Project Based Masters Dissertation Conservation Studies

Abstract

Plasticised PVC is known to have less longevity than certain other plastics in a museum environment. Pressure-sensitive adhesives are also not durable. In the object of study, Time Zero (1982) by the Norwegian-born artist Kjartan Slettemark, both are used. The first part of this study investigates the artistic context and the current condition of the plastic collage, and reflects upon common degradation patterns in PVC and pressure-sensitive adhesives. The second part of this project is devoted to an experimental study designed to test different conservation-grade consolidants in an environment of PVC and pressure-sensitive adhesive, by artificially ageing a series of mock-ups, followed by the evaluation of ageing properties The experiment aims to elucidate questions related to ageing properties of PVC and pressure-sensitive adhesive in conjunction with conservation grade adhesives, while exploring the suitability of this approach in order to support conservation treatment to stabilise the plastic collage Time Zero.