Mosaic restoration
Reference articles are in English.
The Roman mosaic at Littlecote during restoration in 1979. Source
Description
Mosaic restoration addresses losses, disturbed areas and earlier changes that affect a work’s legibility or use. Decisions consider the size, material and arrangement of units, joints, bedding and surviving surface. New pieces and fills need an agreed relationship to the original material.
History
The care of historic mosaics has included both lifting and treatment in place. Contemporary practice places greater emphasis on understanding the support and setting, and on recording the evidence before a restoration is undertaken.
Commissioning
The intended degree of visual completion should be agreed with the specialist. The proposal should explain additions, their evidence and documentation. Work on a mosaic in a building or landscape should be coordinated with the condition of its support and surroundings.