SUPSI Immovable Heritage Samples Collection

Type Collection

Summary Description: The SUPSI sample collection consists of about 600 material samples (wall paintings, mortar, plaster, stucco and stone) collected from immovable heritage sites in Switzerland and from other countries covering historical periods from about 300 BC to 1990 AD. The samples have been collected by SUPSI researchers during several research projects and professional assignments. Sampling is still on going and new samples are added to the collection every year. The samples are used for research and educational purposes in SUPSI conservation courses. The catalogue of the SUPSI samples collection is currently being reorganised and will be available online by the end of the year.

Extent

Material type: Building related material
Ceramic, glass, enamel
Pigment
Stone
Stucco

Geographic Distribution: Czech Republic, France, Italy, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Statement of Significance: Over the years, the Conservation and Restoration unit at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) has collected hundreds of samples including mortars, stone, stucco, wall paintings and other kind of polychrome from different heritage sites in Switzerland and abroad spanning centuries and many historical periods.

Most samples are well documented with information regarding location, sample description and results of the analysis performed. Therefore, the collection potentially has great value for scientific, historical, artistic and educational research.

Access requirements: The SUPSI samples catalogue will be available online. To grant access to the physical samples, researchers need to contact the samples manager in advance and discuss potential research. Criteria applied are: the scientific interest of the research proposal.

Keywords: Archaeology
Architecture
Conservation
Non-destructive technique
Restoration
Treatment