Background Research and Assessment Toward a Conservation Proposal
A conservator studying the paintings with a UV light
During the first phase of the project, an assessment of the history, significance, and condition of the tomb and its wall paintings was conducted and a comprehensive report on the findings completed. This information was used to diagnose the deterioration of the wall paintings and develop a detailed conservation proposal.
A bibliography on the tomb was compiled that includes all aspects of the tomb and the current conservation project. Comprehensive documentation on the condition of KV 62 at the time of discovery and during the excavation and knowledge of subsequent interventions was also undertaken and an archive of historical photographs of the tomb and its wall paintings was compiled.
Following the research phase, a statement of significance of the tomb was drafted and revised with input from a joint experts' committee of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Conservation Institute. This statement guides conservation interventions, as well as the management and presentation of all aspects of the tomb.
Photographic documentation of the paintings on the north wall of the burial chamber
Comprehensive photographic recording was undertaken in 2009. This work was conducted under the direction of the wall paintings conservation team, with attention to particular aspects of condition recording critical to understanding the causes of deterioration including painting technology and materials and previous treatments or interventions. The photographic documentation was used for comparison with historical photographs in order to evaluate changes in the wall paintings and to provide baseline data for future monitoring of condition. Graphic documentation mapped areas of damage and deterioration and previous interventions.
The condition of the quartzite sarcophagus and the gilded outermost coffin in the burial chamber were assessed during the first phase of the project, and a decision was made regarding conservation needs and approaches.
At the close of Phase I the project bibliography, documentation, condition recording, and significance statement were compiled.