Informatie over het komende symposium
Call for papers
10th International Symposium on Wood and Furniture Conservation
Organised by Stichting Ebenist - 8&9 October 2010 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Restoring Joints, Conserving Structures
Joints and structures are familiar aspects of a furniture conservator’s everyday practice, yet academically they do not always receive the attention they deserve. By their nature they are often hidden and inaccessible, and only become an issue when they fail. From a conservation perspective, joinery concerns are often taken for granted; perceived as falling within the relatively mundane context of conventional cabinetmaking.
Yet, some might disagree; the fact that time and again we have to deal with unsuccessful repairs should be reason enough for due consideration. Since the structural makeup of a piece of furniture is ultimately most vital to its preservation, it therefore deserves the close scrutiny of the professional conservator. What are the principles of successful jointing? Is it possible to apply simple calculations to reveal the stresses a construction has to withstand and to predict its collapse? Also, is reversibility an appropriate principle where joints or structures are prone to failure? Do non-traditional approaches have a place in the preservation of artefacts or structures?
The construction conveys not only an objects makeup, but can also become a part of its design character. Some joints are clearly visible on the outside and they become a feature in their own right. Is there a typology of joints which tells us about the origin and age of the piece? Is there a hierarchy of joints, with those that are essential to the character of the piece, as well as those that have less importance? What treatments should we apply when joints start to `telegraph' through surface veneers as the wooden substrate deforms?
These concerns are the theme that promises to spark tantalizing discussions about the importance, evaluation, and practice of restoring joined wooden objects today. Please consider sharing a segment on this topic from your unique perspective as conservator, architect, builder, cabinetmaker, curator, engineer, other professional inspired by or charged with the care of our cultural artefacts.
Anyone wishing to present a paper is invited to submit a provisional title and an abstract of approximately 250 words by 1st of May 2010 to:
Stichting Ebenist, PO Box 15902, 1001 NK Amsterdam, The Netherlandsor to info@ebenist.org
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