World Heritage Site Constantine Basilica in Trier. Wall Paintings Exposed to Outdoor Weathering, a Conservation Challenge

International conference of the German national committee of ICOMOS in cooperation with the HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen, Faculty of Preservation of Cultural Heritage, the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage in Rhineland-Palatinate, and the Liegenschafts- und Baubetreuung LBB Niederlassung Trier.

7th -  9th April 2011 | Trier, Kurfürstliches Palais

Targeted at:

International experts of conservation science, history of art, monument conservation and archaeology

Objectives:

In-depth exchange of information and experience; transfer of current research; discussion of options and strategies of conservation and presentation, using the example of the Basilica in Trier

Conference topic:

Polychrome wall paintings from all periods have been preserved on several grand facades where they are exposed to outdoor weathering. As components intrinsically tied to the architecture on which they can be found they require special attention and care. The immediate impact of rain, wind, sunlight and frost creates tremendous problems for conservation scientists, art scholars, restorers and archaeologists trying to preserve these important remains and to convey their relevance.

At the beginning, using the example of the Constantine Basilica in Trier the conference wished to present the current research results in order to compile the various difficulties in preserving outdoor wall paintings. This has been followed by presentations of other significant case studies and possible conservation solutions. On the second day, the major focus has been future methods of in-situ conservation and the conveying of contents, while taking into consideration potentially conflicting interests of tourism, monument conservation and art science.