Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration

Management of Environmental Conditions for Preservation of Archival and Library Materials Based on Standards

Negar Raeisnia

Environmental factors have a key role in increasing the durability of documented and written heritage. Therefore, in order to create favorable environmental conditions in archives and libraries, it is necessary to determine the goals related to environmental management to meet the preservation needs of these collections; and protective measures (to prevent or slow down the process of deterioration of materials) in these institutions should be planned and implemented. The most important environmental factors affecting the durability of library and archive collections include temperature, relative humidity, light, airborne particles, chemical gases, and biological factors. Control and regulation of these factors is the most cost-effective way to increase the useful life of collections. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the environmental conditions continuously, by recording and processing the data. In this study, the requirements, optimal scope, and preventive protection measures contained in some standards and guidelines for the protection and maintenance of archival and library materials have been investigated. The aim is ensuring the safe preservation of materials and objects sensitive to deterioration. It seems that physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms depend on temperature and humidity which affect the collections in different ways. So, it is impossible to find a safe temperature and humidity range for all collections. Establishing international standards should be recognized as
a long-term strategy that helps to raise the quality of protection processes and improve resource protection knowledge. Based on the studies and experiences gained, the permissible limits can be determined which depend on the material's physical condition, its proper durability over time, and the environmental conditions of storage during the historical period.

Conservation, Restoration and Reconstruction of the Marble Tombstone of Seyyed Ruhollah Kashfi Darabi in Tabriz Islamic Art University

Mehdi Razani

This article examines and identifies the tombstone of the late Seyyed Rouhollah Kashfi Darabi and discusses how to carry out its restoration, reconstruction, and display. The necessity and importance of this research is the attention to the conservation and restoration of outdoor stone artefacts in the museum that are exposed to environmental factors in open areas. This has been accomplished through laboratory studies identifying stones using petrographic methods and examining similar past experiences in the region through field and library research. After documenting, analyzing, and evaluating the intervention and reconstruction methods, the incomplete interventions of previous restorations were cleaned up and rectified. In continuation, the reconstruction of the tombstone was carried out using silicone molds and polyester resin. The restoration intervention was done by examining and comparing various reconstruction methods for such works and the less-considered idea was innovatively implemented by reconstructing the missing parts with polyester resin (simulating marble stone) while considering technical and aesthetic principles. Finally, conservation and restoration measures were carried out using 4% Paraloid B-72 as a coating-stabilizer and it was entrusted to the technical office of Tabriz Islamic Art University with arrangements for display and conceptual space. Despite the positive aspects of the reconstruction measures in terms of technical and aesthetic principles, due to the location of the artifact in the outdoor environment and exposed to destructive environmental factors, follow-up researches are needed to investigate the behaviour of stone and restoration materials.

Explanation of the Conservation Plan of the Mudbrick Structures of the Barzan-e Jonoobi Site in Persepolis

Zahra Morovaty Pour Ghalhe Sheykhy

On the slopes of Mount Rahmat, located in the southern section of the Throne of Persepolis, between it and the unfinished tomb attributed to Darius III, lies a complex of structures architecturally similar to those situated on the throne itself, sharing the same axis with a deviation of 20 to 25 degrees westward. This complex, known as the Barzan-e Jonoobi, comprises eight separate structures interconnected by designed pathways and corridors and generally features columned halls and porticos. The measures taken to address various climatic challenges in this area, such as managing the slope of the land,
controlling floods from the mountains, establishing order in the form and structures, access routes, and passageways, as well as architectural and urban design elements, reflect the application of urban planning and design knowledge in its development. Unfortunately, after initial excavation and a few preliminary conservation efforts, the structures in the Barzan-e Jonoobi site have been left unattended. The predominant material used in this area is Mudbrick, and the lack of ongoing maintenance has led to the deterioration and decay of these mudbrick structures. The inherently unstable nature of these mud brick structures highlights the importance and necessity of continuous preservation and maintenance of this valuable site. Therefore, in this study, after examining the factors causing damage, a conservation plan was proposed within the framework of a comprehensive protection plan. This plan aims to reduce the rate of erosion and address the damages caused by the identified harmful factors. The research methodology employed in this article is applied and field-based in terms of its purpose and approach, and the data were analyzed qualitatively based on logical reasoning. Data collection tools included library research (note-taking, maps, sketches) and field methods (observations, interviews, photography).

