Tátrai Vilmos szerk.: A Szépművészeti Múzeum közleményei 94. (Budapest, 2001)

DÁGI, MARIANNA - SIPOS, ENIKŐ: Report on the Conservation of Coptic Textiles in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities (1999-2000)

The Coptic textile fragments woven of linen and wool in the Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities had suffered physical and chemical damage from the effects of frequent movement and harmful environmental factors. Their surface was covered with organic and inorganic deposits; discoloration, deformation, smaller and larger missing parts could be observed. As a consequence of the drying process, they have lost their flexibility and are falling to pieces. In many cases their organic matter has completely decomposed; they could be said to be in a completely fossilised state. With an electron microscope the condition of the decomposed wool threads can be seen: the scales characteristic of wool have almost completely disappeared (figs. 41-42); the decomposing linen threads had fallen lengthwise into fragments (figs. 43^44) The disintegration of the textiles was "assisted" by the earlier conditions of storage, which were far from optimal. They had been kept between sheets of plastic or acid paper, without adequate control of temperature and humidity, all of which quickened considerably the process of decomposition. The previous "conservation" had also contributed to the textiles' poor state. Some pieces were stuck, with glue, starch, or plastic cement, or sewn to highly acidic paper.

19 In certain cases two or more ancient textiles which obviously did not belong together were glued to each other or to a modem supporting fabric.

20 Missing parts were filled out by folding over and gluing the two halves of a given object together.

21 In a few cases the adhesive had completely saturated the fabric, which had become shiny, stiff and of paper-like fragility.

22 Our main aim in the course of conservation was the preservation of the best attainable state, and the removal of any dirt that might contribute to the ageing of the textiles. We aimed for a general uniformity of appearance and to reduce intervention in the course of treatment to an absolute minimum. Where possible we attempted to leave the reverse sides of the fragments free for study after treatment, and aimed overall to put the textiles in a condition in which they could be securely stored and exhibited. In the first stage of cleaning, the surface dust was removed with a micro-vacuum cleaner, after which the stitches and the pieces of glued paper and cloth were removed by gradually dampening the reverse side of the fragment with cold steam of distilled water, and carefully pulling away the loosened paper or fabric by hand, with the help of tweezers. The most effective method of cleaning is usually the water-bath, which markedly improves the aesthetic appearance of the textiles and the flexibility of threads and 19

The following pieces: 51.210,52.1011,56.85.A, 75.36.A. 75.38.A, 77.5.A, 77.6.A, 93.4.A, 97.33.A, 97.55.A, 2000.5.A, 2000.6.A, 2000.7.A, 2000.11.A, 2000.13.A, 2000.15.A, 2000.16.A, 2000.17.1-2.A, 2000.20.A, 2000.22.A, 2000.23.A. 20 In the following cases: 56.18.A, 75.28.A, 84.362.A, 84.364.A, 84.365.A. 84.375.A, 93.8.A, 97.19.12.A, 97.58.A, 97.59.A, 97.63.A, 97.67.A. 21 Inv. nos. 93.8.A, 97.64.A. 22 Inv. nos. 56.18.A, 75.36.A, 93.4.A. 93.9.A. 97.55.A , 97.63.A, 97.67.A.