Historic paint and architectural investigation
The term covers a wide range of investigation methods that help to gain knowledge about historic buildings and structures. One of the basic type includes “test windows”. Removing several layers of accumulated material leads to the discovery of historic substance (paint, wallpaper, metal) used in the past centuries. In situ works follow archival research that helps to establish the area where the oldest elements of the décor may have been preserved. Historic paint and architectural research are complemented by laboratory analysis.
The uncovered fragments are photographed and described in detail in the report.
An important step of the process is the evaluation of the value and condition of the uncovered paint layers, recognition of the iconography and the function of the displayed elements along with the dating procedure.
Historic paint investigation is the foundation necessary to form any conservation recommendations and thereby conservation strategy.
Zamojski Academy. This photography features a “test window” with visible consecutive chronological layers. Visible 19th century dado imitation.
Cross-section of a sample – the oldest layers from the 19th century are visible.
Cross-section of a sample – external, dated to the 20th century, layers are visible.
Architectural investigation
Those procedures include actions that interfere with the substance of the historic object. Their goal is to establish the history and the function of the investigated building, recognise and document its primary form, technical construction, used materials and technologies, possible transformations and successive layers of historic materials.
Krasnystaw – former Augustinians monastery, the so called “old.” The south facade
Research includes: archival research, inventory (drawings and measurements, photographs and descriptions) as well as in situ “test windows” (recording, inventory and analyses of the uncovered elements of a building.)
The results are provided in a written and graphic documentation that includes report of the building survey (information concerning the condition of the building and analytical methods adapted), interpretation of the results including chronological stratification of a building and last but not least scientific conclusions with recommendations concerning the future restoration.
Krasnystaw – former Augustinians monastery, the so called “old.” The north wall of the refectory – fragment.
Krasnystaw – former Augustinians monastery, the so called “old.” The east wall of the refectory – detail.
Former Augustinians monastery, the so called “old.” Fragment of documentation – views of refectory wall.