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

Oral exam.

The exam consists of an oral interview on the whole program carried out during the course, during which the achievement of the teaching objectives will be evaluated. In particular, the degree of acquisition of the contents is considered, the critical skills acquired by the student, the possession of specific language, as well as an organic vision of the issues addressed. Finally, the student will present a case study to discuss during the class or during the final exam.
The result of the examination will follow the following indications:
insufficient grade: lack of basic training knowledge, inappropriate language and inability to produce links between the various topics addressed.
sufficient to good: discrete possession of basic knowledge; appropriate language and ability to connect.
positive to excellent: full possession of basic knowledge and language; reasoning and connection autonomy.
Teaching material: the teaching material presented in class is available to the students on AMS Campus.
To access the educational material: http://campus.unibo.it/
The materials are reserved for students of the University of Bologna enrolled in the course.

Students who are affected by learning disability (DSA) and in need of special strategies to compensate it, are kindly requested to contact the Teacher, in order to be referred to the colleagues in charge and get proper advice and instructions.

Teaching tools

PC, Video projector, blackboard.

Office hours

See the website of Cristina Chiavari