Weathering patinas on the medieval (S. XIV) stained glass windows of the Pedralbes Monastery (Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

The first step in the restoration of a stained glass window is the evaluation of the degree of deterioration of the glass. This evaluation includes a chemical analysis of the glass as well as a characterization of the patinas developed on their surfaces. The obtained results will be essential in order to define the best restoration practices to be followed.

Microscopic, chemical, and molecular-biological investigation of the decayed medieval stained window glasses of two Catalonian churches

“…The thickness of this layer depends on both the glass composition and the environmental conditions (Garcia-Valles et al., 2003; Aulinas et al., 2009). In these areas we found remains of microbial activity.…”

Study of Late Roman and Byzantine glass by the combined use of analytical techniques

“…Usually, the alteration is dependent on many factors such as the composition of the glass in itself, the nature of the surface, temporal and environmental conditions, air pollution, micro-environments developed in local zones, and bioactivity [16][17][18][19]. In particular, ancient glass, found in archaeological excavations, is in contact with soil and groundwater for long periods.…”

The enhanced deterioration of the cultural heritage monuments due to air pollution

“…Atmospheric pollution is an accelerating factor in the material deterioration of buildings and other structures as well as objects of cultural heritage; this is exemplified by three papers being published round about now in this journal (Chapoulie et al 2008;Aulinas et al 2009;Harrison et al accepted for Environ Sci Pollut Res 2009) The study of the corrosive effects of gaseous SO 2 , NO x , O 3 , HNO 3 , particulate matter, and acid rainfall in combination with climatic parameters (the latter is influencing the carbonization rate) are of crucial importance, especially for mega-cities like Athens with unique historic monuments (Cartalis and Varotsos 1994).…”