07052 - Chemistry of Restoration

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will know the chemical processes involved in the interaction between the artefact and the environment, as well as the materials and products used for restoration and maintenance, with a special concern towards CH requirements (reversibility, protection efficacy, compatibility, environmental friendliness).  

Course contents

-Environmental (chemical, physical and biological) factors inducing the decay of materials composing Cultural Heritage.

-Assessment of the state of conservation of historical and artistic artefacts.

- Products and techniques for restoration, maintenance and conservation of artefacts made by stone, ceramic, glass, metal, organic materials (ivory, wood, paper, tissue), mosaics, frescos, paintings. Solvents, protective treatments and consolidants: chemical features and behaviour mechanisms. Chemistry and Physics behind cleaning, protection, maintenance and preventive strategies of Cultural Heritage objects.

- Technical methodologies for the control of restoration treatments.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides of lectures.

Bibliography, not mandatory:

L. Campanella, A. Casoli, M.P. Colombini, R. Marini Bettolo, M. Matteini, L. M. Migneco, A. Montenero, L. Nodari, C. Piccioli, M. Plossi Zappalà, G. Portalone, U. Russo, M. P. Sammartino. Chimica per l'arte, Zanichelli, 2007.

M.Matteini, A.Moles. La chimica del restauro.I materiali dell'arte pittorica, Nardini editore, Firenze 1993, 3° edizione

C. Fiori, S. Lorusso, R. Pentrella. Restauro, manutenzione, conservazione dei Beni Culturali: materiali, prodotti, tecniche. Alcune applicazioni nel settore dei beni culturali. Pitagora, Bologna 2003.

Teaching methods

Oral lessons, slides. Kahoot learning games. Seminars of students.

Assessment methods

The examination will be conducted orally.

The examination comprises an oral interview on the entire programme undertaken during the course, during which the attainment of the teaching objectives will be evaluated. In particular, the extent of content acquisition is considered, along with the critical skills developed by the student, their command of specific language, and their ability to grasp the issues addressed in an integrated manner. Subsequently, the student will present a case study for discussion during the class or during the final examination.
The result of the examination will be classified according to the following criteria:

An insufficient grade will be awarded in the event of a lack of basic training knowledge, inappropriate language and an inability to produce links between the various topics addressed.

A sufficient to good grade will be awarded in the event of a discrete possession of basic knowledge, appropriate language and an ability to connect.

The grade is classified as good to excellent when the candidate demonstrates full possession of basic knowledge and language, autonomy of reasoning, and connection.

The teaching material presented in class is available to students on the AMS Campus.
To access the educational material, please refer to the following link: http://campus.unibo.it/. Please note that the materials are reserved for students of the University of Bologna enrolled in the course.

Students who are not attending the course will make arrangements with the lecturer for the examination programme.

Students who are affected by a learning disability (DSA) and in need of special strategies to compensate for it are kindly requested to contact the teacher in order to be referred to the relevant colleagues and receive proper advice and instructions.

Teaching tools

PC, Video projector, blackboard.

Office hours

See the website of Cristina Chiavari