Marble Conservation Techniques

The deterioration of the pentelic marble and the foundations of the monuments is attributed to a combination of mechanical physico chemical and biological factors in conjunction with the atmospheric pollution the microclimate and the microstructure of the stone as well as the human interventions.

Marble conservation techniques.

Faced with an ever expanding group of specialist marble cleaning products in the form of powders liquids gels pastes etc it is important to approach the cleaning of marble monuments with sound conservation principles and an awareness that a historic marble surface should be properly examined and assessed before any programme of cleaning. Hempel k moncrieff a. Art conservation and restoration art conservation and restoration sculpture. General description of the marble decay.

In certain cases it is recommended to do the waterproofing of the stones to avoid the absorption by the spill of liquids that can cause stains. Francis stacey and jane davies provide a rich introduction to the long history principal 19th century techniques including use of binding media pigments and protective varnishes and waxes and conservation of. To the state in which it was installed. This practice should be done annually prolonging its conservation.

It may also entail the altering of the stone s surface to match a desired finish of the installation s owner or management. Bone ivory and resins have been shaped with knives. Throughout history artists and craftsmen have created sculpture by using virtually every material imaginable. Marbling was used historically to imitate the appearance of polished stones and metamorphosed limestones usually on interior but also occasionally on exterior architectural elements.

Reeds have been bundled and skins have been stretched to shape. Stone has been chiseled metal hammered or cast wood carved and clay molded. The course has long served a vital educational role in the conservation profession by offering an accessible and intensive format in which to learn theoretical and practical methodologies for stone conservation. The international course on stone conservation is a twelve week course held biennially in rome.

Summary of work on marble conservation at the victoria and albert museum conservation department up to august 19 71. Restoration of stone is the restoring of worn stone marble travertine granite etc. Today a google search for stone conservation raises this book in the first link a testament to its endur ing usefulness to the wider conservation community.