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The Transfer of Wall Paintings

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A detailed study of transferred wall paintings in Denmark, this volume explores historical techniques, materials, and the consequences of past transfer practices. It offers lessons and recommendati...
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  • 01 August 2002
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The heyday of detaching and transferring wallpaintings is over, a result of shifting values in conservation and the development of solutions for�in situ�treatment. Transfers were carried out in the past for a number of reasons - some of which may seem frivolous or unethical today. The frequency with which transferring was resorted to reflects the prevailing attitudes and limited treatment methods at that time.

The transfer of a wall painting is a difficult and risky operation that affects both the material characteristics and the incorporeal qualities of the painting. Numerous examples of the negative effects of this procedure have accumulated in many countries over the centuries and today we are left with a vast collection of misplaced, often homeless, paintings, many of which are in dire need of treatment.

This volume presents a detailed study of the transferred wall paintings in Denmark. However, the material and case studies presented contain information of interest to all conservators and others working with wall paintings. While setting the historical development and theoretical aspects in context, the author also addresses in detail the various techniques and materials used in the course of the operations. In addition, the consequences of this drastic treatment are presented and illustrated by examples of damage. Recommendations for future treatments are discussed and the text is supplemented with a survey of wall painting transfers in Denmark, which will be sent to you electronically after purchase.

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Price: £39.50
Pages: 240
Publisher: Archetype Publications
Imprint: Archetype Publications
Publication Date: 01 August 2002
Trim Size: 9.65 X 6.90 in
ISBN: 9781873132432
Format: Paperback
BISACs:

ART / Conservation & Preservation, Conservation, restoration and care of artworks, ART / Movements / Medieval, History of art

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�remarkable monograph about one of the major problems in the history of restoration...While focusing on Denmark, Brajer's comprehensive discussion and sound documentation offer well-informed theoretical and practical instruments in the safeguarding of the transferred wall paintings for other countries, too.

Acknowledgements

Introduction

The transfer of wall paintings as a treatment method

Theoretical considerations and consequences

Physical and chemical alterations

Non-physical alterations

The generation of collectors' items

Exhibitions and homeless transfers

Permanent museum collections

Attitudes to the transfer of wall paintings

Wall painting transfer techniques

Phase 1 - Preparation

The principle of using glues of varying solubility parameters

Preparation of the surface

The facing

Counter-moulds

Phase 2 - Detachment

Detachment by the�stacco a massello�method

Detachment by the�stacco�method

Detachment by the�strappo�method

Phase 3 - Post-detachment

Treatment of the back of the detached painting

The intervention layer

Mounting on movable supports

Removal of the facing

Installation and exposition of transfers on movable supports

Mounting detached paintings�in situ

The development of transfer techniques in Denmark

Murals removed from the wall by sawing

Execution of the first�strappo�in Denmark

Transfer of the paintings from Lund Cathedral

The dissemination of Risebye's technique through his students

Transfers executed by Risebye between 1942 and 1944

The transfer of Sonne's frieze in 1951-58

The transfer of the frescoes in the Central Library in Hj�rring

The redevelopment project in Copenhagen

The relocation of Steffanoni's transfer to Klaksvig

Transfers executed by Egmont Lind

Modern transfer techniques

Transfer statistics

Overview

Reasons for the transfer of wall paintings in Denmark

Transferred originals replaced by�in situ�replicas

Major structural repair, or demolition of the building

Poor condition of the painting

Salt damage

Poor adhesion of plaster

Severe fragmentation

Damage resulting from previous treatments

Detachment to reveal an underlying painting

Detachment due to inconvenient locations

Overview

Methods and materials used for transferring wall paintings in Denmark

Surface treatment prior to application of facing

Impregnation

Cleaning

Facing adhesives

Facing carriers

Detachment by the�strappo�method

Detachment by the�stacco�method

Detachment by the�stacco a massello�method

Size of the detached fragments

Treatment of the back

Problems with deformation after detachment

Impregnation of the back

Backing

Lining

Intervention layers

Movable supports

Exhibition of movable supports

Artificial boundaries of transfers

Mounting of movable transfers�in situ

In-situ�mounting of non-movable transfers

Impregnation of the paint layer after completion of the transfer

Overview

The condition of the transferred wall paintings in Denmark

The condition survey

Types of damage noted

Loss of paint layer

Alteration of the surface configurations

False texture imprints in the paint layer

Residual facing adhesive

Micro-organic growth

Tone alterations and discoloration

Superficial cracks

Salt efflorescence

Deformation of canvas supports

Poorly constructed honeycomb supports

Overview

Focus areas for future projects

Removal of hygroscopic facing adhesives

Effective intervention layers

3-D digitising and stereolithography for the construction of supports

Further treatment of transferred wall paintings

Treatment of transfers mounted on canvas with oil caseinate

Treatment of transfers mounted�in situ�with oil caseinate

Residual facing adhesive

The separation of the painting from the support

Restoration of lost optical properties

Restoration of lost surface configuration

Conclusion

Appendix

Painting techniques of the transferred decorations in Denmark

Historical background for wall paintings in Denmark

Medieval wall paintings

Frescoes

Glossary

Bibliography

Unpublished reports and theses

Index