Conservation of the St. Vitus Mosaic in Prague (1992–2008)
In order to develop an integrated strategy for the conservation
of the mosaic, the activities of the project included five major
components—research, training, conservation treatment, dissemination, and monitoring.
Component One: Research
- Collection and review of all existing documentation on the mosaic and its conservation.
- Study of the mosaic's original materials and techniques.
- Environmental monitoring.
- Mosaic condition assessment (documenting the current condition of the mosaic in graphic, photographic, and written form).
- Study of the causes of deterioration of the mosaic.
- Discussion of conservation options.
- Development of a technique for the removal of the corrosion products (cleaning).
- Scientific research and testing of protective coatings for the mosaic.
- Study of ethical issues related to mosaic regilding.
- Development of a conservation plan.
Component Two: Training of Conservators
- Methods for removal of corrosion products.
- Application of the protective coating system.
- Long-term monitoring and maintenance procedures.
Component Three: Conservation Treatment
- Implementation of the conservation treatment of the mosaic.
- Recording of type, extent, and location of conservation interventions.
Component Four: Dissemination
- Preparation of didactic panels illustrating the objectives of the project to public on site.
- Dissemination of the scientific, conservation, historical, and art historical knowledge acquired during the project through professional articles, video, and presentations at conferences.
- Organization of a seminar on the project.
Component Five: Monitoring of the Mosaic
- Work with the Office of the President of the Czech Republic to create an effective program of monitoring and maintaining the mosaic.
- Re-evaluate the maintenance cycle schedule.
- Ensure that new developments in the coating industry are considered for the future.
Last updated: December 2009
Field Projects
