Linen Canvas Research Articles

Deterioration of Surfaces Exposed to Environmental Changes

This research into the mechanical behavior of fabric-supported paintings goes back to the late 1960s when G. Berger's investigations culminated in the development of a new lining system for paintings (BEVA) (Berger 1972, 1975). Lining of the Atlanta Cyclorama required further research, which, since 1980, has been done jointly with W. H. Russell (Berger 1981). In order to measure the responses of canvas paintings to controlled changes in the environment, the authors have built a Biaxial Stress Tester for Stretched Canvas, described under “Test Equipment.” Numerous samples of old and new, painted and unpainted linen canvas have been tested under controlled environmental conditions of Q–50°C and 5–100% RH, and their stress changes have been recorded (Russell and Berger 1982; Berger and Russell 1984, 1986, 1988). The resistance of the samples to controlled dimensional changes (Modulus of Elasticity, “E”) has also been measured within the limits of the above environmental conditions.Since June 1984, a wealth of information has been collected with the help of automated data logging. Based on these findings, a working model of the decay of canvas paintings was developed (Berger and Russell 1984, 1986). Since all outer surfaces of solid bodies may be considered stressed membranes, these investigations have provided new insights into the process of aging and decay of all surfaces exposed to environmental changes. Investigations into the effects of some artists' techniques and certain conservation treatments have already been published [Berger and Russell 1986, 1987, 1988). Because not all of the above publications are readily available, they have been summarized in this paper, supported by actual examples and accompanied by practical applications (Berger 1983, 1984). Recent findings were incorporated to update, confirm, and elaborate on previously published material wherever necessary.

The deterioration of linen canvas: accelerated aging tests to investigate the modes of deterioration and to assess retarding treatments

Preliminary report on the proceedings of experiments on the deterioration of linen canvases and treatment thereof. Investigation of the causes of cellulose degradation and of possible treatments to prevent or retard natural aging is discussed. The effects of oxidation of cellulose and antioxidant treatments as well as the effects of acid hydrolysis of cellulose due to gaseous pollutants and deacidification treatments are explored. See also AATA 18-1397 and 19-956.

Measurements of the ageing of linen canvas

AbstractSamples of linen canvas prepared in 1956 and kept in the Tate Gallery for 24 years were tested for tensile strength, acidity, reflectance and sulphur content. The samples included both unimpregnated linen and wax/resin impregnated linen. They were arranged so that some had been exposed to light and some protected from it. In addition a number of pieces within each sample were stored in a sealed Perspex-fronted container. Significant among the findings was that enclosing canvas in sealed containers had provided considerable protection against deterioration. Wax/resin impregnation of the samples aged in the open afforded similar protection, but there was also a small weakening effect in the same samples when they were enclosed.

Measurements of the Ageing of Linen Canvas

Measurements of the Ageing of Linen Canvas

Further Developments in the Treatment of Fire- blistered Oil Paintings

The double portrait was painted in oil on very thin linen canvas, which in the course of time had become exceedingly brittle. There was the usual accumulation of grime and discolored varnish as well as a large cross-like tear. This puncture was probably the reason for its having been mounted to a rigid backing of 'Masonite' with a white-lead adhesive. The Masonite had been attached with the white-