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1. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Prof. JoAnn Cassar – University of Malta The Conservation Process Module 4 Basic Cour s e Teaching Material Topic 4.4 Dos and Don’ts Educational Toolkit

2. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Copyright ©ELAICH Beneficiaries 2009-2012 This material is an integral part of the “ELAICH – educational toolkit” and developed as part of the project ELAICH – Educational Linkage Approach in Cultural Heritage within the framework of EuroMed Cultural Heritage 4 Programme under grant agreement ENPI 150583. All rights reserved to the ELAICH Beneficiaries. This material, in its entirety only, may be used in "fair use" only as part of the ELAICH – educational toolkit for the educational purposes by non-profit educational establishments or in self-education, by any means at all times and on any downloads, copies and or, adaptations, clearly indicating “©ELAICH Beneficiaries 2009-2011” and making reference to these terms. Use of the material amounting to a distortion or mutilation of the material or is otherwise prejudicial to the honor or reputation of ELAICH Beneficiaries 2009-2011 is forbidden. Use of parts of the material is strictly forbidden. No part of this material may be: (1) used other than intended (2) copied, reproduced or distributed in any physical or electronic form (3) reproduced in any publication of any kind (4) used as part of any other teaching material in any framework; unless prior written permission of the ELAICH Beneficiaries has been obtained. Disclaimer This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the ELAICH Consortium and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union. Prof. JoAnn Cassar and Roberta De Angelis – University of Malta

3. Abstract Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Topic 4.4 “Dos and Don’ts” is the concluding topic of Module 4. We hope that you enjoyed the previous 3 topics! “ Dos and Don’ts” is meant to summarise concepts already introduced in the previous three topics of Module 4. As you now know, the conservation strategy of a heritage site – including hands-on treatments – is very much based on the careful study of each specific site and its problems. It is set up case by case, and entails a concerted effort of a multidisciplinary team. It is therefore not ever possible to give precise indications on which materials to use or on how treatments should be carried out. It is, however, possible to give general indications on what should be done and what should not be done. This is what this topic “Dos and Don’ts” is all about. Prof. JoAnn Cassar and Roberta De Angelis – University of Malta

4. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Conservators must be ready to choose appropriate materials and design application methods according to the specific needs of the heritage site. It is not a matter of following pre-determined recipes...

5. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage We can however mention some useful general guidelines. Let’s recap some concepts from the previous topics of Module 4... Dos & Don’ts

6. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage take care of our built heritage, it is fragile! Do... The preservation of built heritage starts from the commitment of all of us. It is contagious and you only need to spread the word around... Built heritage and its surroundings are often in danger. Watch out and report where necessary!

7. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Don’t... ...climb over monuments or damage in any way heritage sites... Sometimes your enthusiasm might be too much for our built heritage... THINK ABOUT IT! Courtesy of Petra National Trust © http://petranationaltrust.org/UI/ShowContent.aspx?ContentId=55 Petra (Jordan)

8. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Our built heritage is valuable and very special. It requires the work of professional conservators. They also follow general “Dos and Don’ts”. You will get to know more what the work of conservators entails, and something which could turn out to be useful also for your own house... Let’s see some of them...

9. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Do... Take care of the causes of deterioration before taking care of the symptoms. If problems are generated by water infiltration, first repair the exterior of a building Carl pointing the exterior of a building.

10. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Don’t... hide problems!!! Covering a humid wall with a waterproofing layer, like cement, to hide damage will only make the problem worse. Use porous materials, especially when salt deterioration is an issue. Cement prevents water evaporation Water rises higher up! ...and so does deterioration Moisture & dissolved salts Cement Wall affected by rising damp (= movement of moisture and salts from the ground into the walls of buildings. It results in damage of the lower part of walls)

11. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Do... These are materials that do not harm the original surfaces in the short term and also when they age or when they will need to be removed. use stable, compatible and reversible materials.

12. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Don’t... use materials that are difficult to remove!!! The materials of our built heritage are too fragile to withstand harsh methods needed to remove restoration materials strongly attached to them.

13. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Do... choose cleaning methods that do not in any way harm the original surface. Cleaning should not be done at all costs! If dirt is too stubborn and its removal would damage in any way the original surface, it should not be removed. Cleaning methods must be gentle, gradual and controllable. They should respect the original aged surface.

14. Educational Linkage Approach In Cultural Heritage Don’t... overdo it!!! The best treatment is the least treatment. The addition or removal of materials from the heritage site always implies risks. Also, do not compromise the authenticity of the heritage site.