Natural Sciences

The care and long-term preservation of works of art and the further examination of a diverse collection are supported today by natural sciences and modern technologies. Scientific research and preventive conservation and restoration are permanent museum tasks. Climate change, natural disasters, environmental pollution, changes in user behaviour and the progressive ageing of materials or new materials in contemporary art are constantly posing unknown and growing challenges. The range of tasks is extensive and diverse. It ranges from analysing materials using scientific research methods to the assessment and responsible handling of biocidal pollutants and the evaluation of "critical" materials in the exhibition and storage of artworks through to pest management.

Materials research

Materials analysis and materials science

The care and long-term preservation of works of art and further research into the collection are supported today by the natural sciences and modern technologies. Material analysis should answer the question of what materials the artwork is made of. What colours did the artist use in the painting? What alloy components can be found in the bronze sculpture? Are the furniture fittings actually gilded? What ingredients did Böttger use for his white porcelain? Is the silver in the goblet or the old coins really from Freiberg? What ink was used to write the historical records?

© Michael Mäder

Materialkunde

The answers to these and many other questions can provide important clues to the provenance (origin) and authenticity (genuineness) of a work of art. They also provide information about the state of preservation and signs of ageing and often form the basis for conservation and restoration measures. Various diagnostic methods are often combined when analysing a work of art. Non-destructive methods that do not require a sample to be taken from the object and do not damage the object or its surface are always favoured.

Integrated pest management

Insects, as well as rodents and birds, can cause considerable damage in a museum. Many works of art consist of organic materials that can serve as "food" for them. They become a problem when they damage, contaminate or even destroy the buildings and artefacts in the collection. A modern concept of integrated pest management (IPM) aims to prevent pest infestations through proactive prevention. It combines various prevention, early detection and control measures. An effective monitoring system with systematic monitoring ensures the early detection of the immigration and spread of pests in the building. In an emergency, timely and targeted action can then be taken to keep them away from the works of art. Non-toxic control methods are favoured.

 

© Michael Mäder
Insektenfalle zum Schädlingsmonitoring in der Ausstellung
Risk assessment

Occupational health and safety

Insect infestation is one of the major problems in many museums and historical buildings. In the past, numerous chemically very different pesticides and biocides have been used - with the best of intentions and according to the state of knowledge - to preserve and conserve collections. Today, many of these active substances are classified as hazardous to health. Some of the chemical substances are very persistent and can still have a harmful effect today.

 

© Lutz Weidler

Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutz

To protect museum visitors and employees from health hazards, an analytical strategy has been developed that enables the planning and implementation of the necessary protective measures and other risk reduction measures. Extensive measurements confirm this: Visiting our exhibitions is possible at all times without any risk to health! The occupational health and safety of our employees is complied with!

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