This issue is dedicated to the latest trends in preventive conservation. For example, we visited the Royal Manufactory in Mechelen, where carpets from all over the world are being restored. We spoke to a paper conservator about the “Adopt a book” concept and in Dresden we found out more about the Kunstkammer Gegenwart, which houses interesting exhibits from the Hoffmann Collection.
Cover picture: SKD
Restauro stands for the preservation of cultural assets. In these times of crisis and, unfortunately, armed conflict, large sections of society seem to forget just how costly and non-stop action is being taken on other fronts to prevent the deterioration of culture.
That’s why this issue is all about preventive conservation. We focus specifically on the trends and innovations in this area. We start with the tapestry manufacturer De Wit in Mechelen. There, antique tapestries are restored using a cleaning system developed in-house.
Visitors to the “Kunstkammer Gegenwart” can also look over the shoulders of Franziska Klinkmüller’s restorers in an open workshop. The “Kunstkammer Gegenwart” mainly shows works from the Hoffmann Collection. Exciting: the exhibition moves between exhibition space and depot, so to speak.
We also allow ourselves a leap into the past. From 1939 onwards, countless paintings by well-known artists were looted, expropriated or bought for less than their value for Adolf Hitler’s “Führer Museum”. These works of art were on the move until the end of the Second World War. We take a look and shed some light.
Our editor Julia Maria Korn spoke to museum conservators and pest control experts and investigates a serious allegation. Museums are said to no longer be in a position to preserve collections and art. As is well known, the tasks of museums include exhibiting, preserving, researching, collecting and communicating. We have found out for you whether and how endangered our culture in museums really is.
But that’s not all. We also spoke to Enno Steindlberger, Director of the Institute for Stone Conservation (IFS) in Mainz, and took an adventurous dive into digital worlds at the Lenbachhaus. For this Restauro, we have once again spoken to some of the most exciting players in our industry and we are delighted to be able to present you with so many new developments and exciting stories. As you already know, I am always happy to receive suggestions, criticism, questions and your thoughts on this issue.
The magazine is available here in the store!
Restauro issue 03/24 is all about cultural assets and how they should be preserved.