Mosaics No. 1, deterioration and conservation / Mosaïque, n°1, détérioration et conservation

(ENG and FRE versions available) Proceedings of the First International Symposium on the Conservation of Mosaics held from 2 to 5 November 1977 at the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and the Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), Rome, Italy. In almost every country that was formerly part of the ancient Roman world, wall or pavement mosaics are often poorly maintained after their discovery. This leads to the rapid disappearance of unique parts of our patrimony. Awareness of this problem is necessary at all levels: * on the technical level so that conservators share their experiences and criticize and improve, if necessary, older methods and techniques; * among archaeologists so that they recognize that a newly discovered mosaic is a mosaic in danger and that their duty toward it does not end with scholarly study and publication. Conservation is surely one of the archaeologist's duties. Though it may be difficult, it is no less imperative; * among administrators who must understand the importance of this patrimony, be interested in it, and budget adequately for its conservation; * on the public level so that specialists responsible for conservation receive support from both groups and individuals. It is the public, after all, that benefits and is served by the world-wide conservation movement.