The Displacement of the Qajar Fireplace Related to the Historic Mansion of Sadiq Al Saltaneh in Tabriz

Saeid Mehriar

The preservation and restoration of historical monuments are among the most crucial objectives worldwide, aiming to pass cultural heritage on to future generations. These efforts encompass a wide range of activities carried out by specialists while adhering to various aspects, including the theoretical principles of historical restoration. The Sadiq Al Saltaneh Mansion, located in the Maqsoudiyeh neighborhood of Tabriz, is one of the notable buildings from the Qajar period. In addition to its unique architectural layout, the mansion features stucco decorations on the columns and fireplaces. During the restoration process, evidence from various historical periods was uncovered, highlighting the alterations the building has undergone over time. A significant challenge arose when a historical fireplace in the northwest room of the mansion,s first floor was discovered, along with a stuccoed wall dating back to the late Safavid and early Zand periods hidden behind it. This presented a dilemma regarding how to display both significant historical features. After thorough examination of the site and assessment of the artifacts, it was decided to relocate the fireplace within its original space. The goal was to enhance the understanding of the building and to better showcase both valuable historical elements. Given the historical significance and aesthetic value of both features, the relocation of the fireplace and the subsequent exposure of the historical wall behind it were deemed necessary. The technical process of relocation involved framing and supporting the fireplace, followed by carefully detaching it from the wall according to a pre-designed method. After securing the artifact with an iron frame and clearing the surrounding area, the connection to the wall was severed step by step, with reinforcement measures implemented throughout the procedure. The fireplace was then moved to its new location using a crane and installed in such a way that both features could be fully observed. It should be noted that all actions were planned and carried out based on technical and theoretical principles of historical
monument restoration.

Conservation and Restoration of a Qajar lacquer Bookbinding: A Report of the Implementation process

Sanaz Aliakbari

Lacquer paintings hold not only historical significance but also aesthetic value. The motifs and materials used in these artworks can vary depending on the cultural context of the society. Examining these types of works can provide valuable insights into the culture, economy, technology, and native materials of different ethnic groups. Lacquered paintings are considered highly valuable and require careful conservation measures. The purpose of this report is to present the protective process carried out on a lacquered bookbinding from the Qajar era. The initial investigation revealed the need for consolidation, separation of the leather from the bookbinding, surface cleaning, patching, restoration of the corners, priming, coloring, and final coating. To achieve this, the following materials and methods were employed: 5% Plextol for consolidation, a mixture of tissue paper pulp with gelatin and marble dust as a putty to restore the corners, a combination of HV360 adhesive with distilled water and marble dust for the primer layer, acrylic paint for coloring, and a final 3% polyvinyl butyral layer for further protection of the paint layers.

A Report of Persian Inscriptions about Restoration in Juma Mosque of Derbent-Caucasus, Russia

Morteza Rezvanfar

Caucasus is the region between the Caspian and Black seas. The Caucasus Mountains divide it into northern and southern parts. The North Caucasus is a part of Russia where has seven autonomous republics and two krais. From the east, the republics are: 1- Dagestan, 2- Chechnya, 3- Ingushetia, 4- North Ossetia, 5- Kabardino-Balkaria, 6- , Karachay-Cherkessia, and 7- Adygea, and the krais are Krasnodar Krai and Stavropol Krai. South Caucasus also includes 3 countries, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. This text describes a research trip to Derbent, Dagestan. The goal was to find and prepare identity card from Persian inscriptions and some buildings with inscriptions in this city. Derbent is a small coastal city that was separated from Iran by the Golestan Treaty. This city has 150 registered artifacts and about 100 Persian inscriptions (Pahlavi and Dari Persian) from the Sassanid, Safavid, and Qajar periods. Juma Mosque in Derbend, after Narin Castle and Hesar, is the most important heritage work in the city of Derbend, which has always been
the focus of regional governments, so it has valuable inscriptions from the Mongol, Turkish, Arab and Iranian governments. The mosque's 1330-year-old age, as well as its architectural style, were the criteria for registering this valuable work under the Derbend World File in UNESCO.