Development of methods and materials for cultural heritage conservation

The Laboratory

The Laboratory

The Laboratory for the Development of Methods and Materials for Cultural Heritage Conservation aims to define and test materials, systems, and conservation procedures for the cleaning, consolidation and preservation of artworks. It has a special focus on the development of innovative methodologies (laser, cold plasma, PLECO, soft consolidation systems, temporary protection). Carried out in close collaboration with the restoration departments, its activities involve the production of test specimens with characteristics akin to those of real works of art. The test specimens are treated with the methodologies to be tested and then subjected to accelerated ageing or various types of mechanical and physical stress. Moreover, changes in chemical-physical characteristics are monitored using various investigation techniques. The methodologies that pass this first evaluation stage are applied to selected artworks and observed for long-term effects under real conditions.

Furthermore, in compliance with the Ministerial Decree of 20 April 2005, Legislative Decree no. 42/2004, art. 107 c.2 “Allegato tecnico per la produzione di calchi da originali e da copie già esistenti mediante impronta diretta con elastomeri siliconici” – technical appendix for the production of casts from originals and existing copies by means of direct impression with silicone elastomers – amended with the Law of 26 March 2008 (Decreto Legislativo n. 62), the department is also a reference point for opinions on the execution of casts, indicating the most suitable methods and materials for creating the first impression.