This study focuses on the experimentation of a method based on the use of UV-C irradiation to eliminate the biofilms present in a tomb located in the necropolis of Porta Nocera, in Pompeii. For this study, the autotrophic component of the biofilm was isolated in the laboratory, while, contemporarily, the characterization of the composition of the pigments of the frescoes took place on original fragments, which had already detached from the tomb and were examined in situ. These preliminary analyses were necessary for the recreation of test samples in the laboratory, which closely matched the original surfaces. Artificial biofilms were used for experimental exposure to UV-C radiation. The exposure to UV-C radiation was carried out at different distances for a fixed time interval. The effectiveness of the biocidal action was assessed by employing optical microscopy techniques, through a careful visual assessment of the area occupied by the biofilm on the different test samples, using a photographic survey, as well as by means of colorimetric measurements using spectrometric techniques. In order to obtain an additional parameter to evaluate the death rate of microorganism cultures exposed to the UV-C radiation, the concentrations of the photosynthetic pigments were also measured by spectrophotometry. Results showed that biofilms were completely eradicated by radiation, and no change in pigment color was observed.
For nearly three years, the Herculaneum Conservation Project has been running a continuous campaign of urgent works in the areas at risk throughout the archaeological site of Herculaneum. The instability of the standing structures and the fragility of the decorative features after years of neglect had made it evident that the site could not wait for long-term conservation proposals to be developed. In this article, the authors discuss the reasoning behind the establishment of the campaign and the methodologies adopted. They conclude that, although many useful lessons have been learnt about emergency works on large archaeological sites at risk, the biggest challenge remains: that of translating the emergency campaign into a structured and sustainable maintenance programme of continuous care such that the neglect of the site characteristic of the late 20th century never recurs.
The draft of the first European Recommendation for the Conservation-Restoration of Cultural Heritage proposed by E.C.C.O., written with the support of ICCROM and participation of ENCoRE signifies a further step towards guaranteeing preservation of cultural heritage and greater recognition of the actors in this field. The Recommendation takes into consideration the need to define and regulate the field itself as a whole. This article presents this document and places it within the context of the work carried out by E.C.C.O. which includes other efforts to define the Conservation-Restoration profession, raise awareness and ensure the continued preservation of cultural heritage as a whole.
Le projet de première recommandation Européenne pour la conservation-restauration du patrimoine culturel proposé par l’E.C.C.O., écrit avec le soutien de l’ICCROM et la participation de l’ENCoRE, constitue un pas en avant pour garantir la préservation du patrimoine culturel et une meilleure reconnaissance des acteurs de ce domaine.La recommandation considère la nécessité de définir et de réglementer le domaine en tant que tel dans son ensemble. Cet article présente ce document et le replace dans le contexte du travail effectué par l’E.C.C.O. qui comprend bien d’autres contributions visant à définir la profession de conservateur-restaurateur, à sensibiliser et à assurer la préservation du patrimoine culturel dans son ensemble.
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