Guide to the Getty Conservation Institute, Orpheus Mosaic (Paphos, Cyprus) project files and training program records
Finding aid prepared by Katie Duvall
Descriptive Summary
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
Administrative History
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.
Related Materials
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)
Administrative Information
Access 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.
Publication Rights
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).
Immediate Source of Acquisition Note
The materials in this collection originated in accession 2011.IA.63.
Processing Information note
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.
Arrangement note
This collection has been arranged in two series:
Series I: Project files, 1988-1991;
Series II: Training programs, 1986-1993, undated.
Indexing Terms
Subjects - Topics
Excavations (Archaeology)--Cyprus
Mosaics, Roman--Conservation and restoration--Field work--Cyprus--Paphos
Orpheus mosaic (Paphos, Cyprus)
Subjects - Places
Paphos (Cyprus)--Antiquities, Roman
Genres and Forms of Material
Field notes
Project files
Contributors
Kypriakon Mouseion (Cyprus)
Series I.
Project files,
1988-1991
Physical Description:
1.0 linear foot
(2 boxes)
Scope and Content Note
Materials comprise project files (1988-1991) generated by the Getty Conservation Institute's conservation of the third-century
Orpheus Mosaic in Paphos, Cyprus. Files consist of raw environmental data, including hygrothermograph readings and logbooks
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).
Arrangement note
Files have been maintained in their original order.
Box 2011.IA.63-01
Hygrothermograph data tapes,
1988-1990
Scope and Content Note
Materials comprise 36 rolls of data tapes from hygrothermograph monitoring of relative humidity (RH) and temperature. Locations
noted on the tapes include House of Aion, House of Hercules, House of Achilles, and The Seas. The Hercules mosaic resides
in the House of Orpheus and the other houses are located near the House of Orpheus within Paphos.
Box 2011.IA.63-02
"Pilot Project on Mosaics Conservation" report,
1989
Scope and Content Note
Report in Italian. Includes color slides.
Box 2011.IA.63-02
Materials and equipment,
1989
Box 2011.IA.63-02
Agnew, N. and Coffman, R.: Shelter,
1990-1991
Box 2011.IA.63-02
Agnew, N. and Lin, P.M.: Environmental monitoring,
1989-1990
Box 2011.IA.63-02
Capriotti, G. and D'Alessandro, L.,
1989-1990
Box 2011.IA.63-02
Doehne, E.,
circa 1989-1990
Box 2011.IA.63-02
Michaelides, D.,
1989-1991
Box 2011.IA.63-02
Pastorello, P. and Schmid, W.,
1989
Box 2011.IA.63-02
Memos and notes,
1989-1991
Series II.
Training programs,
1986-1993, undated
Physical Description:
0.8 linear feet
(2 boxes)
Scope and Content Note
Materials primarily comprise files detailing the organization and implementation of training programs by the Getty Conservation
Institute (GCI) on-site in Paphos, Cyprus from 1991-1993. The training programs focused on the conservation of local excavated
sites and excavated archeological materials. The records also contain limited materials about GCI training programs in general
from 1986-1990.
Arrangement note
Files have been maintained in their original order and are roughly divided by individual training program.
Box 2011.IA.63-02
Training program, activities,
1986-1990
Box 2011.IA.63-02
"Pilot Project on the Conservation of Mosaics," training program booklet,
September 5-October 14, 1988
"On-site Conservation of Excavated Archeological Materials":
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Participant correspondence (course program, applications),
1992
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Local information,
undated
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Correspondence with staff,
1991-1992
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Correspondence with A. Georgiades (including feedback on course),
1992
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Correspondence with Department of Antiquities [Cyprus],
1991-1992
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Correspondence with D. Michaelides,
1991-1992
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Correspondence with Romany Helmy,
1992
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Course background (including site visit, objectives),
1992
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Correspondence with Claire Dean [course instructor],
1992
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Course reading material,
1992
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Correspondence with Sharen Taylor Papadopoullou,
1992
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Correspondence regarding application,
1991
Box 2011.IA.63-03
FY 92 budget,
1991
Scope and Content Note
RESTRICTED. Includes consultant fees.
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Course documents [description and application],
1992
Box 2011.IA.63-03
Course materials binder (including readings),
1992
Excavating sites, Paphos:
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Correspondence with staff,
1991-1992
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Course background,
1991-1992
"The Conservation of Excavated Sites: New Approaches and Techniques":
Box 2011.IA.63-04
In-house memos,
1992-1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Organization,
1992-1993
Scope and Content Note
RESTRICTED. Includes budget with honoraria/fees listed.
Box 2011.IA.63-04
John Stewart correspondence,
1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Applicant correspondence,
1991-1992
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Guest lecturers correspondence,
1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Department of Antiquities correspondence (Cyprus),
1992-1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Miscellaneous correspondence,
1991-1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Rose Theater case study,
undated
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Participant correspondence: A-C,
1992-1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Annotated bibliographies,
1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Participant correspondence: D-Z,
1992-1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Participant condition surveys (field exercise),
1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Participant presentations,
1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Lecture overhead acetates,
1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Coordinator's materials,
1993
Box 2011.IA.63-04
Theseus mosaic condition report,
1993