ICOMOS Principles for the preservation and conservation/restoration of wall paintings (2003)

2016-04-05 Smile ORCP 0

Wall paintings have been cultural expressions of human creation throughout history, from the earliest beginnings, such as rock art, extending up to present day murals. Their deterioration, accidental or intentional destruction constitutes a loss affecting a significant part of the world’s cultural heritage.

Preface: The ICOMOS Principles for the preservation and conservation/restoration of wall paintings (2003) was adopted  by the ICOMOS 14th General Assembly in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in 2003 .

Wall paintings represent a significant part of a culture’s aesthetic freedoms, whilst also serving as a reminder of the diversity of materials and technology available in its time. This article presents the principles set out by ICOMOS at the Assembly in 2003, with its main focus on the conservation-restoration treatments. It presents the aims of restoration, the implementation of various bodies of knowledge in each stage of the treatment and the contribution of relevant authorities. Also included are the policies and laws to prohibit and protect the alteration of wall paintings, scholarly conventions to investigate the historic, aesthetic and technical dimensions, analytical documentation methods, appropriate monitoring, maintenance, and damage prevention, dissemination of knowledge and the specialized training required to work with heritage preservation.

The richness of wall paintings is founded on the variety of cultural expressions, aesthetic achievements, and the diversity of materials and techniques used from ancient until present times. Composite materials in many historic buildings need special consideration outside the scope of this document. Architectural surfaces and their finishing layers, with their historical, aesthetic and technical values have to be considered as equally important components of historic monuments.

Wall paintings are an integral part of monuments and sites and should be preserved in situ. Many of the problems affecting wall paintings are linked to the poor condition of the building or structure, its improper use, lack of maintenance, frequent repairs and alterations. Also frequent restorations, unnecessary uncovering, and use of inappropriate methods and materials can result in irreparable damage. Substandard and inadequate practices and professional qualifications have led to unfortunate results. It is for this reason that an appropriate document covering the principles of proper conservation-restoration of wall paintings is necessary.

Category
Principle
Date

2003

Promulgation

ICOMOS 14th General Assembly, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 27 – 31 Oct., 2003

Descriptions

  • The principles was drafted in Copenhagen from 28th October 28 to 1 November 2002. It was edited and completed in Thessaloniki from 8 to 9 May 2003.
  • It provides more specific principles for the protection, preservation and the conservation-restoration of wall paintings. It reflects basic and universally applicable principles and practices, and does not take into account particular problems of regions or countries, which can be supplemented at regional and national level by providing further recommendations where necessary.

Source

http://www.icomos.org/charters/wallpaintings_e.pdf

Download

http://orcp.hustoj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/wallpaintings_e.pdf

References

Intellectual Property

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