Newsletter *** October 2024 ***
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter, where we share exciting updates on our ongoing projects. We are thrilled to announce that Project PoCo is now officially underway, with our new specialists actively contributing to its success. Additionally, we bring you news from Den Bosch City Hall, where the restoration of the ceiling paintings was successfully completed this summer. We also have progress updates on the meticulous restoration of the giltleather wallpaper. We hope you enjoy these insights into our work. Warm regards, The SRAL Team
Project Polychromy Conservation - PoCo
The PoCo Project (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027) aims to train a new generation of specialists in the conservation of polychrome objects. This hands-on knowledge transfer follows a master-apprentice model, in collaboration with partners from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Over three years, three junior conservators will receive practical training with the goal of becoming experts in polychrome sculpture. The training will primarily take place at SRAL in Maastricht, under the guidance of Arnold Truyen, with guest lectures by Aleth Lorne, the second Dutch specialist.
Read more about PoCo here
Restoration City Hall Den Bosch
The nearly 300-year-old ceiling of the mayor’s office in Den Bosch City Hall has been carefully cleaned and restored, removing nicotine stains and insect droppings. Both the woodwork and 19th-century ceiling paintings were treated with precision. The ceiling, mostly dating back to 1744, was originally redecorated in Louis XIV style. The current dark paint and gold leaf designs likely date to the 19th century.
"Cleaning required care," says SRAL restorer Lise Wolfert. Wooden parts were cleaned with mild soap, while the more delicate painted areas were treated without water, leaving the ceiling visibly brighter, especially the wooden planks.
Conervation of giltleather hangings
At the end of January 2024, we began restoration work on several historical art objects at Den Bosch City Hall, including the gold leather wallpaper from the Aldermen's Room. The restoration is now in full swing.
Before treatment commenced, an extensive preliminary investigation was carried out. This was essential for gathering and analyzing material-technical data on the objects, as well as for discussing ethical considerations with other experts. Tests were conducted for each treatment step to determine the most appropriate methods.
Treatment
The restoration process is currently well underway. In the Maastricht studio, a large team of conservators is working on the giltleather panels. The restoration consists of several stages. First, the leather panels are separated by opening the seams, with consolidation applied where necessary to prevent material loss. Next, the back is cleaned, and glue residue is removed. The front is cleaned using a Borax-PVA gel, which effectively removes surface dirt. Some panels, which had warped, are being carefully flattened by controlled wetting and pressure.
Giltleather during treatment. Conservator is appying Borax-PVA gel for surface cleaning. Credits: SRAL
The SRAL gold leather team works in close collaboration, alternating tasks and complementing each other’s efforts. By the end of this year, all 92 panels of leather—covering a total area of 39 m²—will be fully restored. The next steps in the treatment plan include installing new connectors between the panels, rejoining the leather sections, setting up a hanging system, and finally returning the panels to Den Bosch. Further updates will follow soon.
More about giltleather here