Publications
Historical Type in the Collection of the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp from a Metal Conservator's Point of View
Historical lead-based type used in book printing from the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries exhibits significant corrosion, particularly when composed of high antimony and low tin levels. This finding stems from a study comparing contemporary knowledge on type alloying with analytical research on a selection of historical type from the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp. The research reveals that such type compositions are highly susceptible to environmental degradation, necessitating careful preservation under controlled conditions to mitigate further corrosion.
Micro Raman investigation on corrosion of Pb‐based alloy replicas of letters from the museum Plantin‐Moretus, Antwerp
Corrosion of lead (Pb)-based alloys, particularly those containing antimony (Sb) and tin (Sn), can pose significant challenges for the conservation of historical artefacts. A study investigating replicas of letters from the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex in Antwerp revealed that exposure to acetic and formic acid vapours leads to the formation of hydrated Pb and Sn acetates and formates, with Sb-rich specimens exhibiting increased volume and brittleness. Micro Raman Spectroscopy (μRS) also detected metallic Sb peaks, suggesting that Sb influences corrosion behaviour. This finding underscores the need for careful conservation strategies when dealing with Pb-based artefacts containing Sb, as their restoration can be complicated by these corrosion products.
Garden Archaeology in Flanders. Developing a new archaeological discipline in Flanders at the Neue Garten in the Landcommandery Alden Biesen (Bilzen) and the garden of the Plantin-Moretus Museum at Antwerp
Garden archaeology, a discipline distinct from traditional archaeology, has been successfully applied in Europe for two decades but only recently introduced in Flanders. This study presents the first two garden archaeology excavations in Flanders, focusing on the 18th-century Neue Garten at Alden Biesen and the early 17th-century garden within the Plantin-Moretus Museum complex. The research demonstrates that garden archaeology is more than a tool for reconstruction, providing substantial expertise in this multidisciplinary field. By investigating the layout of tuinpaden (garden paths) and traces of historical gardens, the study showcases its potential to uncover architectural and biological remains, offering valuable insights into the design and history of these spaces.
Research on Corrosion of Lead Printing Letters from the Museum Plantin-Moretus, Antwerp
Research on lead-antimony printing letters from the UNESCO-listed Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex in Antwerp reveals corrosion with exceptional volume increase, posing significant conservation challenges. The study employed a combination of analytical techniques—including microscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrolytic methods—to assess corrosion patterns and identify appropriate strategies for further investigation. An adapted Oddy test was also utilized to evaluate environmental factors contributing to degradation. This work provides critical insights into the preservation of historical metal artifacts, particularly those with complex alloy compositions, and highlights the need for specialized conservation approaches.
Museum Plantin-Moretus MS of Glossaries
A previously unexamined manuscript of glossaries housed at the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex in Antwerp, Belgium, reveals new insights into 19th-century lexicography and industrial publishing. The manuscript, dating from the late 1800s, contains technical terms related to printing, binding, and paper production, offering a rare glimpse into the specialized vocabulary of the Plantin family's influential publishing firm. Analysis suggests the glossaries were likely compiled for internal use or training purposes, providing evidence of the firm's systematic approach to knowledge management during its peak period of innovation in typography and book production.
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