Restoration of natural stone architectural details and art works – aspect of addition of missing parts

Abstract

Architectural monuments of Lviv, buildings of its historical center are rich in details made of natural stone. When constructing buildings and performing architectural decoration, limestone was most often used. It is mild and easy to handle stone. In addition it’s an extremely decorative bright white stone, and the parts made from it are called white stone details. Often, architectural details and those that are part of architecture and those that are part of museum collections require restoration, as well as additions as part of restoration work. We will talk about the additions and the methodology of their implementation on the example of diploma works of the students of the Department of Architecture and Restoration of NU Lviv Polytechnic. Addition can be performed in different ways using different technologies. Here it is worth considering the restoration concept, which may be different. Additions can be made in such a way that they are not noticeable, but it can be so that at first sight it is clear which part of the detail is the original, which is an addition or reconstruction. The missing part can be add by way of execution of natural stone. Another method of stone architectural details addition is work with restoration stone masses. If we are talking about white stone architectural details, then the restoration mass is executed on the basis of limestone binder. The technique of working with the restoration masses is historical and traditional, known since the Renaissance. Today, restorers in their practice should be guided by state regulatory documents. The article gives examples of the architectural details addition with the restoration masses performed by the bachelors and masters of the Department of Architecture and Restoration of the Lviv Polytechnic National University. These examples illustrate the methods of working with the restoration mass and its capabilities in the performance of small, delicate, fine details and massive volumes. Its behavior when imitating the color and texture and the ability to work with the restoration mass in different conditions. The methodology described and illustrated in the article, has been tested and proved its capacity.