Sem Investigations on Old Maps With Canvas Support

Abstract

Digitization of cultural heritage, has started to play a major role in sustainability; also, old maps investigations can be a valuable source of information. These should be carefully handled by archive workers and those who are studying them, because mycological content can increase both human health and environmental problems. These, together with the conditions in which are stored can deteriorate the composition of the cellulose fibers, respectively the canvas fibers on which are glued. Samples were collected from old maps dating to 1895 and 1910 by specific means and methods in order to investigate their mycological content which revealed the presence of Penicillium ssp and Fusarium spp. Scanning electron microscopy - analysis (SEM) was done for the mentioned materials in order to determinate the deterioration of the fibers.

Considerations Regarding the Research for the Conservation of Heritage Textiles in Romania

“…In the last case study, the conditions and the degree of conservation of the documents and textile materials deposited in the National Archives of Romania-Bihor County Service, based in Oradea Municipality-were examined. The researches focused on a thorough analysis of both the main parameters of the internal microclimate from several deposits [49] and of old maps dated between 1895 and 1910 with the support of textile materials (especially cloth) [50].…”

“…235/05.07.1996, supplemented by the Daily Provision of the General Director of the National Archives No. 92/ 14.05.2009 [57], for the optimum preservation of the documents (including those of textile materials) the microclimate of the interior should be kept between 15 and 25°C regarding the average air temperature, between 40 and 65% the average relative humidity and below 0.3 m/s the speed of air currents [49]. Excluding the relative humidity, which registered a value with 2% (38%) lower than the limit, the other elements are included in these norms (average air temperature of 23.3°C; air currents speed of 0 m/s).…”

“…Aspergillus [49]. These microorganisms affect human health and integrity of textile fibers; the second case being detected after the SEM analysis of the samples of old maps with textile support.…”

“…These revealed that the fibers are strongly damaged due to the presence of fungi and dust. Among the microorganisms identified on the maps, there are different subspecies of Penicillium and Fusarium [50].…”