🖼️Art Conservation and Restoration Unit 5 – Cleaning in Art Conservation

What's This Unit About?

• Focuses on the fundamental principles and practices of cleaning in art conservation
• Covers the identification and classification of various types of dirt, grime, and damage that can affect artworks
• Explores the selection and use of appropriate cleaning materials, tools, and techniques based on the specific needs of the artwork
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding the artwork's materials, condition, and historical context before undertaking any cleaning procedures
• Highlights the need for caution, precision, and ethical considerations when cleaning artworks to minimize the risk of further damage or alteration
• Provides case studies and practical examples to illustrate the application of cleaning techniques in real-world scenarios
• Equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions and develop effective cleaning strategies in art conservation

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Surface cleaning: The removal of superficial dirt, dust, or grime from the surface of an artwork without affecting the underlying materials
• Solvent cleaning: The use of chemical solvents to dissolve and remove stubborn or ingrained dirt, stains, or coatings
• Mechanical cleaning: The use of physical tools or methods, such as brushes, erasers, or scalpels, to remove dirt or debris from an artwork's surface
• Aqueous cleaning: The use of water-based solutions to clean water-sensitive materials, such as paper or textiles
• Chelating agents: Chemical compounds that can remove metal ions and mineral deposits from the surface of an artwork
• Surfactants: Substances that lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing it to spread more easily and penetrate into the artwork's surface
• Patina: The natural aging or oxidation of an artwork's surface, which can contribute to its aesthetic value and historical significance
• Inpainting: The process of filling in losses or damaged areas of an artwork using materials that match the original as closely as possible

Types of Dirt and Damage

• Dust and loose particulate matter: Fine particles that accumulate on the surface of an artwork over time, which can be removed using soft brushes or vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters
• Grease and oil: Sticky, oily substances that can attract and trap dirt, requiring the use of solvents or detergents for removal
• Soot and smoke damage: Dark, carbon-based deposits that can result from exposure to fire, candles, or industrial pollution
  • May require the use of specialized sponges or erasers to avoid smudging or spreading the soot
• Water stains and tidelines: Discoloration caused by exposure to moisture, which can be particularly challenging to remove from paper-based artworks
• Mold and mildew: Fungal growth that can occur in damp or humid conditions, potentially causing structural damage to the artwork and posing health risks to conservators
• Insect debris and droppings: Organic matter left behind by insects, which can be acidic and cause staining or deterioration of the artwork's surface
• Tape and adhesive residues: Sticky substances that can be difficult to remove without damaging the underlying material, often requiring the use of solvents or heat

Cleaning Materials and Tools

• Soft brushes: Natural or synthetic bristle brushes used for gentle dusting and removal of loose dirt particles
  • Brushes made from materials such as sable, hog hair, or nylon are commonly used
• Microfiber cloths: Lint-free, absorbent cloths that can effectively trap and remove dirt and dust without scratching the surface
• Erasers: Soft, pliable materials, such as vinyl or kneaded erasers, used for removing surface dirt or pencil marks
  • Specialized erasers, like Staedtler Mars Plastic erasers, are favored for their effectiveness and minimal residue
• Sponges and swabs: Soft, absorbent materials used for applying cleaning solutions or removing dirt from delicate surfaces
  • Cosmetic sponges, cotton swabs, and bamboo skewers wrapped in cotton are common choices
• Scalpels and spatulas: Precision tools used for removing stubborn dirt, debris, or old repairs from the artwork's surface
• Tweezers and magnifiers: Tools that aid in the precise and controlled removal of small particles or fibers
• Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters: Specialized vacuum cleaners designed to safely remove dust and loose dirt from artworks without redistributing harmful particles into the air

