Archaeological conservation
The development of analysis and assessment protocols for adhesives used on archaeological pottery
Material conservation aims to preserve the original fabric of cultural material with minimum intervention. Adhesives required to repair archaeological pottery require high standards in performance and formulation. One particular ‘conservation grade’ adhesive has been used since the 1980s. We identified a formulae variation that occurred thirteen years ago with this product that potentially compromises its performance. There appears to have been no industry awareness of this change, so the product is still used by conservators. Using the University of Melbourne Cypriot pottery collection this research will develop analytical pathways and protocols for adhesive identification, formulation monitoring and performance assessment.
Researchers: Assoc Prof Robyn Sloggett, Professor Antonio Sagona, Ms Deborah Lau, Dr Petronella Nel.