Abstract
Cultural heritage conservation science is a series of actions that aims to rescue the historical memory and preserve the cultural continuity of objects and monuments. These actions include examination, documentation, treatment, restoration and preventative care, supported by research and education. This research focuses on restoration treatments with the use of the additive manufacturing (AM) method.Restoration treatments intend to bring the cultural property of an object or monument to a desired outcome, usually by adding non-original materials. The desired outcome is related to the physical state of the object that is more desirable by the stakeholders and must be one of its historical states. The decision-making is based on the artistic, aesthetic, historical, sentimental, monetary, associative, educational, commemorative and rarity values of the object as also its use and age.
Contemporary restoration treatments include the reassembly of the fragments and recreation of the missing parts with either moulding or casting methods. However, these methods can be time-consuming, and if the object is too fragile, could not be appropriate. The end result of a restoration depends, to a great extent, upon the skills of the conservators. Whilst creative input from the conservator can be invaluable, it may introduce a significant subjective aspect to the process. Advances in technological methods, such as AM technologies, can complement conventional restoration treatments to produce results that may be more objective, particularly in terms of repeatability. They may also provide new solutions in the restoration and exhibition of artefacts, by reassembling missing parts and creating mountings, improving and advancing the restoration treatments overall and the presentations of the artefacts.
This research applies, tests, and evaluates current AM technologies and materials for their suitability in the restoration of ceramic and glass archaeological artefacts by (i) analysing the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the materials, (ii) recreating missing parts and (iii) where possible reassembling them. As a case study ceramic and glass objects from the British Museum are used. The choice of the ceramic objects was based on the different manufacturing techniques and periods, geographical origin, shape and degree of difficulty in restoration. The glass object was selected due to its difficulty in restoration and the unique surface texture. The AM materials employed are tested and evaluated, taking into consideration the physical and mechanical properties that were required for the conventional fill materials. Additionally, suitable environmental conditions for the restored artefacts with the AM method are proposed. Finally, the process is evaluated regarding the aesthetic impacts that are derived from the consolidation, the time spend for the completion and the cost involved.
This research contributes to the further development of AM materials and technologies, in order to be a suitable and efficient process for the restoration of ceramic and glass archaeological artefacts, without the risk of their further deterioration. It is addressed to conservators of antiquities and works of art, museum curators and material scientists, as it deals with issues regarding the impact of digitisation, AM restoration methods, exhibition display and suitable environmental conditions of the restored artefacts.
| Date of Award | 1 Apr 2024 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Graeme Earl (Supervisor) & Dean Sully (Supervisor) |