Getty Conservation Institute, Orpheus Mosaic (Paphos, Cyprus) project files and training program records, 1986-1993, undated

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Summary

Title:
Orpheus Mosaic (Paphos, Cyprus) project files and training program records
Dates:
1986-1993, undated
Creators:
Getty Conservation Institute
Abstract:
Dating from 1986-1993, materials comprise project files relating to the conservation of the third-century Orpheus Mosaic in Paphos, Cyprus by the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI). Also included are records detailing the organization and implementation of training programs (focused on the conservation of local excavated sites and excavated archeological material) that were implemented by the GCI on site in Paphos.
Extent:
1.8 linear feet (4 boxes)
Language:
Collection material is in English
Preferred citation:

[Cite the item and series (as appropriate)], Orpheus Mosaic (Paphos, Cyprus) project files and training program records, 1986-1993, undated, Getty Conservation Institute. The Getty Research Institute (IA40023).

Background

Scope and content:

Dating from 1986-1993, materials comprise project files relating to the conservation of the third-century Orpheus Mosaic in Paphos, Cyprus by the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI). Also included are records detailing the organization and implementation of training programs (focused on the conservation of excavated sites and excavated archeological material) that were implemented by the GCI on site in Paphos.

Project files (1988-1991) from the Orpheus Mosaic conservation project in Paphos, Cyprus consist of raw environmental data, including hygrothermograph readings and log books recording temperature and relative humidity from areas surrounding the mosaic. Also included are some budget and equipment files. Publication files include memos and manuscript copy from contributors for the publication The Conservation of the Orpheus Mosaic at Paphos, Cyprus (Getty Conservation Institute, 1991).

Training Program materials document the organization and implementation of training programs led by the Getty Conservation Institute on site in Paphos, Cyprus from 1991-1993. The training programs focused on the conservation of excavated sites and excavated archeological materials. The records also contain limited materials about GCI training programs in general from 1986-1990.

Arrangement note

This collection has been arranged in two series:

Series I: Project files, 1988-1991;

Series II: Training programs, 1986-1993, undated.

Biographical / historical:

The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), a program of the J. Paul Getty Trust, was initially planned in 1982 and began full operation in 1985. Since its inception, the GCI has engaged in a program of scientific research, educational activities, documentation, and the dissemination of information through publications, conferences, lectures, workshops, and public programs that include research opportunities for professionals. In addition, the Institute has conducted international field projects in Asia, Africa, North and South America, and Europe. The GCI's endeavors are designed to serve the needs of the conservation profession by undertaking work that examines broad practical or theoretical questions of significance to the conservation field. The Institute develops and refines tools for conservation and shares its expertise with institutions and organizations worldwide so that its efforts have the greatest possible benefit to the practice of conservation.

In 1988, as part of its long-term interest in the preservation of mosaics in situ, the Getty Conservation Institute, working with the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, undertook the conservation of the Orpheus Mosaic, one of several mosaics located in the archaeological zone at Paphos. The mosaic is part of the remains of a Roman villa that dates back to the late second or early third century.

The project involved detaching the mosaic using a rolling technique (the mosaic was in need of a new support), cleaning the back of the mosaic, applying a new mortar bed, and reinstalling the mosaic at its original site. Other aspects of the project included formal training in mosaics conservation, environmental monitoring, analyzing the mosaic's tesserae, and constructing a hexashelter to protect the mosaic.

In addition, beginning in 1987, the GCI developed courses and workshops intended to increase awareness of the need to apply basic conservation principles in the care of archaeological materials. From 1991-1993, as part of this initiative, the GCI offered several courses on the field conservation of excavated objects and buildings, in conjunction with the mosaics project in Paphos, Cyprus.

Acquisition information:
The materials in this collection originated in accession 2011.IA.63.
Processing information:

This collection was processed by Katie Duvall in 2013.

Physical location:
Request access to the physical materials described in this inventory through the catalog record at library catalog record for this collection and click "Request an Item." Click here for general library access policy. See the Administrative Information section of this finding aid for access restrictions specific to the records described below. Please note, some of the records may be stored off site; advanced notice is required for access to these materials.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Katie Duvall
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2013-04-04T14:05-0700

Access and use

Restrictions:

With the exception of materials that have been marked restricted or confidential, the records described in accession 2011.IA.63 are available for use by qualified researchers. Please note: selected restricted materials must be removed from boxes prior to access by researcher.

The following types of records are permanently closed: records containing personal information, records that compromise security or operations, legal communications, legal work product, and records related to donors. The J. Paul Getty Trust reserves the right to restrict access to any records held by the Institutional Archives.

Terms of access:

Contact Library Rights and Reproductions at the Getty Research Institute for copyright information and permission to publish.

Preferred citation:

[Cite the item and series (as appropriate)], Orpheus Mosaic (Paphos, Cyprus) project files and training program records, 1986-1993, undated, Getty Conservation Institute. The Getty Research Institute (IA40023).

Location of this collection:
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90049-1688, US
Contact:
(310) 440-7390
Website