Academic thesis
| Klara Schlüter: | Mechanisms of Microbial Damage to Leather in Cultural Heritage Objects Made of Mixed Materials – Experimental Studies Using a Chest as an Example | Back |
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| Abstract: | Historical leather objects are highly vulnerable to microbial infestation, as molds can damage the collagen structure. This study examined mold colonization on an 18th-/19th-century chest in comparison to new reference leather. Methodologically, swab samples from the historical leather were cultured, and the fungal genera were identified microscopically. In addition, the historic and fresh leather were inoculated with the isolated spores under identical conditions to compare their susceptibility. The study was supplemented by a literature review and documentation of the chest and its damage patterns. The results show that both types of leather were colonized, but the historic leather exhibited more vigorous and diverse growth. Species primarily from the genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium were identified. Aging processes thus significantly increase leather’s susceptibility to mold. This study underscores the necessity of preventive conservation measures—particularly climate control of temperature and humidity—to protect historical leather objects. |
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| Contact: |
Klara Schlüter klaraschlueter@[Diesen Teil loeschen]gmail.com |
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