Conservation-restauration

Ambra Giordano is a conservator graduated in 2004 from the Academy of Fine Arts and Restoration in Palermo.
In 2017, she obtained the II level International Master in « Biology for the Knowledge and Conservation of Cultural Heritage » at the Roma Tre University.
Since 2014, she has collaborated with the Research Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology for Cultural Heritage at the University of Palermo, and collaborates with national and international museums and training organizations.

The innovative procedure presented will provide participants with new theoretical and practical knowledge on the applicative potential of Agar, an helpful gelling agent.The new method developed by the teacher, thanks to the tool adopted for the application, gives the agar new structural characteristics.
For the first time, the treatment becomes feasible, safe and suitable for complex surfaces, extended and varied in nature, obtaining results that are difficult to reach with the methods presently known.

The workshop will offer participants know-how and skills to master the application of the « agar spray » technique, applicable to paint, paper, wood, wall and plaster.

Conservators

1st Day

Theoretical part (half day)
• Short introduction on the characteristics of the agar gel and the currently known application methods
• Nebulization process
• Instrument used for nebulizing agar and its components
• « Agar spray » cooling process
• Analysis and tests performed on the nebulized agar film and comparison with the gel obtained with traditional procedures
• How to choose the temperature of the agar to spray
• Short presentation of examples / case studies of the spray application.

Practical part (half day)
• Preparation of the agar for spray application
• Spraying technique
• Distance from the surface to be treated
• Adjustment of the sprayed figure
• Adjustment of the material flow rate
• Demonstration of the « spray » application

2nd Day

Theoretical part (half day)
• Spray application with a continuous or discontinuous flow
• Environmental parameters and their influence on the application
• Possibility to create an interface inside the gel
• Liquid diffusion
• « Spray » application in combination with temporary hydrophobisation
• Residues and the cleaning of the instrument

Practical part (half day)
• Application on vertical surfaces and three-dimensional objects
• Demonstration of the spray application method and practical tests carried out individually by the participants
• Discussion and closing of the workshop

CHF 550.-

Meals and travel expenses are not included