Case Study

Brief description of the intervention

The design of the conservative intervention was based on the need to stabilise degrades and to put in place a suspension system functional to exposure. The preliminary study phase, conducted through the analysis of historical sources, the stylistic comparison with similar wallpapers and with the support of targeted scientific investigations, allowed to confirm the technical-executive preciousness of the artifact and the dating hypotheses. 

The corame 126/CU consists of 38 leathers sewn together following the scan of the decorative motif, set on the repetition of twisted columns and anthropomorphic and phytomorphic elements, obtained with stretches of mecca on silver foil enriched with contrasting punch-worked motifs on the dark background. The corame, intact, had limited structural degradation in the form of lacerations and some previous interventions of adhesion of unsuitable local supports. The main problem was in the upper section, in the middle: a tear aggravated by stiffening caused by a patch and localised blackening of the leather. The first phase of work involved the dismantling of the previous interventions, the aspiration of incoherent deposits with the aid of soft brushes and a final phase of mechanical dry cleaning with soft polyurethane sponges. acid free. 

The consolidation phase provided for localised stabilisation measures, both by means of a superficial action to re-adhesion the raised leather flakes and by structural measures carried out by inserting Japanese paper supports and adhesives of a cellulosic nature compatible and in chromatic harmony with the materials in place. 

The final phase of the intervention focused on the design of an appropriate method of anchoring the parade to its wooden frame for the period of the exhibition. An innovative suspension system using ferrous tape and magnets has been developed: this solution has guaranteed the solid seal during vertical positioning, also ensuring the total reversibility of the assembly. The magnets were coated with non-acid adhesive tape and retouched with colors gouache to limit its visual impact and achieve a good chromatic agreement with the product.

Bibliography

The walls of wonders. Court choirs between the Gonzagas and Europe, exhibition catalogue curated by A. Morari, Mantua, Palazzo Te, 26 March – 26 June 2022, Mantua, Publi Paolini 2022.

C. Tricerri et al., The corame inv. 126/CU: conservative recovery intervention and study for an exhibition solution, in ‘Palazzo Madama. Studies and news”, Year VII, No 6, Turin 2022, pp. 132-145.