Сonservation of drawings with a ruined paint layer. Consolidation methods

The article is devoted to the choice of a method for consolidation of the color layer of graphic works on paper and handwritten miniatures on vellum. Examples of research and restoration of specific monuments with ruined paint layer confirm the possibility of rejecting the use of synthetic consolidants in such cases. The problem of the necessity of repeated restoration, which is a consequence of damage caused by previous curing, is also touched upon. The comparison of the composition of the two adhesives confirms the probability of negative influence of modern adhesives on the structure of the paint layer of drawings and miniatures. In the first case, the properties of the material prepared in 1994 were determined. This was the SEV residue at the bottom of the flask, which remained as a result of the evaporation of the solution. In the second case, the films were made from a material prepared in the 2010s. The study of this material was possible due to the presence of unique samples labeled with the date of their preparation. The conducted work proves that the concept of "consolidation of the paint layer" in the restoration of illuminated manuscript monuments and graphic works should be detailed when drawing up a restoration program in each specific case; in practice, consolidation does not necessarily mean the use of a special consolidator. Secondary consolidation can be successfully carried out by weakening the effect of adhesives applied earlier.