Raman spectroscopic analysis of a belltower commemorative wall decoration

The Raman spectroscopic analysis of a rare wall decoration in a church belltower, depicting the initials of couples married there in circular roundels over some 230 years, since 1777, has been undertaken prior to their impending restoration. The spectral data indicate that the red pigment is exclusively haematite which has been applied to plaster which exhibits the signatures variously of calcite, gypsum, anhydrite, calcium phosphate and dolomitic limestone; evidence of amorphous carbon is attributed to the deposition of soot from candle illumination, which has been recorded in historical documentation. The presence of biosignatures attributed to carotenoids in several samples is evidence of biological colonisation and potential deterioration which requires special treatment in the restoration strategies. The blackened areas near the upper edges of the wall decoration indicate carbon deposition and organic contamination. The latest addition to the decoration accomplished in 2008 shows that haematite has been used over a calcite ground. In earlier dated specimens, the presence of limewash is evident, which has only been partially converted into calcite by aerial attack from carbon dioxide in moist conditions.