Basic Wood Science: Properties - Use - Damage - Examination Methods Explained by the Example of Oak (in German)

Wood as a material has played a major role both in the visual arts and handicrafts as well as in everyday culture. This means that objects made of wood in various forms are again and again the subject of acts of restoration.

For all those who deal with such objects, it is essential to be familiar with the basics of wood science. Only then, can the specific behaviour of the wood and the causes of damage be correctly interpreted and adequate concepts for the preservation of wooden cultural heritage be developed.

Course Content

The course introduces growth and structure of wood, and then combines growth-related attributes with aging and damage phenomena . Furthermore, examination procedures, e.g. for wood and wood moisture identification are presented whose results can help to find a preservation and restoration concept.

All course content is based on examples of oak wood, as this wood is certainly among the most common and used in a variety of ways in Northern Europe. It also has many interesting specific physical and chemical attributes. In order to make the differences to coniferous woods as well as to visually very similar woods clear, spruce, sweet chestnut, elm and ash are also used as further examples.

Further chapters about oak in trade, cultural-historical features, symbolism and mythology, or infestation by fungi and insects, complete this comprehensive course. The presented study methods and correlations are transferable to other species.

The learning content is based on the current state of research, considering recent research results of the 20-year history of furniture conservation at the Faculty of Architecture, Engineering and Conservation of the HAWK Hildesheim.

The learning content is illustrated with many case studies from practice and over 200 photos, videos and further links, some of which are animated, so that conservators from other disciplines can also familiarise themselves with the basics of wood science.

Outline and structure of the course

1. Structure and Properties of Oak Wood
from cell structure to the properties of processed woods

2. Use
Oak wood in trade, processing and aspects of art history

3. Ageing and Damage Phenomena
Impact of environmental influences, mechanical stress and pests

4. Examination Procedures
Approach and implementation of optical examination methods and age determination

The Authors

The graduated conservators Christina Duhme M.A. and Mirja Harms M.A. studied at the Faculty of Architecture, Engineering and Conservation of the HAWK in Hildesheim (Germany) for 5 years, with a specialization in "Furniture and Wooden Objects”. Since 2009, both work as freelance conservators.

Prof. Dr. Gerdi Maierbacher-Legl was head of the conservation/restoration course  "Furniture and Wooden Objects” at the Faculty of Architecture, Engineering and Conservation of the HAWK until 2019.

The course is in German language, but technical support can be given in English.

Contact

Queries can be sent to: fortbildung@hornemann-institut.de