Seminar on gilding

A Debate: Compensation of Losses in Gilded Surfaces:
In-gilding and In-painting Using Traditional and Modern Materials
    and Methods
Presented by
    Gilded Objects Conservation Special Interest Group
    of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural
    Materials Inc.
The Condell Room, Town Hall, Melbourne,
9 October 2000

In the last fifteen years the subject of retouching losses in gilded
objects has been broadly discussed within the conservation
profession causing a lot of controversy and confusion on whether to
continue to use traditional gilding methods or introduce new
materials based on synthetic polymers. In the field of gilded object
conservation, treatments are usually carried out using traditional
materials making the concept of reversibility questionable. The
original gilded substrate and the new in-gilding, both executed
using traditional gilding techniques, respond to the same solvents,
thus, in many cases dividing these two surfaces is impossible.
Non-traditional gilding techniques as an alternative to traditional
methods were introduced into the field of gilded object conservation
in the eighties, but are still met with great reservation by
conservators who are concerned about the long-term impact of
treatments using synthetic polymers. Lack of research in this field
causes conservators do not have relevant methodical data, which
would provide them with enough information for making their own
judgment.

"Compensation of Losses in Gilded Surfaces: In-gilding and
In-painting Using Traditional and Modern Materials and Methods" aims
to discuss and present a variety of aspects and possibilities for
compensation of losses in gilded surfaces based on the varied
experiences and knowledge of participants. The intention of the
seminar is to involve all participants into debate on the issues of
in-gilding and in-painting, as well as patination and toning of new
gilding with original surfaces. Participants are welcome to
contribute through presenting a short (10-30 minutes) slide lecture,
practical demonstration, or combination of both. The materials and
techniques included in presentations will then be discussed between
all participants of the seminar in the form of a friendly debate.
The aim of the seminar is to clarify the benefits and drawbacks of
varied materials and methods for in-gilding and in-painting,
including traditional gilding techniques and materials as well as
modern methods based on synthetic polymers.

The date of the seminar was chosen to compliment the IIC Melbourne
Congress 2000, "Tradition and Innovation: Advances in Conservation".

The fee of $20.00 per person for participation in the seminar will
apply in order to cover the costs of hiring audiovisual equipment
and morning/afternoon tea.

If you would like to participate in our seminar, whether as an
observer or as a presenter sharing with us your experience in the
compensation of losses in gilded surfaces, I would be grateful if
you could contact me by e-mail, fax, or phone, or write to the
address below, by the end of July. Early information about your
participation will assist the organizer with the preparation of the
seminar, and will be greatly appreciated.

Malgorzata Sawicki
Head of Frame Conservation
Conservation Department
The Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery Road
Sydney Domain NSW 2000
+61 2 9225 1766
Fax: +61 2 9221 6226I


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:57
                   Distributed: Tuesday, May 16, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-13-57-012
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