Gustav Berger is internationally recognized as one of the most innovative thinkers in the field of paintings conservation. As an active contributor to professional conferences and publications over the past forty years, he is best known for the development of BEVA, the widely acclaimed adhesive specifically formulated for use in the conservation field, and for his groundbreaking research in the cracking of paint.
With this long-awaited book, Berger offers the reader fresh insights into his deliberations over conservation problems and treatments. Included are updated and revised descriptions of landmark investigations and approaches, as well as observations on how the results have fared. Case studies in the conservation of paintings of various media are also presented, including Old Masters, contemporary works and the gigantic Atlanta Cyclorama. Anyone interested in the development of modern conservation practice will find this volume an invaluable resource and a fascinating read.
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Artists whose treated works are discussed in the book
Acknowlegements
Preface
General introduction
Part I Conservation and technology
Gustav A. Berger
Treatment of paintings having absorbent components
Consolidation of flaking paint films: modifications of the vacuum envelope for consolidation
Tears in canvas paintings and their proper closing
The use of water in the conservation of canvas paintings: benefits and hazards, vapor treatment, 'shrinkers' and other problems
Deacidification of canvas paintings as practiced in our studio
Lining and mounting with BEVA
Weave accentuation and weave interference in vacuum lining of paintings
A testing system for adhesives for conservation: the importance of valid tests
Unconventional treatments for contemporary paintings: vacuum lining without a membrane
Transparent lining of paintings
Inpainting using PVA medium: Mario Modestini's pioneering research
Special projects
Part II Investigations into the causes of deterioration of paintings and painted objects
Gustav A. Berger and William H. Russell
The role of tension in the preservation of canvas paintings: the self-adjusting, constant-tension stretcher
The Berger-Russell biaxial stress tester for stretched canvas: the Art Conservation Research Foundation, Ltd. (ACRF)
Effects of the environment on the deterioration of canvas paintings
The mechanics of cracking in paint films
Appendix 1: Design for a simple low-cost vacuum hot table
Appendix 2: Materials used in our studio and some of their producers (suppliers)
Appendix 3: Recipes most frequently used in our studio
Assistants employed by the Berger Art Conservation Studio (1970-1992)
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
The wealth of experience brought together in one volume and the striking contribution that Berger has made as an independent conservator make this book worth reading.
Studies in Conservation 46 (2001) 223-224
...this book should take its place alongside the great reference works of the 20th century.
Journal of the Canadian Association for Conservation 27 (2002)
Berger’s research has not only given our field an invaluable new adhesive specifically designed for our purposes but it also has brought answers to the universal question of why paintings crack. This book…significantly adds to the profession’s body of conservation knowledge and paves the way for future research. Intellectually generous and stimulating, this volume comes as a very welcome addition to conservation literature.
Journal of the American Institute for Conservation 40(1) (Spring 2001) 70-73
