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Sector for Restoration of Ceramics, Glass and Porcelain Sector leader, expert restorer Anna I. Pozdnyak Specialists in the Sector for Restoration of Ceramics, Glass and Porcelain work at solving tasks relating to the restoration and reconstruction from numerous fragments of works of applied art dating as far back as antiquity and up to the present day. These are objects of utilitarian derivation noted for fragility and long daily use. They often come down to us in damaged condition. Efforts to return the object to its initial form may include cleaning the surfaces of later layers that have accumulated, strengthening any paintings, eliminating destructive salts from ceramics, reconstructing lost fragments and complex mounting. Depending on the specifics of each separate exhibit, the restorers set various tasks for themselves. One must make special mention of "repeat" restoration work, that is, work on exhibits which first underwent restoration 50, 100 and more years ago. This involves glue which has dried out and painting which has darkened; the restorer must then take the exhibit apart, remove old glue, clean and strengthen the crumbling painting and once again restore the monument. The Hermitage school of restoration assumes an individual and sensitive approach to each exhibit. The main criterion for selection of restoration materials is their inertness in the presence of the material of the original. Intervention in the original is minimal and is called for only when the arguments in favor are very weighty. Before beginning any restoration, and during its process, physical, chemical and art historical analyses are performed. The decision on the choice of one or another methodology is taken in a collegial manner and is re-confirmed in the restoration council. There are two areas of activity of the Sector for Restoration of Ceramics, Glass and Porcelain. These are the restoration of exhibits from the museum collection and restoration of objects found during the State Hermitage's archeological expeditions on the territory of Russia (the ancient towns of Uglich, Pskov, Yaroslavl), the Crimea (ancient towns of the Northern Black Sea Littoral), the Trans-Caucasus and Central Asia. The history of archeology provides numerous examples where finds were destroyed not only from unskilful handling at the moment they were removed from the excavation but also from unprofessional later work during the initial processing, packaging and transportation. The participation of restorers from the sector in Hermitage expeditions during the early stages significantly facilitates later restoration of the archeological finds in the museum itself. In the laboratory there is restoration work on ceramics, glass and porcelain for the temporary exhibitions of the Hermitage, both in Russia and abroad. The restorers constantly monitor the conservation of works of art held in the museum storerooms. Specialists from the laboratory share their experience with colleagues from other museums and give consultations. They also teach trainees. Developments in the area of new work methods are regularly discussed in specialized publications on restoration as well as in reports delivered at international and domestic conferences. Restoration programmes: 1. Restoration work performed by the Museum of Porcelain2. Restoration of an Iranian dish from the 15th century 3. Restoration of two lids of Chinese vases topped by the figures of lions 4. Restoration of ceramics from the archaeological complex at Doghee-Baary II 5. Restoration of the small Coat-of-Arms of the Russian Empire 6. Restoration of a "wickerwork" basket from the Green Frog Service 7. Restoration of glass plaques bearing training drawings made by the children of Emperor Paul I (late 18th – early 19th century) |
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Copyright © 2006 State Hermitage Museum |
