Course Description
Course Theory
Introduction to structure, chemical composition and properties of organic materials (eg cloth, horn, ivory, bone, leather, wood, straw, rope, etc.) and inorganic (eg metal, ceramic, glass t . etc.) that form the objects of folklore collections. – Introduction to techniques and materials of those items. – Information on the main wear mechanisms (physicochemical, biological, etc.) of these materials, methods of diagnosis and methods of addressing them. – Ethics maintenance / rehabilitation, folklore collections. – Introduction to methods and materials maintenance (cleaning, disinfecting, fastening, welding, filling, color restoration). – Elements of preventive conservation, storage and exposure. – Principles of conservation methodology for complex objects.
Course Practicals
During practicals, students will learn the material evidence of popular culture and the interpretative framework within which these are the folk art collection, through visits / site inspections of specific museum collections. – Specific Methods of microscopic / macroscopic examination for identifying materials such as wood, leather, bone and horn, ivory, weaves and natural fibers, metals. – Inventory of various types of damage found in a variety of substrates. – Assess the preservation state of mixed objects have different materials (condition survey). Demo indicative conservation in case studies found in the folklore items. – Learning and application of materials and storage methods.
The Scope of the Course and Objectives
The Scope of the Course
It is the understanding of nature, technology, manufacturing, deterioration factors and factors should be considered for surgical prophylaxis and maintenance of physical evidence folk culture, which are basically collections of folk museums. These items are either products of artistic vision (folk art by well-known typological division in woodwork, needlework, textiles, ceramics and newer glassware, jewelry, etc.), or derivatives linked with practical need for an economic, professional or general biotic reality. (tools, weapons, clothing, household objects, etc.). Characterized by complexity regarding the construction and decoration material, constitute historical, social and cultural assumptions and not from the excavation. Through this course the student focuses on the problems arising from the complexity of the materials that make up these collections related to mechanisms of deterioration and methods of conservation.
Course objectives
To emphasize the understanding that such objects are an integral part of a larger whole and as such should be treated in terms of preventive maintenance, invasive maintenance and rehabilitation. The ultimate goal, as described above, is the student be able to understand the methodology of preservation / restoration of objects of folklore collections in order to preserve the natural, historic and aesthetic integrity of the objects. Also be able to manage all objects (in this interpretative framework of the collection) to maximize their protection against biotic and abiotic factors of decay.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Students’ assessment is in Greek (for Erasmus students in English).
The student’s final grade results from 50% of the grade of the theoretical part and 50% of the grade of laboratory practice.
Students’ evaluation (100%):
The theoretical part (50%) by written exams:
• Open-ended questions
• Multiple-choice questionnaires
• Short-answer questions
• Short-term progress tests
The Laboratory part (50%): every exercise, individually or in group, by:
• Essay and written exams
• multiple choice exams
• short-term progress tests
• oral tests
• presentation
Evaluation criteria reflect the achievement of the course outcomes for every student.
SUGGESTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Appelbaum, B., 2007. Conservation treatment methodology. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann.
Bandes S. J. et al. (1984), Caring for Collections: Strategies for Conservation, Maintenance Documentation, (AAM)
Barovier Mentasti, R.B., et al., (eds) 2003. Glass throughout time: history and technology of glassmaking from the ancient world to the present. Milan: Skira
Boersma F., Brokerhof A., S. van den Berg & J. Tegelaers. (2007), Unravelling Textiles – A Handbook for the Preservation of Textile Collections, Archetype
Bradley S., (1990), Guide to the Storage, Exhibition & Handling of Antiquities, Ethnographia & Pictorial Art, (BMP)
Buys, S. & V. Oakley. 1993. The conservation and restoration of ceramics. London: Butterworth Heinemann
De la Torre, M. (ed.), 2002. Assessing the values of cultural heritage. Research Report. Los Angeles: Getty Conservation Institute.
De Mouthe J., (2005), Natural Materials: Sources, Properties & Uses, Butterworth-Heinemann
Drayman-Weisser T. (ed.) (2000), Gilded Metals: History, technology & conservation
Ehrenreich R. M. (1991), Metals in Society: Theory beyond Analysis (vol. 8 pt 2)
Feest, Christian. (2014). Ethnographic Objects: Polymaterial and Polycultural.
Florian, M. et al (1990), The Conservation of Artifacts Made from Plant Materials, Getty
Kite M. & Thomson R., (2005), conservation of leather and related materials, Elsevier
Mailand D., (1999), Preserving Textiles: A guide for the nonspecialist, Indianapolis Museum of Art
Rivers S. & Umney N. (2003), Conservation of Furniture, Butterworth
Russell, R. and Winkworth, K., 2009. Significance 2.0: A guide to assessing the significance of collections. 2nd Edition. Rundle Mall, SA: Collections Council of Australia.
Tennent, N.H. 1999. The conservation of glass and ceramics. London: James & James.
Unger A., Schniewind A. P. and Unger W. (2001), Conservation of Wood Artifacts. A Handbook, Springer, Germany
Wright, M., (ed.) 2002. The Conservation of Fur, Feather and Skin, Conservators of Ethnographic Artefacts. London: Archetype.