Academic interests
- Conservation and Restoration of Paintings, Polychrome Sculptures and Modern Art
- Conservation Science and Material Science
- Consolidation of Porous and Cohesively Weak Paint Layers
In my PhD project (2024-2027) I study the impact of different parameters on the imbibition, drying and final distribution of polymer solutions used in conservation to stabilise porous and cohesively weak paint layers on cultural heritage objects.
More specifically, my PhD project addresses imaging methods to visualise the 3D structure of original and model paint samples; the physico-chemical characterisation of polymer (cellulose-ether) solutions used as consolidants; and their imbibition, drying, and final distribution in porous paint structures.
The effects of the polymer solution’s properties (e.g. viscosity, surface tension, degree of polymerisation) and of environmental conditions (e.g. relative humidity) on the final distribution of the consolidant within porous model systems will be visualised and systematically investigated.
The goal is to generate new knowledge that will support conservators in choosing and modifying consolidants and application methods in a more targeted way. In doing so, I aim to contribute to the development of more controllable and long-lasting consolidation treatments for porous and cohesively weak paint layers on cultural heritage objects.
Background
2021 - M.A. in Conservation and Restoration of Paintings, Polychrome Sculptures and Modern Art from the Cologne University of Applied Sciences