Overview
Cleaning of Wooden Gilded Surfaces is a multiyear project to address the challenges presented by the cleaning of wooden gilded surfaces and to identify appropriate treatment options. It builds on research carried out by scientists and conservators at the Getty Conservation Institute and other institutions on other sensitive surfaces such as acrylic painted surfaces. The project encompasses research on cleaning systems targeted to these decorative surfaces, development of a workshop series to be offered internationally, didactic material to be shared with the field, and a professional network of experts.
Background
Wooden gilded surfaces are found on a wide range of artifacts and settings, from collections objects in museums or private homes to architectural elements integrated into buildings such as churches, historic houses, and palaces. These complex, multilayered surfaces were created using various techniques applied to artifacts of different scales, representing a wide range of challenges when a cleaning treatment is needed. Since gilded surfaces are typically fragile and highly sensitive to polar cleaning systems and abrasion, they can become damaged or lost during cleaning campaigns.
Factors that contribute to challenges in the treatment of these surfaces include:
No consensus on the ethical considerations and goals of cleaning these decorative surfaces
Lack of understanding of the value of preserving original and aged wooden gilded surfaces by stakeholders involved
Insufficient understanding of original gilded surfaces by many conservators
Scarcity of specialized training in the treatment of these surfaces in academic programs. These surfaces are often treated by conservators from allied specialties (paintings, furniture, etc.) who might not fully understand them, or they are treated by craft-trained professionals who understand gilded surfaces but may not have the scientific background required to fully grasp newly developed cleaning systems
Unfamiliarity with advanced cleaning options developed in other specialties, such as modern painted surfaces, that can be applied to gilded wooden surfaces
Cleaning of Wooden Gilded Surfaces aims to address these various factors through a variety of avenues, such as professional meetings, research into cleaning systems targeted at wooden gilded surfaces, reference materials, and a training course offered internationally. The project draws on former research carried out by the GCI and partners from other institutions on the cleaning of acrylic painted surfaces which, though different in nature, are also sensitive to water-based cleaning systems. By applying the effective cleaning materials and application methods used for these surfaces to gilded wood, this project hopes to develop methodical cleaning protocols for gilded surfaces and present these to the field through workshops and reference materials.
Project Goals
increase the understanding of these surfaces and awareness of their importance and fragility
Strengthen recognition of the need to preserve original and aged gilded surfaces
Promote communication between conservators and decision makers
Develop a workshop series and related didactic materials that can be shared with the field
Broaden and strengthen a network of experts in the treatment of gilded surfaces and promote mentoring opportunities for emerging conservators
Page updated: September 2019