Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov Series II: Forestry • Wood Industry • Agricultural Food Engineering • Vol. 7 (56) No.2 - 2014

UNCONVENTIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE - CONSERVATION OF BRATEIU CART FROM ASTRA MUSEUM

E. BELDEAN1 M.C.TIMAR1 A. VARODI1 V.OLARU2

Abstract: The paper refers to the conservation-restoration of an interesting and certainly less conventional artefact from the collections of Astra Museum. This was one of the objects restored by a team of 13 volunteers from the Faculty of Wood Engineering, of Transilvania University in Brasov, during the restoration camp 13 for Astra. The object was the cart from Brateiu, County, a one horse drawn cart, dating from the end of XIXth century. The object with a complex construction including wood and metallic elements, though in a fairly good conservation state, needed interventions such as: cleaning, curative and preventive biological protection, consolidation of frail wood, restoration of metallic elements and minor completions and chromatic integration. The restored object was exhibited in Sibiu and Braşov.

Key words: cultural heritage conservation, horse drawn cart, structure, wood, metal, finishing layer.

1. Introduction a community, crafts and traditions, old techniques [5], [6], [9], [10]. Heritage is not an artefact or site… It is The concept of intangible heritage can a medium of communication, a means of have significant implications for museums transmission of ideas and values and a in the areas of collecting, making knowledge that includes the material, the exhibitions and working with communities. intangible and the virtual…. The attempt to Museums have a social, educational and causally relate heritage and identity raises cultural responsibility towards their public a set of questions about the links between and therefore, special attention should be senses of time and senses of place. Neither given to the satisfaction of the educational heritage nor identity are inevitably place and cultural needs [1], [11]. bound [2], [8]. The training of specialists is compulsory Material cultural heritage refers not only and imposes a scientific and practical to objects of great historical and artistic background, by collaboration with value belonging to museum collections but institutions and attested specialists. also to artefacts reflecting the daily life of The ASTRA museum from Sibiu is both a cultural institution with a long tradition

1Faculty of Wood Engineering, Transilvania University of Braşov. 2Conservation and Restoration Department, ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilisation, Sibiu. 34 Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov • Series II • Vol. 7 (56) No. 2 - 2014 and a modern one, strongly dedicated in involvement of a team of 13 volunteers preserving cultural heritage in its whole from the Faculty of Wood Engineering, of complexity. Actions are undertaken to Transilvania University of Braşov in such keep traditions alive, to inspire people of an action. This was the restoration camp 13 any age and help them understanding and for Astra, happening during this summer at enjoying folk traditions and history, as the Astra Museum in Sibiu. A group of expressed through the heritage of three very different objects were restored in and its communities. cooperation with the specialists from the Universities, as higher education Astra Cultural Heritage Centre, offering the institutions have the mission of raising chance of professional development. The awareness of students and public of the paper refers to the conservation-restoration importance of conservation of cultural of one of these objects, the most interesting heritage, in its whole diversity. More than and certainly less conventional: the cart that, volunteer actions for conservation of from Brateiu, a one horse drawn cart cultural heritage are important. (Figure 1). This paper is actually generated by the

Fig.1. The cart from Brateiu from the collection of ASTRA Museum – general view (original drawing)

It was our second experience as work was carried-out to highlight the beauty volunteers at Astra Museum and the area of of this artefact and ensure its preservation. our interest has expanded in order to learn about conservation-restoration of original 2. Understanding the object carts. Our focus was to preserve the original structural components and decorative To satisfy a transport functionality with features of the artefact. Thus, minimum trade needs and comfort, carriage and cart invasive active conservation and restoration manufacturers created models tailored to E. BELDEAN et al.: Unconventional Cultural Heritage – Conservation of … 35 each activity, to each need: travelling, inscription „Oberst Josef Cordier von moving around the town and countryside, Lőwenhaupt Marz 1892-Februar 1896” doing business, meeting social or daily fixed on the right lateral part and was obligations, agricultural work that need the purchased in the recent years from a local power of animals to work the land and to proprietary. transport the crop [12]. Over the centuries This means of transportation was used these vehicles developed technically, from the ancient times and nowadays is especially in the XIXth century[3]. still frequently present in the Romanian In the France of the XVIIIth century a country region. The terminology for this saying was familiar: “The carriage is the complex vehicle has a significant duality goal that every man looks to achieve in the depending on each locality [7]. The path to fortune” painted finish, imitating robinia wood [http://www.cheval.culture.fr/en]. texture, present on the object indicates the The case-study of the present paper was origin of , where this type of a cart from Brateiu village, Sibiu County carts is specific. It is a very nice, urban and belongs to ASTRA Museum with cart, pulled by a single horse and used inventory number 21 128 AL. It was dated either for moving supplies and goods or in the XIXth century, based on metallic transporting people.

Fig. 2. The main components of the Brateiu cart (original drawing) 1-Wheel (made of axle, spokes, rims, iron plates), 2- Running gear, 3- Rear axle, 4-Wooden rod, 5- Horse hitch equipment (cross), 6- Manual brake, 7- Curved strong element, 8- Lateral framed part of the body, 9-Front part of the body, 10- Backside of the body, 11- Wooden platform, 12- U-shaped stair, 13- Front round wood

36 Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov • Series II • Vol. 7 (56) No. 2 - 2014

The complexity of the object required (5) and two long round woods (13) that are documentation related to terminology [4], hung on the running gear. [12], [13]. The painted surfaces are a significant Figure 2 presents an exploded view of component of the object and contribute the cart highlighting its main elements, significantly to the visual impact. A variety noted from 1 to 13. of wood species were discovered: the Beneath the cart body is the undergear preponderant was oak, black locust on or undercarriage, consisting of the running spokes, beech on rims and stairs, resinous gear and chassis. The wheels and axles, in wood on the platform. distinction from the body, are the running gear. The wheels revolve upon bearings or 3. Initial conservation state a spindle at the ends of a bar called an axle. Front wheels are smaller than back The cart has been stored in open air wheels and they are streaked with iron, a space, under roof, for a number of years method of nailing iron plates onto the rims and was in a sorry but sound condition. to protect against wear on the ground and The carriage integrity and functionality to help bind the spokes together (1). were not affected. A first visual inspection The cart has two axles. On this solid of the object envisaged structural integrity, four-wheeled vehicle, the forward part of relatively sound wood without major the running gear (2) is arranged to permit biological attack, though areas of frail the front axle to turn independently of the wood due to fungal decay were present. fixed rear axle (3). Several structural The metal elements were functional, but members form parts of the chassis rusted and dirty. supporting the carriage body. The front Wood degradation (fungal decay leading axle and the splinter bar above it are joined to wood softening) and deterioration by metal elements. To strengthen and (cracks, ruptures, missing parts) were support, a wooden rod (4) with two lateral present mostly at the wheels, due to the leaning parts fixes the end of the rear axle intense use and sustainment of the entire to the running gear by a big iron nail weight of the cart (Figure 3a, 3b). Signs of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carriage#Body]. wear and tear were also present, but The body comprises five distinct parts (8 considering the oldness of the artefact and right/left, 9, 10, 11). On the lateral parts conditions of utilization and storage, it there are two framed grid elements (8). On could be said that wood was in a fairly the front part and backward there are two good condition. Areas with fragile wood curved elements that close the body and were also observed on the lateral parts, at are fixed by lateral parts with iron chains the contact with metallic parts or beneath or hooks. The backside (10) is bigger than them, due to water retention between the front side element (9). A wooden platform wood and metal reinforcements (Figure is placed on chassis as a floor of the cart 3c). (11). On lateral places curved strong Metal parts had serious problems of elements (7) fixe the body with axles. Two corrosion (Figure 3d). Following exposure U-shaped stairs with metallic steps to degradation factors, most of the facilitate the climbing into the cart (12). elements had a thick layer of rust. The A system of manual brake (6) that work screws were corroded and very difficult to on the back wheel is fixed on the right part. be removed. Signs of wear as result of In front of the cart there is attached a intense use were also identified. horse hitch equipment comprising a cross A previous repairing intervention was E. BELDEAN et al.: Unconventional Cultural Heritage – Conservation of … 37 observed, because the finishing layer was The two round wood elements from the not identical for all the elements. The front of the cart seem to have been recently original finishing layer, in two colours renewed, as both wood and the ochre paint (yellow and brown) imitating the wood being in a better condition than the rest of texture (Figure 3e), alternated with areas of the artefact. A new paint layer occurred opaque ochre paint. The original finish was sporadically also on the wheels and on the still preserved on the wheels, stairs, lateral back and front sides of the carriage. These parts, back and front parts of the cart are proof of a less professional previous (Figure 3e), though serious adherence intervention. However, the present problems and film losses were obvious restoration concept did not attempt to (Figure 3f). remove all these interventions, considered to be part of the object history.

a. Cracks in wood b. Missing wood part c. Fragile wood at the contact with metal

d. Extreme rust e. Finishing imitating the f. Non-adherent painting wood texture film Fig.3. Most frequent defects present on the object before restoration

The Romanian flag colours appear on in (Figure 4a), the signs metallic elements and on the axles of the of Romanian identity are obvious and wheels (Figure 4 b). could be related to the historical evolution Even though the historical inscription is of .

A B Fig. 4. Evidence of history and identity (a- German inscription, b- colours of Romanian flag painted on metal and wooden parts)

38 Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov • Series II • Vol. 7 (56) No. 2 - 2014

It could indicate a former German owner completely clean and shiny surfaces. All and after that a Romanian? It is a question metallic elements of the cart were similarly that requires a documented answer. Further treated against corrosion. In order to historical studies should go more in depth prevent further rusting, a final treatment and relate to local communities and with graphite black powder in a solution of interaction between them. Paraloid B72 (solution 2% in ethyl acetate) was applied. This also gave a nice grey 3. Conservation-restoration aspect to the metallic elements. (Figure 5) Wooden parts required specific The conservation –restoration approach operations. The conservation-restoration was systematic. First of all a museum schedule included generally common ethnographer helped us to identify the operations such as: dust and dirt cleaning, structural system of the cart and to label curative preservation, consolidation of the constituent elements. Afterwards, fragile wood, gluing of cracks and dismantling assisted by another specialist ruptures, completing the missing parts, was done. For dismantling the preventive preservation and finishing. components, the screws were lubricated Cleaning operation started with dust and heated to be more easily removed from removed by brushing and continued with the joints. Finally, a number of 13 wet cleaning employing a water solution of individual elements or subassemblies were neutral soap C2000 with ethyl alcohol and labelled, investigated and further restored ammonia. After drying, the surfaces were (see Figure 2). The elements identified for gently sanded and the non-adherent restoration were: wheels made of: axles, finishing paint was removed. The next step rims, spokes, iron plates, running gear, rear in conservation was the curative axle, wooden rod, horse hitch equipment preservation against insects attack. A (cross and front round woods), manual repeating treatment with solution of Per brake, curved lateral elements, lateral Xil 10 was employed by injecting into the framed parts of the body, front part of the galleries. After conditioning, the frail body, backside of the body, wooden wood was consolidated with Paraloid B72 platform, U-shaped stairs. The dismantling (solution of 5-6% in ethyl acetate) and allowed an easier cleaning, a good repeated until the timber was consolidated consolidation of frail wood, completing the and saturated. missing parts and a thorough preventive The gluing of cracks, broken parts or preservation treatment of all elements. completing parts was made using rabbit-skin Distinct operations according to the type glue 30%. Wooden strips were used to fill of material and degradation stage were the large cracks after a previous cleaning of carried out on metal and on wooden parts. surfaces by sanding and wiping out with A very difficult problem was to remove ethyl alcohol. The missing part from the severe rust from metal elements. right stair and the vertical element of the Mechanical and chemical methods were back side were completed (Figure 4). used for cleaning. Therefore, the metallic These new elements were chromatically surfaces were cleaned using scratch integrated in the context of the old object brushes and a chemical solution Evipass, with tempera colours. A preventive followed by brushing, water cleaning and treatment with Biotin (fungicide) was drying. The operation followed the applied on the whole the wooden surfaces, principle of patina conservation, so that followed by beeswax finish to obtain cleaning was stopped before obtaining hydrophobic and aesthetical surfaces. E. BELDEAN et al.: Unconventional Cultural Heritage – Conservation of … 39

Fig. 4. Gluing and completing the missing parts

After complete restoration the elements is presented in Figures 5 a, b, alongside were reassembled and the cart was some details of restored wooden and reconstituted. An image of restored object metallic parts (Figure 5 c, d).

