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Main Objectives of the March 2024 Mission for the Conservation of Wall Paintings at the Gelati Monastery Complex:
The primary goals of the March 2024 mission were to:
- Continue both non-invasive and invasive studies of the wall paintings.
- Monitor the condition of the wall paintings and the presence of salts.
- Stabilize critical sections of the wall painting.
- Initiate the development of methodologies for long-term physical conservation interventions.
The conservation work was carried out by the wall painting conservation group of the Gelati Monastery Complex, under the leadership of international supervisors Stephen Rickerby and Lisa Shekede, in collaboration with local mural painting conservation specialists.
Additional research on salts and building materials was conducted by Steffen Laue, Professor of Natural Sciences in the Conservation-Restoration Program at Potsdam University of Applied Sciences. The first stage of these studies was completed in December 2023, followed by the second stage in March 2024. Further activities are planned.
In the field of environmental conditions and salt analysis, the group is also advised by Dr. Christine Bläuer, a conservation scientist and expert in mineralogy.
Wall Painting Conservation Works at the Gelati Monastery Complex:
In line with the mission's objectives, the following tasks were undertaken on the wall paintings of the Gelati Monastery complex:
Development of the analytical research strategy for the wall paintings in the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. This included both invasive (sampling) and non-invasive research (X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, multispectral photography) to assess the painting layers, coating technology, and their current condition, with field analytics and samples taken for further laboratory analysis.
Invasive research (sampling) of surface and structural salts within the interiors of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and, partially, St. George's Church.
Study of moisture levels in the structure of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary using infrared thermography and an electrical resistance meter.
Gelati Wall Painting Investigations Phase 1
Appendix, Salt Analysis, SteffenLaue, March 2024
The remedial treatment of wall paintings, the first phase of the development of intervention strategies and methodologies as well as stabilisation of critical areas
Remedial treatment report, Phase 1
Research of wall painting physical history is continued