Publications on conservation

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    Butterworth-Heinemann
    <URL:http://www.bh.com/conservation>
    800-366-2665

Conservation of Building and Decorative Stone by F. G. Dimes and J.
Ashurst. 468 pages, paperback, $69.99

    One of the problems which beset the practical conservation of
    stone buildings is the fragmentation of the disciplines
    involved. This book, with both volumes now available as one
    invaluable paperback, brings these disciplines together by the
    involvement of contributors with different experiences and
    approaches to the same material.

    Part one is an introduction to the complexities and background
    history of stone conservation followed by the most comprehensive
    description yet produced of the building and decorative stones
    used in the British Isles.

    In part two, practitioners involved in stone conservation
    describe ways in which major structural masonry problems,
    secondary building problems and different stone surface
    conditions may be treated. A variety of building types and
    environments has been used to ensure that the broad scope of
    common problems is covered. This second part of the book will be
    of practical value to art historians, archaeologists,
    architects, surveyors and engineers, masonry contractors and
    sculpture conservators in solving problems and in learning to
    use each other's skills and experience.

Conservation of Brick by John Warren. 320 pages, hardcover, $120.00

    John Warren's invaluable book describes historic brick and
    terracotta, setting out the causes of failure and decay,
    analysing available materials and evaluating processes of repair
    and applicable conservation philosophies. It provides the
    conservator, owner and student of building conservation with a
    comprehensive resource.

    Brickwork, with tile and terracotta, is one of those materials
    so universal, so apparently permanent and so much part of our
    everyday lives that its conservation is presumed to be
    understood. This is very largely untrue. Most brickwork is
    cursorily maintained and often subject to serious abuse. Neglect
    and clumsy repair are all too frequent, and the really skillful
    repair based on a full understanding of the mechanisms of decay
    is all too rare.

Care and Conservation of  Natural History Collections by David
Carter and Annette Walker. 256 pages, hardcover, $105.00

    This book covers the physical care of botanical and zoological
    collections for scientific teaching and display purposes with
    emphasis on preservation for scientific value. A manual for
    curators and collections managers containing practical guidance,
    recommendations and advice across the whole field of natural
    history curation (excluding palaeontology).

    A wide range of international experts with hands-on experience
    of collections have been chosen to contribute chapters on the
    care and conservation of both dried and fluid-preserved
    collections of plant material, vertebrates and invertebrates.
    The emphasis is on remedial conservation, ie the employment of
    best practice to prevent or arrest the long-term deterioration
    of specimens to preserve their scientific and cultural worth.
    Special chapters will cover the fields of genetic material, pest
    control, the museum environment - policies and procedures, with
    appendices on such topics as documentation and disaster
    planning.

Risk Assessment for Object Conservation by Jonathan Ashley-Smith.
256 pages, paperback, $54.99

    Risk Assessment for Object Conservation reflects Dr Jonathan
    Ashley-Smith's personal interests and views in areas including
    materials science, the ethics of restoration, the costs of
    conservation and the philosophy of museums.

    This valuable book explains the mechanisms of deterioration of
    museum artifacts, quantifying the probability that damage will
    occur and estimating the rate of progress when it does.

    The principles outlined and the information provided will form a
    foundation for cost-benefit analysis of conservation proposals.
    Dr Ashley-Smith also gives comprehensive explanations of
    scientific of mathematical material to take into consideration
    the readers who have no background in these areas, alongside a
    basic introduction. The structure of the book provides a logical
    progression through tools, concepts information and examples.
    This is a must-have purchase for all conservators, curators and
    administrators of historic artifacts at both student and
    professional level.

Conservation of Earth Structures by John Warren. 224 pages,
hardcover, $95.00

    This companion volume to 'Conservation of Brick' provides a
    fundamental understanding of the processes of repair and
    reconstruction of earth structures. The technical aspects of the
    study are treated from the non-scientist point of view to
    develop a working understanding of this relatively new field.

    This important subject is rarely recognized, but many peoples
    worldwide have built, lived in and treasured earth structures.
    Their cultures have evolved with them and, therefore, a great
    part of the human environment has been shaped by earths and
    earth building. The conservation of earth structures is,
    therefore, not merely a neglected facet of the vernacular
    architecture; it is bound to the artistic core of living
    communities.

Organic Chemistry of Museum Objects by John S. Mills and Raymond
White. 224 pages, paperback, $44.99

    The Organic Chemistry of Museum Objects makes available in a
    single volume, a survey of the chemical composition, properties
    and analysis of the whole range of organic materials
    incorporated into objects and artworks found in museum
    collections.

    The authors cover the fundamental chemistry of the bulk
    materials such as wood, paper, natural fibres and skin products,
    as well as that of the relatively minor components incorporated
    as paint, media, varnishes, adhesives and dyes. This expanded
    second edition, now in paperback, follows the structure of the
    first, though it has been extensively updated. In addition to
    chapters on basic organic chemistry, analytical methods,
    analytical findings and fundamental aspects of deterioration,
    the subject matter is grouped as far as possible by broad
    chemical class - oils and fats, waxes, bitumens, carbohydrates,
    proteins, natural resins, dyestuffs and synthetic polymers.

    This is an essential purchase for all practising and student
    conservators, restorers, museum scientists, curators and organic
    chemists.

