilute sodium hydroxide was selected to dissolve the coating.