Conservation Work

ICI Delhi offers a wide variety of professional conservation and preservation services to various governmental and non-governmental organizations, private collectors and corporate clients. Objects requiring varying levels of study, evaluation as well as treatment can be brought to the Centre. A dedicated team of conservators represent years of varied professional training at major institutions, both in India and abroad, specialized study, and intensive practical experience in the science of conservation and study of objects may be requested. The conservation staff can also facilitate scientific study and analysis of objects.
Services offered at ICI Delhi may vary from simple preventive stabilization methods to complete conservation treatment and restorative reintegration.
The lab is equipped with all the basic conservation tools and equipment as well as material to be used for storage, display and preventive conservation. Large tables, comfortable work chairs, trolleys (to keep tables clear of tools, pens etc.) and good illumination (close to natural light) is available. There is an in-built ducting system for fume extraction for the safety and health of staff. The services and facilties available in the lab are as follows.

Examination, documentation and environmental monitoring for preventive conservation is an essential for all conservation divisions. Facilities available include:

Lux meter  –   To measure the intensity of light

Whirling hygrometer  –   To measure relative humidity in museums and art galleries

UV light meter  –   To measure intensity of Ultra Violet Light

Distance measuring meter  –   It is used for measuring of distance specially in heritage buildings

Data logger  –   It is used for monitoring and recording of relative humidity and temperature

Thermal camera  –  It is used for thermal imaging, determining presence of humidity and moisture in heritage building.

Multi spectrum imaging kit  –  Used for non-invasive examination of art objects

UV light  –  Source of UV light for examination

IR light  –  Source of IR light for examination

IR camera  –  To identify under drawing and pentimento

Light Sheet  –   To work on objects with transmitted light

Mount cutting machine  –  Use for cutting of mounts for matting

Painting conservation division

Conservation treatment of deteriorated or damaged paintings is undertaken. Conservators try to intervene as little as possible so that the artist’s original work is not lost. In this lab, conservators carefully work to secure flaking paint, mend tears and losses, relax bulges in canvas, strengthen canvas supports, settle cracks and remove unstable materials. Some facilities are:

 

• Low pressure suction table   –   Flatting, lining and humidification of objects
• Hot spatula   –   For consolidation of paint layer
• Double boiler   –   It is used for preparation of consolidants and adhesives
• Air spray gun and machine   –   Application of protective coating to the art object without touching the surface
• Adjustable stretcher   –   For lining canvases of different sizes

Paper conservation division

Paper Conservation division conservators examine, document, and treat a wide variety of works on paper. Typical conservation treatments and preventive measures include surface cleaning, removing previous interventions such as pressure-sensitive tape, mending and poor-quality matting materials, reducing discoloration and staining, flattening paper distortions, strengthening of paper supports and housing artworks in acid-free materials. Some facilties are:

• Ultrasonic humidifier  –  It is used for consolidation and humidification of art objects especially paper and painted paper objects
• Nebulizer  –  It is used for consolidation and humidification of art objects especially paper and painted paper objects
• Specialized Sink  –  For undertaking wet treatments
• Light tables  –  For proper mending and conservation

Objects conservation division

The three-dimensional objects treated in this division are made of a variety of materials and often times a combination of materials. Conservators working here are trained and equipped to handle objects made of stone, wood, metal, bone, ivory, ceramic, leather, plaster, and other synthetic materials. Treatments vary depending on the size, shape, and composition of the object, from the tiniest to heaviest sculptures.

• Micro sand blaster   –   To remove/clean accretion from architectural surface and art objects
• Steam cleaner   –   To remove/clean accretion, micro-biological deposition from architectural surface and art objects
• Micro chisels   –   To remove unscientific fillings from art objects and also from stone buildings
• Carts and pulleys   –   For transferring and supporting heavy objects

Textile conservation

• Darning Table   –   For undertaking stabilization through stitching
• Portable Fume Extractor   –   For removal of harmful fumes
• Conservation dyeing unit with Lanaset dyes   –   For conservation grade dyeing
• Steamers   –   For removing creases delicately
• Storage rack for large rolled textiles   –   For storing textiles properly
• Microscope   –   For studying fibres