The Role of Canvas Attachments in the Strain Distribution and Degradation of Easel Paintings

Young, C.R.T. and Hibberd, R.D. (2000) The Role of Canvas Attachments in the Strain Distribution and Degradation of Easel Paintings. In: International Institute of Conservation Congress, Melbourne, Australia, 10-14 Oct 2000, pp. 212-220.

Abstract

Cusping, tearing along tacking margins, and failure around tacking points are common features of easel paintings. They are related to the methods used to attach the canvas to the wooden support. These features are part of the mechanical degradation process and therefore important in understanding the overall deterioration of a painting. The attachments have a significant effect on the strain distribution within the painting. Understanding these effects will help to identify vulnerable areas and aid the choice of attachment method when restretching a painting which has undergone treatment. The historical evolution of attachments and present-day methods used as part of structural conservation treatments are discussed briefly. The strain distribution resulting from attachments on butt-jointed stretchers has been investigated experimentally using a combination of electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) and biaxial tensile testing. The results showing the strain distribution are presented, and the contribution to strain concentrations introduced by the type of attachment (tacks and staples), orientation, and spacing are compared.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Young, Professor Christina
• Authors: Young, C.R.T., and Hibberd, R.D.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art

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