A study on the maiolica collection within the National Museum of Fine Arts : condition assessment and recommendations

Abstract

The primary aim of this dissertation was to study the state of preservation of the Maiolica collection found at the National Museum of Fine Arts. This was achieved by conducting a visual condition survey on all the four hundred and sixty components of this collection present at the museum. The artefacts were visually examined to identify and record the extant deterioration phenomena and their possible causes. The entire collection was documented by photographing each artefact's sides, top and bottom, as well as any deterioration phenomena observed on the collection and by recording the assessment carried out during the exercise. All the information and photographs were recorded into Heritage Malta's Condition Assessment Database. The data obtained from the condition assessment reports were used to formulate a priority list, based on the objects' condition and urgency of treatment. All the data were used to come up with statistical results on deterioration phenomena, condition, priority and treatment required. The study revealed that a large percentage of the collection is in a very good condition, while only a small percentage is in an unacceptable condition and thus requires immediate conservation interventions. The research also discussed and proposed various material and methods that can be used to conserve/restore such artefacts, whilst taking into consideration the various ethical considerations within the conservation-restoration field. Furthermore, a set of recommendations for display and storage of the collection was formulated by addressing preventive conservation measures according to the findings on the state of preservation of the collection.