Dear all conservators and restorers, My name is Qing Wu. I am a Master student, studying Conservation and Restoration in the Bern University of Arts (HKB), Switzerland. I am currently having a Master project, focusing on applying different analytical methods to investigate the foil structure and chemical state of Zwischgold/Part-gold. The purpose of this project is to provide scientific foundation for the evaluation of possible conservation/restoration treatments for Zwischgold. In order to successfully implement my project, I would like to ask you to do me a favour by filling a simple survey (4 questions) about the conservation of Zwischgold. Your kind help will be greatly appreciated.
Firstly I would like to give a short introduction about the background of Zwischgold and the scientific scope of my research: "Zwischgold" (DE) or "part-gold" (EN) is commonly regarded as an economical alternative for gold leaves, which was historically applied to gilded artworks such as altars, sculptures and panel paintings. Normally, it was applied to less prominent areas such the gown folds of figures, rear side of altars and so on. Sometimes they were also used for specific areas such as the hair of figures due to its unique cold color tone comparing to pure gold. In this Master thesis, the research scope is restricted to two-sided metal foils that were made by adhering a gold leaf over a silver leaf with the cold welding (German: Kaltverschweissung) techniques. Without a varnish protection layer, these foils tend to corrode quickly in air, causing a darkened surface and gloss loss. However, after hundreds years' aging, some of the varnish layers can't provide proper protection anymore and thus we see darkened Zwischgold surface on art objects quite often. In the meanwhile, well preserved Zwischgold o bjects also exist everywhere, making it difficult to differentiate from gold surface. Here are the questions: 1. How do you identify Zwischgold in its aged status (darkened surface) and also in its well-preserved status? 2. Have you ever applied any conservation and restoration treatment for darkened Zwischgold surface? If yes, what is it and how did you do it? 3. Have you done any scientific investigation about Zwischgold? If yes, what is it and have you gained any interesting result? 4. Would you like to participate in this Zwischgold project in future? Collaboration is always welcome! Thank you very much for your time and effort again! With best regards Qing Wu Master student in the Atelier of Painting and Sculpture (GUS) Bern University of Arts (HKB) Tel: 0041-774629968 Email: qing...@students.bfh.ch ________________________________ ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to consdistlist-le...@cool.conservation-us.org Archives through August 2016 at http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/ Archives from September 2016 onward at https://www.mail-archive.com/consdistlist@cool.conservation-us.org/
