Braidense (belonging to Brera) Library in Milan

Biblioteca Braidense – Via Brera 28 20121 Milano

Tel. 02 8053360
Email: b-brai@beniculturali.it
www.braidense.it

Preservation of lime decorations of the vault  in the “Manuscripts Hall” of Braidense Palace

The vault of the “Manuscripts Hall” has suffered from major static problems for many lustrums: problems which were faced in accordance with the construction techniques available at the time. Following maintenance works carried out in the underlying courtyard, additional cracks opened up in the hall covering - including old cracks already fixed in the past - causing detachments and plaster losses. Furthermore the whole surface  was heavily burdened by dust and carbon particulate, colour pourings, excessive plastering, repainted backgrounds, retouching of decorations, whitenings and efflorescences.
After completing a safety upgrading, the vault has been reinforced working from outside.  The interventions were concluded by preservation procedures effected on decorations.

By Giacomo Luzzana and Agnese Mauri
Pictures by Aldo Ondei and Agnese mauri