Cleaning unvarnished painting surfaces from the 20th century.
Paintings with dirty surfaces are generally cleaned with aqueous solutions or solvents, but this is not always possible.
Unvarnished impasto paint, detail.
This project investigated alternative cleaning options using dry materials or materials that could reduce contact with the solvent as much as possible.
The surfaces of unvarnished paintings are very susceptible to the accumulation of dirt and the development of bloom. These are common reasons for cleaning works but there is often uncertainty about the extent to which the phenomenon occurs, the relationship with natural ageing (patina), how rapidly the phenomenon will reoccur and how environmental factors play a role. Furthermore, cleaning is sometimes problematic due to surfaces being sensitive to water and solvents, underlying paint that is sensitive to mechanical action, and dirt that has combined with the paint.
Discussions with 'the field' have quantified the need for methods and decision-making models concerning surface cleaning, which also encompass practical, technical and ethical considerations. It is also important to form a quantitative overview of the issues in modern paintings.
In 2010 Maude Daudin completed a major project on dry cleaning methods. Maude proposed various materials including make-up sponges, which can be regarded as relatively safe alternatives to solvents in certain circumstances. Later research (including that by UvA student Zuhura Oruç-Iddi) proved that the amount of substances remaining on paint surfaces after such cleaning does not lead to changes in the long term.
A description of the options and considerations has been presented in various publications (JB: add links?). The results formed the basis for workshops in the Netherlands and several other countries, including France, Italy and Spain. Under the umbrella of the project on 20th century oil paintings, it is aimed to continue updating the outcomes of the on-going dry cleaning research on the RCE website. This will include information about dry cleaning materials.
The students who have been involved in the subject of the cleaning of water-sensitive paint surfaces: