Poltava Museum of Local Lore: restoration of paintings in interiors

The Poltava Museum of Local Lore not only houses a rich set of historical exhibits, but is also a centre of cultural heritage, where attention is paid to restoration processes, especially to the preservation of artworks that decorate its interiors. One of the important components of this process is the restoration of paintings, which helps to preserve the historical appearance of the building and restore the primitive beauty of the interiors.

History of painting in the museum interiors

Painting in the interiors of the Poltava Museum of Local Lore was created in the early twentieth century during the construction of a new building designed by architect Vasily Krichevsky. Artistic murals made according to the sketches of Nikolai Samokish decorate the ceilings, walls and doors of the museum. These works are an important part of the architectural ensemble and have both aesthetic and historical value. They depict motifs of Ukrainian folk art, landscapes of Poltava region, scenes of life of local Cossacks and historical moments.

Relevance of painting restoration

Over time, the art paintings in the museum have been affected by time, climatic conditions and other external factors. Dust, moisture, pests, natural aging of materials – all this could lead to their premature deterioration. Therefore, restoration of paintings becomes essential to preserve the original interior and continue their aesthetic value.

The process of painting restoration in the museum

The restoration of paintings in the Poltava Museum of Local Lore is carried out by highly qualified specialists who apply modern methods to preserve and restore canvases. The main stages of the restoration process include:

1. Diagnostics of the painting condition

At the beginning of restoration, a thorough diagnosis is carried out to identify all damage: from microcracks and scuffs to traces of mould and contamination. This is necessary to develop a renovation plan.

2. Cleaning the painting

Cleaning of paintings from impurities is one of the key stages of restoration. Gentle methods are used such as steam cleaning, tweezers, microbore and special solvents that do not damage the colours or affect the structure of the canvas.

3. Painting conservation

To protect against further damage, special protective agents are used to prevent mould growth, prevent discolouration of the colours and help preserve the texture of the canvas.

4. Restoration of damaged areas

Damaged parts of the painting are restored using special paints, pigments and varnishes that match the original materials as closely as possible. The work is done with historical authenticity in mind, so that the new parts do not differ from the old ones.

5. Finishing

The final stage of restoration is the polishing and varnishing of the restored areas. This gives the paintings a lustre and ensures longevity.

The importance of restoration for the museum

Restoration of paintings in the Poltava Museum of Local Lore allows not only to preserve unique works of art, but also preserves the historical heritage of Poltava region. The restored paintings return the museum to its original appearance and the significance of the cultural centre of the region.

The museum actively co-operates with scientific institutions and restoration workshops, applying the latest achievements in the field of conservation and restoration. Thanks to this co-operation, the paintings of the Poltava Museum of Local Lore are not only preserved, but also serve as a source of scientific research and exhibitions.

Restoration of paintings in the interiors of the Poltava Museum of Local Lore is an important component of cultural heritage preservation. It allows preserving the unique architectural atmosphere of the museum, providing access to historical artefacts for future generations. Active restoration work is a guarantee that masterpieces created many years ago will remain accessible and visually appealing to visitors and researchers.