Conservation and restoration of figurative tiles: From managing expectations to intervention criteria (Atena Editora)

Abstract

In the context of the conservation and restoration of tile heritage, namely of the Figuretiva theme, a set of different situations is presented that allow us to reflect on the ways of managing the expectations of the owner/guardian and other stakeholders, with the needs of conservation and restoration of each panel or set. During the activity of the Conservation and Restoration Laboratory of the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar, several Figuretiva-themed panels were intervened, corresponding, in general, to the first half of the 18th century. These panels were studied and intervened in the context of a class, project or internship, with the participation of students in the decision-making process and implementation of methodologies. The intervention panels have different origins and owners (private individuals and linked to the Catholic Church or religious orders) and most of them have been displaced from their original location. In this very particular context, where training is also one of the aspects to consider, there is an increased responsibility in managing students' expectations (at different stages of their training) and the owners' wishes. But perhaps the most important is the ability to evaluate and decide on the best methodology for each case.