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Guide to the Getty Conservation Institute, Orpheus Mosaic (Paphos, Cyprus) project files and training program records
IA40023
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Title: Orpheus Mosaic (Paphos, Cyprus) project files and training program records
Date (inclusive): 1986-1993, undated
Number: IA40023
Creator/Collector:
Getty Conservation Institute
Physical Description:
1.8 linear feet
(4 boxes)
Repository:
The Getty Research Institute
Institutional Records and Archives
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, California, 90049-1688
(310) 440-7390
archives@getty.edu
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.
Request Materials: 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.
Language: Collection material is in
English
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.
The Conservation of the Orpheus Mosaic at Paphos, Cyprus, Getty Research Institute, 1991 (http://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications_resources/pdf_publications/orpheus_mosaic.html)
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.
Contact
Library Rights and Reproductions at the Getty Research Institute for copyright information and permission to publish.
[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).
Immediate Source of Acquisition Note
The materials in this collection originated in accession 2011.IA.63.
This collection was processed by Katie Duvall in 2013.
Scope and Content of Collection
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.
This collection has been arranged in two series:
Series I: Project files, 1988-1991;
Series II: Training programs, 1986-1993, undated.
Excavations (Archaeology)--Cyprus
Mosaics, Roman--Conservation and restoration--Field work--Cyprus--Paphos
Orpheus mosaic (Paphos, Cyprus)
Paphos (Cyprus)--Antiquities, Roman
Field notes
Project files
Kypriakon Mouseion (Cyprus)