Mora Samples Archive
Type Collection
Date of creation of the archive
- 1950
Date of closure of the archive
- 1989
Creator(s) of the archive
- Laura Sbordoni Mora
Paolo Mora
Summary Description
- The Mora Samples Archive is composed of c. 1 200 material samples (mostly mural paintings samples, but also ceramics, painted paper, textiles, stone, plaster, stucco, wood and glass) collected from heritage sites and monuments spanning historical periods from c. 2000 BC - 1800 AD from at least 35 countries. The samples were collected by Paolo and Laura Mora between the 1950s - 1990s. The samples were used to document and investigate the diverse wall painting techniques and materials used by different cultures throughout history, and for didactic purposes during ICCROM’s Mural Painting Conservation courses.
Extent
- Type and number of units
- 1 200
Object type
- Cross-section
Mosaic
Mural painting
Samples
Thin-section
Material type
- Animal material
Building related material
Ceramic, glass, enamel
Metal
Organic synthethic material
Paper
Pigment
Salt
Stone
Stucco
Textile, fabric, dyes
Wood
Historical period
- Historical period - start date
- -2000
- Historical period - end date
- 1800
Geographic Distribution
- Afghanistan, Belgium, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Korea Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Oman Sultanate, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia.
Statement of Significance
- The Moras were world-renowned for their work as mural painting conservators; they played a major role in establishing modern conservation practices. The samples come from heritage sites and monuments of world significance (many are World Heritage sites). They provide evidence of outstanding conservation/restoration missions/campaigns carried out in 35 countries from the 1950s to the 1980s. The samples were taken to support analytical studies and research in order to yield information and knowledge on mural painting techniques and apply proper conservation/ restoration interventions. Today the Mora sample collection is an extraordinary resource that bears witness to the complexity and diversity of mural painting as a medium for cultural expression across different civilizations and time periods. Its significance is further increased by the fact that some of the historically and geographically important sites represented in the collection are now inaccessible, and as such the samples have a high scientific and research potential. A significant number are connected to cross section samples held at ICR (Istituto Centrale del Restauro), Italy.
Accessibility
- Yes - upon request
Access requirements
- The Mora samples catalogue is available online. To grant access to the physical samples, researchers need to contact the Archivist in advance and demonstrate a legitimate need. Criteria applied are: the scientific interest of the research proposal; in case of request for analysis, use of non-destructive, non-invasive analytical techniques, which need to be carried out in ICCROM premises.
Type of users
- Researchers engaged in cultural heritage research
Keywords
- Archaeology
Architecture
Conservation
Excavation
Restoration
Treatment
Finding aids
- Catalogue available online
External link
- Name of the web site
- Mora Sample Collection Database