AIC's 52nd Annual Meeting

In the context of the still present debate about the stabilization and mending of canvas supports, the main aim of this presentation is to provide an introduction to the problematic, focused on practice in the Slovak Republic. The conducted research has been concentrated on the most preferred methods and procedures in this area, and due to a certain persistent stagnation, it tries to bring new, applicable suggestions.

Despite the enforcement of the minimal intervention approach, there is still a strong inclination towards structural treatments. For a long time, lining was considered as the most effective treatment in cases where the canvas support is too weakened by the presence of numerous perforations. This preference is based on the current condition of objects of art in Slovakia and also ensuring stable environmental conditions is problematic, mainly in the case of paintings in private collections or situated in a living liturgical space, which can lead to reappearance of surface deformations, especially for large-format paintings. In the decision-making process between lining and alternative stabilization methods, the final decision is often influenced by the increased risk of the necessity to repeat such intervention. The climatic conditions themselves had an impact on the specific lining techniques. There was an obvious difference between the Italian practice and the methodology beyond the Alps, subject to climatic conditions affecting the mechanical properties of the canvas supports. Starch glue adhesive was preferred in dry and warm climate of Italy, while in humid and cold regions beyond the Alps, wax-resin adhesive prevailed. The Slovak Republic is located in Central Europe, in a mild climate zone, which rather enabled the coexistence of both approaches. Currently, mainly under the influence of global development and simplification of the process itself, the use of synthetic adhesives prevails. The introduction of BEVA 371 into the Slovak restoration practice occurred with a considerable delay, however now it is the most popular. In case of tear mending is situation very similar. Most of the restorers lean towards polyamide mending powder. Use of this type of synthetic adhesive is curently reassessed, although in our environment it took a long time even its introduction. Research into the EVA and PVAc synthetic polymer dispersions could bring further diversity due to their availability and ease of processing. Despite the fact that in many cases it is not possible to avoid such an extensive intervention as lining, by improving the alternative treatments (e.g. consolidation, strip lining, loose lining, tear repair, strategies of preventive conservation, etc.) it is possible to maximize the success of such a partial operation and thus extend the life of the work itself without calculating the potential risk of damage.

Understanding certain established models that determine the form of local practice is a necessary step to be able to come up with new and especially realistically usable methods.