Műtárgyvédelem 24., 1995 (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum)
Restaurálás - Bóna István: Nagy Sándor pestszenterzsébeti freskóinak restaurálása
The wall paintings were heavily damaged by decades long rain leaks. However, aside from general soiling and a slight excretion of sulphates, sections unaffected by leaks are relatively well preserved. Restoration work was preceded by careful investigation. Since most of the damage was caused by salts, first their varieties and sources had to be identified. Magnesium-sulphate was found in the greatest amounts. Almost a kilogram of this salt could be gathered in some parts of the mural. All elements in the wall structure were revealed to be potential sources of magnesium-sulphate. Sulphate ions originated from air pollution, especially due to the proximity of a factory that produced sulphuric acid, but which by now has fortunately ceased operations. The frescoes and side-wall ornaments were cleaned using Wishab sponges. The sgraffitto surfaces were washed using clean water. Although this was not sufficient for removing all the soiling, neither did it create spots. The ceiling could only be cleaned using solutions of triammonium-citrate or diammonium-hidrogene-citrate. On some of its unpainted surfaces Selecton B2 solution was employed. No other treatment on the undamaged surfaces was necessary. In places where the layer of paints was weakened on the frescoes, as well as on the ceiling decorated with glue-based paints, an alcoholic solution of Klucel EF was used in a 2 % concentration. In damaged sections of the plastering, salt concentrations were first decreased by absorption packing. Subsequently, the plastering was strengthened with the help of a 1:1 mix between Steinfes- tiger OH and white spirit. It appears that in future projects an even greater degree of dilution will be necessary since the thus created surface became harder than the original plastering. On the other hand, in the case of the most damaged picture (showing the daughter of Jairus), the fixing agent was not diluted at all. Water color was used in complementing the frescoes and tempera painting with no subsequent fixing in order to avoid changing the porosity of the material. Stains on the sgraffitto were retouched with lime paint, while glue based paintings were similarly treated using CMC binding paints. The year since restoration has shown that our restoration concept was correct. Three of the leaks turned to out to have been still active or the affected wall surfaces have not yet had the time to dry completely. On these spots, salts could get the surface without difficulty. However, close inspection has shown that they have not yet caused further damages. Further, detailed structural studies, including the architectural physics of the building, are planned on the basis of experience gathered during last year and taking advantage of the scaffolding that has been raised both inside and outside the church. It is hoped that the results of these comprehensive investigations will contribute to developing additional, more efficient restoration techniques. A szerző cime/Author’s address: Bóna István főiskolai adjunktus/senior tutor Magyar Képzőművészeti Főiskola/Academy of Fine Arts 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 69-71. 33
