| INTRODUCTION | EXHIBITION | VISITING | EVENTS | CONSERVATION | AT THE V&A | LINKS |
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CONSERVATION Earth and Fire: Italian Terracotta Sculpture from Donatello to Canova Terracotta is a durable yet fragile material. Its resistance to change is one of the reasons why there are so many remains from early settlements onwards, found on archaeological sites. But its porosity and its brittle nature, combined with environmental factors, will affect the condition of all terracotta objects, including the sculptures in this exhibition. In order that terracotta sculptures may travel or be displayed, they must be in a stable condition. Poor quality clay, or ineffectual preparation may have resulted in early instability in an object’s life. The original construction of the sculpture may have created its own problems on firing - for example, if the mass was too thick, then cracks and ruptures could occur as the water was driven out during heating in the kiln. The piece may have been fired incorrectly, or at too low a temperature. If the piece was displayed externally, then weathering may have occurred. Soluble salts may have migrated into the pores, where their crystallisation will cause disruption. The history of a terracotta’s storage or display, whether the object has been broken in the past and how that damage was repaired, and whether a previous treatment has aged in such a way that causes further problems, are also important factors in the condition of a sculpture. Superficial dirt may not always affect a terracotta’s stability, but will have an effect on its appearance. All or some of these factors may be present in objects that need to be treated. Before conservation takes place, the understanding of the condition [of a terracotta] will be aided by a number of examination techniques: Optical microscopy allows the close examination of surfaces at high magnification. Information not visible to the naked eye can be revealed through ultraviolet light-sources or x-radiography, such as repairs and internal fissures. Other analytical techniques provide accurate characterisation of the material, providing further information on the object and the nature of the deterioration. With the aid of these techniques and the range of information they reveal, the appropriate conservation treatment can be chosen from the variety of preventive and interventive methods available. Conservation is concluded with recommendations for handling, packing and mounting, to ensure the long-term stability of the objects. Advance bookings
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