Abstract
An analytical study of the painted folding doors at Herlev Hospital in Denmark has been performed in connection with the creation of new doors. The hospital which construction was completed in 1976 is one of the first polychrome hospitals in the world. The building has achieved international awareness not only as a piece of architecture but also as an artwork being the largest artistic decoration of a public space in Denmark. Besides the decoration of the walls and interior which colour scheme was designed by the Danish artist Poul Gernes, the hospital foyer includes 65 individual paintings and two painted folding doors, which were executed by Poul Gernes. The folding doors are the original doors from 1976 and have never been restored. The paint used for the decoration of the folding doors were analysed by micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed, that the variant colours were created by the use of a limited number of pigments and consist of a mixture of inorganic pigments and synthetic organic pigments. The detected pigments were chrome yellow, chrome orange/chrome red, PY3, PR3, PR122, PB15, and PV23. Titanium white (rutile) was found in all paint and preparatory layers, and it was used as both a whitening agent in mixtures with other pigment and a filler material in the paint. The study also shows how the decorations were created and it hence relates to other studies of wall paintings from that period giving useful information for future restoration issues about the possible pigments and binder used.
Highlights
IntroductionThe Danish artist Poul Gernes (1925–1996), one of the founders of the so-called Ex-school (the Experimental Art School, 1961–1969), is known for his large and colourful decorations of public spaces in Denmark
The Danish artist Poul Gernes (1925–1996), one of the founders of the so-called Ex-school, is known for his large and colourful decorations of public spaces in Denmark
Scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) analysis indicated the presence of a minor amount of magnesium oxide (MgO), and potassium–iron containing aluminium silicate which could be of a mica type (K2(Al6Si6O20) (OH)4) present in the first preparatory layer
Summary
The Danish artist Poul Gernes (1925–1996), one of the founders of the so-called Ex-school (the Experimental Art School, 1961–1969), is known for his large and colourful decorations of public spaces in Denmark. His works include the decoration of several schools, a dormitory, a town hall, and not least the provocative colouring of the facade of the Palads Cinema, a landmark building in downtown Copenhagen, and the interior and walls of Herlev Hospital at the outskirts of Copenhagen [1]. 1, 6 Blue PB15 PV23 1, 6 Light green PB15 Chrome yellow 1, 6 Bluish green PB15 PY3
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
