Microbial Infestation of Objects of Art and Cultural Heritage

Microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi and algae, are ubiquitous in our atmosphere. They are closely linked to the environment and respond strongly to factors such as temperature and humidity. Consequently, they play a pivotal role in the degradation and alteration of various materials and objects. Microbiological infestation poses a significant challenge, particularly in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, as it can pose long-term risks to objects and people.

Course Content

This course introduces the most important microbiological agents, their living conditions and how they infest. The course aims to provide students with the practical knowledge necessary for identifying, preventing and controlling microbiological infestation in art and cultural heritage. The focus of this course is on the presentation of various detection and analysis methods of microorganisms found on cultural heritage. In addition to simpler analytical techniques, you will learn about specific and modern methods. Practices of sampling and non-destructive testing will be presented. Find out which statements are important for conservators and can actually be obtained with the techniques presented.

The Modules

• The first module is an introduction to microbiology. It allows students with no corresponding background to learn the basics of microbiology and thus to be able to follow the course. This is of particular importance for non-university implementation, as microbiology in the conservation of cultural objects has not been pursued much outside the university.
• The second module is more practice-oriented: it explains the different sampling techniques and which types of sample material are suited for which analyses and tests. In addition, the course explains how to protect yourself effectively when working with potentially hazardous microorganisms. This is particularly important to enable participants to decide whether material sampling is necessary for a given issue, or if contact-free techniques can be used instead.
• In modules three and four, you will be introduced to detection and analysis methods. As well as tests that restorers can carry out themselves using the appropriate equipment, you will also learn about highly specialised analysis methods that can only be performed in specialist laboratories. The aim of these modules is not to enable participants to carry out all analyses themselves, but rather to equip them with the knowledge to determine which type of investigation is required for a given question.

Moreover, the course provides a reading list, an extensive glossary and links to other internet sites on the same topics. The course should rather explain the possibilities of your available sources. Our aim is to enable you first to decide which method will be effective and to decide afterwards whichever equipment or procedure is needed.

The Authors

Dipl.-Rest. Barbara Hentschel M.A. has graduated in Conservation and Restoration at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim/ Holzminden/ Göttingen and wrote a master's thesis in the field of microbiology. For 20 years, she has been a research assistant at the Hornemann Institute, where she was responsible for developing and maintaining the online courses and e-publishing. She now works in the Service Center for Quality in Teaching at the HAWK and helps course participants with technical problems with the learning platform.

The conservator Kassandra Wirth M.Sc. has graduated at the HAWK Faculty of Architecture, Engineering and Conservation. She wrote a master's thesis in the field of occupational health and safety for conservators with a focus on microbial hazards. She is currently working as research assistant at the Hornemann Institute and is responsible for the development and maintenance of online courses and e-publishing.

The conservator Nathaly Witt M.Sc. has graduated at the HAWK and is specialized in the conservation and restoration of polychrome wooden objects and paintings as well as records, books and graphics.

Prof. Dr. Constanze Messal has been Professor of Microbiology in Restoration at the Faculty of Architecture, Engineering and Conservation at the HAWK in Hildesheim since April 2023. She is also managing director of MICOR Sachverständigenbüro Dr. Messal and head of department for moulds at Deutscher Holz- und Bautenschutzverband e.V.

This course is a translation of the German course by Dr. Roger Skarsten, native speakter from the USA.

Contact

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