Cleaning Techniques In Conservation Practice

This book is being simultaneously published as a special issue of the Journal of Architectural Conservation, and presents the very latest research and developments in the cleaning of buildings, sculpture and monuments. It covers both wet and dry micro abrasive systems, other types of abrasives, laser cleaning methods and proprietary poultices for specialized applications. The material presented is supported by case study examples from an international selection of major buildings and monuments, where the techniques have recently been tried and tested.

'Laser Cleaning in Conservation' is the first book to be written on this subject. Development of the laser as a practical tool has been a significant advance in the refinement of conservation techniques. It is only over the past five years that conservators have begun to realise the full potential of laser technology. The extremely selective cleaning offered by lasers results in very high quality work while minimising any damage caused. Martin Cooper's pioneering book will give anyone with an interest in the conservation of artworks a basic understanding of the laser cleaning technique so that they are aware of its advantages and limitations. Improved knowledge of the technique will lead to more widespread and responsible use and, therefore, improved conservation of artworks. Martin Cooper took both his first degree and PhD (laser cleaning of sculpture) at Loughborough University. He has since been working as a scientist in the Laser Technology section of the National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside, Liverpool, England, working closely with conservators to research and develop lasers for use in conservation. First book to be written on this subject areaDescribes pioneering work of John Larson and colleagues Includes chapter on laser cleaning of paintings Indepth and wide-ranging case studies show methods and results of use of lasers in conservation

The relationship between archaeology and conservation has long been complex and, at times, challenging. Archaeologists are often seen as interested principally in excavation and research, while conservators are concerned mainly with stabilization and the prevention of deterioration. Yet it is often initial conservation in the field that determines the long-term survival and intelligibility of both moveable artifacts and fixed architectural features. This user-friendly guide to conservation practices on archaeological excavations covers both structures and artifacts, starting from the moment when they are uncovered. Individual chapters discuss excavation and conservation, environmental and soil issues, deterioration, identification and condition assessment, detachment and removal, initial cleaning, coverings and shelters, packing, and documentation. There are also eight appendixes. Geared primarily for professionals engaged in the physical practice of excavation, this book will also interest archaeologists, archaeological conservators, site managers, conservation scientists, museum curators, and students of archaeology and conservation.

What happens to the fabric of a historic building if it is not cleaned? What is soiling, how does it affect the building? What cleaning methods should be used? This second of a comprehensive two-volume guide addresses these important and controversial questions, along with many others, and offers practical guidance on appropriate cleaning techniques, backed up with useful case study material. Based on the author's extensive on-site involvement at trial and contract stage in many cleaning and surface repair project, this book examines the various attitudes and current cleaning practices, along with the role and need for analysis of substrates and soiling. It also offers advice on dealing with special cleaning problems, such as the removal of paint, graffiti and metallic stains, and provides an assesment of the cleaning methods currently available.

Scientists have long been looking for alternative methods for the cleaning of historical and cultural museum objects as conventional methods often fail to completely remove surface films, leaving contamination and surface residues behind. Low-temperature plasmas have recently been found to provide a new, efficient and durable approach that maintains the safety of both the materials and personnel. This book is the first to introduce the emerging use of low-temperature plasmas in the cleaning and decontamination of cultural heritage items. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the new possibilities of cleaning objects with plasma, before providing a practice guide to the individual cleaning methods and an overview of the technologies and conditions used in the different cleaning regimes. It is an ideal reference for researchers in plasma physics, in addition to professionals working in the field of historical and cultural conservation. Features: Provides a thorough overview of the cleaning potential of emerging plasma technologies in accessible language for professional restorers and conservators without a scientific background Includes the latest case studies from the field, which have not been published elsewhere yet Authored by a team of experts in the field

This second volume of Cleaning historic buildings deals with special cleaning problems such as the removal of paint, grafitti, metallic stains and so on, and provide an assessment of the cleaning methods currently available.

Winner of the RIBA Book Award, this important and timely publication brings together contributions from leading stone conservation practitioners. It discusses the philosophical principles on which stone conservation is founded and the need to understand the full history and development of a building before starting work. Other topics covered in this book include consolidation, cleaning, and the replacement of stone; conservation of different stone types, including limestone, sandstone, and marble; problems of dealing with polychrome stone; and finally, issues relating to church monuments and graveyards, taking account of the need for good maintenance and health and safety requirements. The book is illustrated with the authors' own examples of stone conservation in practice. Architects, surveyors and craftsmen involved in the conservation of stone structures will find this both a practical and useful reference work.

First published in 1996, this volume has been substantially updated to reflect new research in the conservation of stone monuments, sculpture, and archaeological sites.