Munch???s Paintings in the Aula of Oslo University

1. Munch’s Paintings in the Aula of Oslo University (1909-1916)

7. Project Outline • First Phase: monitor humidity, temperature, airborne pollutants and soiling characteristics • Second Phase: examination of technique and condition, documentation • Third Phase: removal of one of the paintings to evaluate feasibility of remounting • Fourth Phase: submit proposals for adjustments of building, treatment of paintings • Fifth Phase: implementation of accepted proposals (cleaning)

8. Soiling characteristics

9. Particle Size Microns

10. Particles within the 0.1 to 2 micron range Investigation will focus on this range of particle size because: • The black tar-like particles from high temperature combustion fall into this category. • This range also includes sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen together with ammonia. • This is the largest group of particulates which absorb pollutant gasses and vapours – they are therefore the highest risk group.

11. Possible mechanisms for dirt deposition • Themophoresis • Moisture differentials

12. Thermophoresis Thermophoresis: Particle motion in a temperature gradient, from a hotter to a colder region

13. Reasons for Thermophoresis • The fibre board backing acts as thermal insulation. • Air flow/ cold bridging due to joints in back board cause temperature differential across the surface of the painting. • Differential surface temperature results in differential dirt deposition

14. Heat source

16. Moisture differentials • Moisture transference from the verso via joints. • Higher moisture content = stickier surface

17. Sources of particualte pollution

20. Proposed monitoring • Thermohydrographic measurement • Real time dust deposition (reflectance) • Environmental surface monitoring (Geletin lifters) • Thermal imaging • Colorimetric measurement of test samples