Kulttuurihistoriallisten materiaalien menneisyys ja tulevaisuus : konservoinnin materiaalitutkimuksen heritologiset funktiot

Abstract

The dissertation deals with the heritological functions of materials research of conservation. It is based on seven materials research publications by Ulla Knuutinen. The titles of the publications are: - Report of the Pompeii Project/ Project Report of Pigment Analyses of the Fourth Style Wall Paintings In the Casa Di Marco Lucrezio (IX 3, 5.24) in Pompeii - Colours and Inorganic Pigments of the House of Marcus Lucretius (Insula IX 3, 5/24) - Cadmium Colours: Composition and Properties - Two Case Studies of Unsaturated Polyester Composite Art Objects - Leather Spue: A Problem with Lubricants - Wax Analyses in Conservation Objects by Solubility Studies, FTIR and DSC - Contra! of Aqueous Paper Treatments with Ion Chromatography The publications belong to the natural sciences. The cultural historic material groups which are included in the publications are the following: inorganic pigments from organic binding media waxes and modem composite materials combined with fibre glass. In addition, paper cellulose is also included as a traditional organic fibre material. The dissertation creates a connection between materials research of conservation and heritology. It offers proof of the fact that materials research of conservation is a part of multidisciplinary heritology and that materials research focusing on cultural historical objects has an important role in preserving cultural heritage. The dissertation presents different functions of materials research of conservation. If reliable information for the documentation is needed on materials of the object, on the origin of the object, on the authenticity of the object, or on the fact as to whether any restoration has been made previously, analyses that reveal chemical compositions must be performed. On the other hand, materials research can be focused on examining ageing properties of materials to find out the chemical and physical changes caused by different environmental conditions. This type of research benefits the preservation of cultural heritage objects, because results can be applied to planning and implementation of both preventive and active conservation. Furthermore, material research is needed for testing and examining conservation and restoration methods.