Evaluation of Cleaning Methods at the Fleisher Art Memorial Sanctuary

The thesis proposes to investigate cleaning methods for the differing material surfaces (stone and plaster) that are intended to appear uniform, as is the case for the south interior wall of the Fleisher Art Memorial Sanctuary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Effectiveness of cleaning methods is evaluated based upon uniformity of appearance, precision, and degree of damage to surface. Methods of measurement as well as damage thresholds have been established. This project attempts to answer the following questions: What is the best approach to cleaning differing substrates in order to achieve a uniform result? What effect do these techniques have on the substrates at the microscopic level? The efficacy and sensitivity of varying applications of the Sponge-Jet® cleaning system as well as chemical sponges and peelable as well as water poultices are investigated.