Cleaning Techniques and Methods

• Dry cleaning: The use of dry methods, such as brushing, dusting, or erasing, to remove loose dirt and debris from the surface of an artwork
  • This is often the first step in the cleaning process and is suitable for artworks that are sensitive to moisture or solvents
• Solvent cleaning: The selective use of organic solvents to dissolve and remove stubborn dirt, grime, or unwanted coatings
  • The choice of solvent depends on the type of dirt and the artwork's materials, with considerations for toxicity and potential interactions
• Aqueous cleaning: The use of water-based solutions, such as deionized water or pH-adjusted solutions, to clean water-sensitive materials like paper or textiles
  • This method requires careful control of the moisture level and drying process to prevent tidelines or structural damage
• Gel cleaning: The application of gelled cleaning agents, such as agar or gellan gum, to localize the cleaning action and minimize the risk of over-wetting or spreading of dirt
• Poultice cleaning: The use of absorbent materials, such as paper pulp or clays, to draw out embedded dirt or stains from the artwork's surface
  • The poultice is applied as a paste and allowed to dry before being carefully removed along with the absorbed dirt
• Mechanical cleaning: The use of physical tools, such as erasers, scalpels, or air abrasives, to remove stubborn dirt or accretions
  • This method requires a steady hand and careful control to avoid damaging the artwork's surface

Safety Precautions and Ethical Considerations

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): The use of gloves, masks, and protective clothing to minimize the conservator's exposure to potentially harmful substances and to prevent contamination of the artwork
• Ventilation and fume extraction: Ensuring adequate air circulation and the use of fume hoods or extraction systems when working with solvents or other volatile substances
• Patch testing: Conducting small-scale tests on inconspicuous areas of the artwork to assess the effectiveness and safety of cleaning materials and methods before proceeding with full-scale treatment
• Documentation: Thorough recording of the artwork's condition before, during, and after cleaning, including written reports, photographs, and diagrams
  • This documentation serves as a reference for future treatments and helps to ensure accountability and transparency in the conservation process
• Minimal intervention: The principle of performing only the minimum amount of cleaning necessary to stabilize and preserve the artwork, while respecting its historical and aesthetic integrity
• Reversibility: The use of cleaning methods and materials that can be safely reversed or removed without causing permanent damage to the artwork
• Collaboration and consultation: Working closely with curators, art historians, and other experts to develop appropriate cleaning strategies that take into account the artwork's context, significance, and intended presentation

Case Studies and Examples

• The cleaning of Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel: A controversial project that involved the removal of centuries of grime, soot, and old repairs, revealing the vibrant colors and details of the original paintings
  • The project sparked debate about the ethics of cleaning iconic artworks and the potential risks of altering their appearance and historical patina
• The conservation of the Ghent Altarpiece: A multi-year project that involved the careful cleaning and restoration of Jan and Hubert van Eyck's masterpiece, which had suffered from dirt accumulation, varnish discoloration, and past interventions
  • The cleaning process utilized a combination of solvent and aqueous methods, guided by extensive scientific analysis and imaging techniques
• The restoration of the Sistine Hall frescoes in the Vatican Museums: A project that demonstrated the use of gel cleaning systems to safely remove surface dirt and grime from delicate frescoes without affecting the underlying paint layers
• The conservation of the Bayeux Tapestry: An ongoing effort to clean and stabilize the famous embroidered cloth, which has accumulated dirt, stains, and damage over its nearly 1000-year history
  • The cleaning process involves the use of specialized vacuum cleaners, tweezers, and magnifiers to carefully remove dirt and debris from the delicate textile surface

Practical Applications and Tips

• Always start with the gentlest cleaning methods and materials, progressing to more aggressive techniques only when necessary
• Test cleaning agents on small, inconspicuous areas before applying them to the entire artwork
• Use cleaning materials and tools that are appropriate for the specific type of dirt and the artwork's materials
  • For example, avoid using water-based solutions on water-sensitive materials like paper or ivory
• Work in a systematic and controlled manner, cleaning small sections at a time and avoiding excessive pressure or abrasion
• Regularly clean and maintain your tools and equipment to prevent cross-contamination and ensure their effectiveness
• When in doubt, consult with experienced conservators or refer to established guidelines and protocols for cleaning specific types of artworks
• Document your cleaning process thoroughly, including the materials and methods used, the artwork's condition before and after treatment, and any observations or challenges encountered
• Continuously update your knowledge and skills through professional development, attending workshops, and staying current with the latest research and best practices in art conservation cleaning techniques