1
Select this image to see more photographs of conservators at work on Penn State's Land-Grant Frescoes. The frescoes, painted by Henry Varnum Poor in the 1940s, have been deteriorating for a number of reasons. Work is now under way to restore the frescoes.
2
The fresco cleaning process reveals the true colors of the original work, including Poor's subtle pastel effects.
3
Lime is prepared for the infilling of fresco cracks. The pit lime has been aged for six years and will be added to the sand to match the original fresco plaster.
4
A cleaning pad shows the gray film that had previously masked the work.
5
Pinpoint reinstatement of lost pigment with watercolor is carried out using a magnifying headband.
6
Cotton compresses (pads) are applied to hold the cleaning chemistry in place.
7
Plastic is applied over the solvent to maximize its effect in the removal of a paint drip.
8
Lime plaster is injected into cracks with a hypodermic needle.
9
A chemical stabilizer penetrates into the fresco to create a stable foundation for further treatment.
10
Low-power stereomicroscopical viewing of the damage aids in the removal of only foreign matter, such as paint drips.
11
Any ceiling encroachment of foreign material on the fresco is removed to reestablish the unadulterated image.
12
A photomicrograph shows the point of a watercolor paint brush about to enter a minute speck of loss on the fresco.
13
A chemical stabilizer is applied to all hairline cracks in the frescoes.
14
The effects of deterioration and the effectiveness of treatments are determined through microscopical examination.
15
At an area of extreme damage, a motorized tool is used to prepare sub-plaster for repair.
16
The cleaning process of a dark background area revealed an exciting surprise--the face of a pig.
11 15 12 -POTD Fresco Restoration
Conservation scientist John Rita worked on the stabilization and restoration of the Land-Grant Frescoes in the lobby of Old Main on Penn State's University Park campus on Nov. 15. The restoration project is taking place in a controlled laboratory setting with windows that allow for the public to observe progress.
