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Hirst Conservation undertakes the
recording, analysis and conservation of wallpaintings
from the Middle Ages to the 19th Century, in various
techniques from ‘true frescos’ to oil paintings executed
on plaster. The dedicated team includes conservators who
specialise in the treatment of wallpaintings, trained to
post-graduate level.
The
services offered for the treatment of wallpaintings
include:
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Comprehensive condition surveys,
including photographic and diagrammatic recording.
This includes assessment of previous treatment
documentation and archival records
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Analysis of the fabric to
inform and facilitate treatments, including the
measurement of moisture levels within the stonework
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Discrete sampling of the
plasterwork to determine soluble salt content, hygroscopicity and aggregate/binder content
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Environmental recording of
relative humidity, absolute humidity (vapour
pressure), temperature and dew points, which have an
important bearing on the stability of the wallpainting
Treatments to the
substrate include:
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Structural consolidation of areas
showing granular disintegration
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Consolidation of flaking,
scaling and delamination between plaster layers
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Mortar repairs to losses
within the plaster and to fractures
Treatments to the paint
layers:
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Consolidation of flaking and/or
powdering paint layers
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Removal of surface coatings
including dirt, over-paint and inappropriate
retouching
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Sympathetic retouching of
losses
For further information on the analysis of materials
and paint research please see the separate
specialism headings.
Some of our projects include:
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St Mary the Virgin Church, Studley Royal
Church - Conservation of 19th century wall
painting. Removal of distemper from interior walls
followed by limewash application.
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All Saints Church, Cambridge -
Conservation of 19th century wall painting.
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Saracen’s Head, Southwell - Conservation
of 17th century wall paintings.
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St Peter’s Church, Clayworth -
Conservation of wall paintings by Phoebe Traquair
and creation of new scheme of frescoes.
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