Pottery

I am currently occupied with the restoration of the walls of a
prehistoric pottery. These walls (about 1m high) are made of stones
of various sizes and shapes (approximately 35 x 15 x 15). They were
initially seamed with a type of clay probably coming from that area
(as the particular archeological site). Not being able to use
enclosure to protect the archeological site, the rain gradually
wares of the clay as it becomes mud. The restoration plan is to seam
the walls with mortar without taking the clay.

Is there a substance which can be used to strengthen the present
clay and make the walls firmer? It would be best if no new mortar is
needed after the treatment.

I have made some tests with Primal AC-33 and Hydroprimer but with no
luck; the clay's endurance was increased but large crevices
appeared.

Gabriel Gourdoglou
Conservator of antiquities and works of art
Archeological museum of Mytilini
Lesbos


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:56
                Distributed: Thursday, February 14, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-15-56-021
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