Slippers for historic floor preservation

Catherine Bennetts-Cash <catherine [at] bennettscash__id__au> writes

>I am currently researching the use of slippers for historic and
>decorative floor preservation. I am compiling a list of historic
>houses, heritage sites and museums that use slippers for this
>reason. If anyone knows of any places that request visitors to wear
>slippers or a similar form if special footwear for floor
>preservation please let me know.

The use of felt slippers to protect decorative floors made of stone,
solid wood and wooden marquetry has been implemented over the past
decades in historic houses and palaces of the Berlin-Brandenburg
Palaces and Gardens Trust (Stiftung Preussische Schlosser
Berlin-Brandenburg) in Germany. However alternatives for the
effective protection of exposed surfaces were investigated when the
significant contribution of felt slippers to the deterioration of
various floor materials was recognised. The results of this research
are discussed in two articles (13 pp and 18 pp) in 'Royal Parquetry
Floors in Prussian Palaces, Conservation of Walkable Works of Art.'
published by the Conservation Department at the University of
Applied Sciences Potsdam in the series' Potsdam Contributions to
Conservation and Restoration.

In addition, this 500 pp volume covers the history, manufacture,
scientific examination and analysis, preventive conservation and
treatment of decorative wooden floors. (in German)

Reference:

    Michaelsen, H. (Hg). 2010.
    Konigliches Parkett in preussischen Schlossern. Geschichte,
    Erhaltung und Restaurierung begehbarer Kunstwerke.
    Potsdamer Beitrage zur Konservierung und Restaurierung 2,
    Michael Imhof Verlag, Petersberg, Germany
    ISBN 978-3-86568-462-2

Henning Schulze
Programme Leader
BA (Hons) Conservation and Restoration
University of Lincoln
School of Art and Design
Wordsworth Street
Lincoln, LN1 3BP
+44 1522 895171


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 26:45
                 Distributed: Saturday, April 13, 2013
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