a b

c d Fig.5. Brateiu Cart after restoration exhibited in Sibiu (a) and Braşov (b) and details of restored wooden (c) and metallic elements (d)

4. Conclusions construction and the techniques involved were opportunities to learn more about folk The cart presented in this paper is an traditions and crafts. example of less conventional but equally The challenge of restoring such an important item of cultural heritage, unconventional object was voluntary carrying both technical and historical undertaken and resolved. However, at this information. The beauty of the object moment many questions related to the resulted from the forms, shapes and the origin and history, owners and uses, are association of metal and wood has to be expecting a documented answer. also highlighted. Its conservation and Who was Oberst Josef Cordier von restoration allowed a special experience Lőwenhaupt? What represents the period and development of conservation skills in Marz 1892-Februar 1896? How is related retaining and preserving original elements, this artefact to the historical changes in finishes and patina. Also, the carriage Transylvania at the end of XIXth century 40 Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov • Series II • Vol. 7 (56) No. 2 - 2014 and the beginning of XXth century? Anyone 4. Bucur C.I., 1981. Presentation stand of knowing more or wanting to make popular means of transport (in historical research on these aspects is Romanian). Muzeul Civilizaţiei invited to join us. populare tradiţionale ASTRA, The present conservation-restoration case- Catalogue, Astra Museum Publisher study represents a strong effort to disseminate House, p.177-179. good practices in order to encourage our 5. Constantinescu B., 2008. Romanian students and colleagues to undertake Architectural Wooden Cultural voluntary actions for cultural heritage Heritage – The Present Status - a conservation and valorisation by exhibitions Survey. Proceedings of the International and published papers. The restored Cart of Conference held by cost actions IE 0601 Brateiu was recently exhibited at the Aula of in Braga (Portugal), 5-7 nov. 2008, Transilvania University within the p. 265-270. Available at: Etnovember 2014 festival. http://www.scribd. com/doc/ 25203592/ Carts, carriages and other transportation Romanian-Architectural-Wooden means, with their technical and aesthetic 6. Corsale A., Iorio M., 2014. dimensions, may be interesting topics for Transylvanian Saxon culture as further research and restoration actions. heritage: Insights from Viscri, Romania. Geoforum 52, p. 22–31. Acknowledgements 7. Deleanu V., 2013. Teleaga in Ţara Oltului. Cibinum, Astra Museum The authors of this paper would like to Publisher House, p.161-180. thank the other 10 volunteer restorers for 8. Graham B., Howard P., 2008. Ashgate their involvement and effort, being also Research Companion on Heritage and grateful to all the staff of CNM ASTRA Identity, Introduction. Available at: Sibiu for their professionalism, implication http://www.gowerpublishing.com/pdf/Sa and help. mplePages/Ashgate_Research_Compani on References 9. Timar M.C., Beldean E., Varodi A.M., Muscu I., 2013. The Attic – Die 1. Alivizatou M., 2006. Museums and Brücke - a voluntary action for cultural Intangible Heritage: The Dynamics of heritage (in Romanian). Editura an Unconventional Relationship. Papers Doxologia, Iaşi. from the Institute of Archaeology 17, 10. Timar M.C., Varodi A.M., Beldean E., p. 47-57. Muscu I., 2014. “12 for a war-A Peace 2. Ashworth G.J., 2006. On townscapes, Mission”- Outcomes of a voluntary heritages and identities. Townscapes action aimed at the conservation of and Landscapes. Available at: cultural heritage. Bulletin of http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/ias/annualp Transilvania University Braşov rogramme/regionalism/docs/Ashworth. (1-2014) Vol. 7 (56) Series II, p.59-66. 3. Bah E., Greenhill J., James J., 19th 11. Zukin S., 2012. The social production Century French Transportation. of urban cultural heritage: Identity and Technical Report on Transportation in ecosystem on an Amsterdam shopping Madame Bovary, LCC3401 Section G street. City, Culture and Society, Group 1 Technical Report. Available Vol. 3, Issue 4, Dec., p. 281–291. at: http://borides.pbworks.com/f/ 12. (http://www.cheval.culture.fr/en)http:// LCC3401A_A4+Group1.pdf en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cariage#Body