Lincoln’s Letters: Conservation of the Inscriptions in the Lincoln Memorial.
26
Lincoln’s Lincoln’s Letters Letters Conservation of the Conservation of the Inscriptions in the Lincoln Inscriptions in the Lincoln Memorial Memorial Architecture Specialty Group AIC Conference Richmond, VA 2007
description
A description of the investigation and conservation of the original inscritions at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.
Transcript of Lincoln’s Letters: Conservation of the Inscriptions in the Lincoln Memorial.
Lincoln’s LettersLincoln’s Letters
Conservation of the Conservation of the Inscriptions in the Lincoln Inscriptions in the Lincoln
MemorialMemorial
Architecture Specialty GroupAIC ConferenceRichmond, VA
2007
Designed by George BaconDesigned by George Bacon Construction began in 1914Construction began in 1914 Dedicated in 1922Dedicated in 1922 Marble exteriorMarble exterior Limestone interiorLimestone interior
The InscriptionsThe Inscriptions
Carved in the Carved in the LimestoneLimestone
Over 4,500 Over 4,500 CharactersCharacters
The Gettysburg The Gettysburg AddressAddress
Lincoln’s Second Lincoln’s Second Inaugural AddressInaugural Address
Dedication above Dedication above the Sculpturethe Sculpture
The Gettysburg Address
Existing ConditionsExisting Conditions
Note areas of loss
Detail of loss
Mud wasp nest
The Dedication
40x Magnification40x Magnification
Note three different colors in the existing paint.
Yellow oxide
Lighter green
Darker green Note cracking throughout the
layers
A Conservation A Conservation ConundrumConundrum
Treatment of the very friable layers of paintTreatment of the very friable layers of paint Removal to bare stone?Removal to bare stone? Consolidation and Conservation of the original Consolidation and Conservation of the original
material?material? How to provide a viable treatment plan?How to provide a viable treatment plan?
Can the Consolidation be tested in a Can the Consolidation be tested in a quantifiable way to provide the best of both quantifiable way to provide the best of both worlds?worlds? Conserve the original materials and provide a sound Conserve the original materials and provide a sound
substrate for application of a new coating system.substrate for application of a new coating system.
Methods for MeasuringMethods for MeasuringAdhesion in situAdhesion in situ
3M Masking Tapes
Safe-Release #2070
Adhesion of 5oz. per inch
Orange Core #2080
Adhesion of 12oz. per inch
Long Mask #2090
Adhesion of 25oz. per inch
Adhesion Tests on Untreated Adhesion Tests on Untreated MaterialMaterial
Safe Release Orange Core Long Mask
Consolidant TestingConsolidant Testing
Tested 5 different Tested 5 different consolidants consolidants including :including :
AYAB (25% solids AYAB (25% solids in ethanol) in ethanol)
Paraloid B-72 (20% Paraloid B-72 (20% in Xylene) in Xylene)
Winsor and Newton Winsor and Newton Gloss Varnish Gloss Varnish (undiluted) (undiluted)
Page Conservation applying test consolidants.
Results of ConsolidationResults of Consolidation
40x magnification showing Consolidant filling cracks.
Adhesion after ConsolidationAdhesion after Consolidation
Note much less loss of material.
Safe Release Long Mask Orange Core 5oz./in. 25oz./in. 12oz./in.,
Other TestingOther Testing
Orion Laboratory tested the original Orion Laboratory tested the original material.material. Found the paint was neither casein nor Found the paint was neither casein nor
temperatempera No lead was present No lead was present All indications pointed to a commercial oil All indications pointed to a commercial oil
paintpaint Examination revealed three layersExamination revealed three layers
First coat was a yellow ocherFirst coat was a yellow ocher Second coat was a light green Second coat was a light green Top layer was a darker greenTop layer was a darker green
Recommended Recommended TreatmentTreatment
Remove loose material with vacuum.Remove loose material with vacuum. Use Winsor Newton Gloss Varnish as Use Winsor Newton Gloss Varnish as
Consolidant , tinted with French Yellow Consolidant , tinted with French Yellow Ocher.Ocher.
Lightly brush dried consolidated layer to Lightly brush dried consolidated layer to remove any loose particles. Use nylon brushes remove any loose particles. Use nylon brushes only.only.
Apply first cost of Ronan Japan Paint tinted to Apply first cost of Ronan Japan Paint tinted to match the lighter green.match the lighter green.
Apply second coat of Ronan Japan Paint tinted Apply second coat of Ronan Japan Paint tinted to match the darker green as the finish coat.to match the darker green as the finish coat.
Staging for the WorkStaging for the Work
Lights for heat.
Fall protection for safety.
CleaningCleaning
Mud wasp nest removal.
Consolidation
Cleaning the Consolidated Cleaning the Consolidated LettersLetters
Consolidated and cleaned.
Applying First Coat of Japan Applying First Coat of Japan PaintPaint
Applying Second Coat of Applying Second Coat of Japan PaintJapan Paint
Painting in ProgressPainting in Progress
First CoatSecond Coat
Finished WorkFinished Work
Dedication Panel
DetailsDetails
The Second InauguralThe Second Inaugural
The Gettysburg AddressThe Gettysburg Address
Conclusion Conclusion
Had to devise methodology for Had to devise methodology for investigation and be able to provide investigation and be able to provide quantifiable results.quantifiable results. Think “outside the box”.Think “outside the box”. Investigate several different options.Investigate several different options. Execute the work while maintaining Execute the work while maintaining
minimum requirements.minimum requirements. Surface temperature.Surface temperature. Material temperature and viscosity.Material temperature and viscosity. Safety.Safety.