Lacquer: Technology and Conservation by Marianne Webb. 200 pages,
paperback, $130.00

    For the conservator this book is an invaluable tool when
    examining the options available for treatment. Not only does it
    cover the technology and methods of treatment for both types of
    lacquer, but it assesses current practices enabling the
    conservator to make more informed decisions. Controversial
    issues are discussed such as whether Asian lacquer should be
    restored in the Asian manner, using non-reversible materials, or
    using western methods that are theoretically reversible. As the
    book describes production technology and decorative techniques
    it will also prove to be a useful aid for both art historians
    and collectors alike in identifying and dating lacquerware.

    Lacquer has long been misunderstood, particularly because the
    word itself has been used to characterize many different
    materials. For centuries the term has been used to refer to the
    Asian and the European materials. At present it is used to
    describe any glossy coating, from cellulose nitrate to modern
    plastic finishes.

Conservation of Historic Timber Structures by Knut Einar Larsen and
Nils Marstein. 160 pages, hardcover, $79.99

    Knut Einar Larsen and Nils Marstein provide a comprehensive
    preservation strategy that may be applied in practice, taking
    into account different cultures and traditions. It is a timely
    response to the needs of the international community for
    guidelines for the conservation of historic timber structures,
    and for others wishing to develop their knowledge of the
    preservation of our wooden cultural heritage. The book will also
    help those interested in modern building practices that are
    compatible with sustainable development.

Restoration of Motion Picture Film by Paul Read and Mark-Paul Mayer.
368 pages, hardcover, $120.00

    This is the first book to bring together the work of a modern
    motion picture film laboratory together with the specialist
    techniques for preservation and restoration of archival film.

    The books data has its origins in a training programme called
    FILM which was written by members of the Gamma Group with
    funding from the EU fund Force. The committee comprised senior
    film archivists and technicians in charge of film conservation
    departments or working film laboratories within national film
    archives, together with technicians from commercial laboratories
    which specialise in archival film conservation and who do not
    work for national and local archives. The final group consisted
    of many of the most experienced individuals in their fields.

    Restoration of Motion Picture Film is an extremely informative,
    well-researched book which is an unmissable addition to the
    bookshelves of conservators, archivists and curators worldwide.
    Film history and film conservation students will also find it of
    great interest and use.

Upholstery Conservation: Principles and Practice by Dinah Eastop and
Kathryn Gill. 232 pages, hardcover, $89.99

    The purpose of this well referenced book is to provide an amply
    illustrated publication on upholstery conservation which
    discusses and reviews the issues related to the care,
    interpretation and treatment of upholstered furniture.

    Through many well illustrated case studies the
    inter-disciplinary collaboration fundamental to upholstery
    conservation, and the complex decision-making process involved
    in the treatment of upholstered furniture, are made evident. The
    case histories are contributed by leading international
    practitioners in the field and concern objects and collections
    in the care of English Heritage, the Victoria and Albert Museum,
    the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other internationally
    renowned institutions.

    Likewise, the contributors, from both sides of the Atlantic, are
    world-renowned specialists and leaders in this area of
    conservation working for the public and private sectors. The
    case histories, illustrated in colour, black and white and
    specially prepared line drawings, concern object treatment and
    documentation, the conservation of information, the function and
    the artefact. They range from the documentation of eighteenth
    century removable chair covers and the treatment of a nineteenth
    century carriage to a twentieth century foam-filled chair
    belonging to a museum.

Historic Floors: Their Care and Conservation by Jane Fawcett. 272
pages, paperback, $44.99

    Now in paperback, this book introduces an important and largely
    neglected subject and considers conservation methods in a global
    context. It traces the history of some of the great floors of
    Europe from the fourth century B.C. and outlines the development
    of mosaic, tiles, marble and parquetry floors in secular
    buildings. The early Christian pavements in basilicas, temples
    and cathedrals, the creation of medieval tiles, ledger stones
    and monumental brasses, their destruction by iconoclasts and
    re-creation during the Gothic Revival, are also discussed.

    Leading authorities, archaeologists, architects and archivists
    consider the latest methods of recording and repairing historic
    floors, including those of cathedrals, country houses, the
    monumental tiled pavements of the Palace of Westminster and
    other public buildings. Management policies to protect
    outstanding floors in over-visited sites are considered and
    historic features particularly at risk, are identified. Urgent
    action is recommended to contain the damage caused by the
    dramatic increase in tourism throughout Europe.

History of Architectural Conservation by Jukka Jokilehto. 368 pages,
paperback, $44.99

    Expands your knowledge about the conservation of ancient
    monuments, works of art and historic buildings. This includes
    the origins of the interest in conservation within the European
    context and the development of the concepts from Antiquity and
    the Renaissance to the present day. The influence this
    development has had on international collaboration in the
    protection and conservation of cultural heritage is covered.
    Also emphasized are the evolution of values from traditional to
    modern society, and the challenges of the present built
    environment.

    This book is based on archival research of original documents
    and the study of key restoration examples in countries that have
    influenced the international conservation movement. It includes
    conservation trends in Europe, the USA, India, Iran and Japan.
    The book is accessible and of great interest to students and the
    general public.

Christian Nolin
Product Manager
Butterworth-Heinemann
Elsevier Science Technical Book Group
225 Wildwood Avenue
Woburn, MA 01801
781-904-2527
Fax: 781-904-2640


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:81
                   Distributed: Tuesday, June 4, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-15-81-011
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