Rekonstruktion als restauratorische Maßnahme?

Glanz und Farbe eines spätbiedermeierlichen Schreibschranks mit charakteristischer roter Mahagoni-Optik

Abstract

Reconstruction as a conservation measure?
Brilliance and colour of a late Biedermeier bureau with characteristic red Mahagoni appearance
The article is about a bureau of the late Biedermeier-period from Northern Germany or Scandinavia. In the course of many years the formerly heightened deep red mahogany appearance of the exterior suffered from photo ageing as well as from use, and now showed faded and dull surfaces. From the preservation point of view and for aesthetic considerations a need for action was apparent. Several attempts of “reanimation” by typical conservation-restoration measures failed to a certain extent, because the non-acceptable appearance of the surface remained. The article discusses the pros and cons of reconstruction and deals with the question of whether conservator-restorers always have to resist the concept of “reconstruction”.