CEMETERY-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: [CEMETERY-L] inscriptions from cemetery stones
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999 10:53:33 EDT

>> From another list.

>>The desire to pluck old inscriptions from cemetery stones raises
>>important questions for genealogists and historians, and anyone
>>who cares about preserving our family heritage. Before this
>>becomes a loose thread, I would like to address it from a technical
>>standpoint. As an Architectural designer/ material specifier, who
>>also has worked with stone, understanding the properties of stone
>>and the effect of types of wear in diverse situations is imperative.
>>
>>The idea that stone is a permanent material, impervious to abrasion
>>or chemicals, is sadly incorrect. Far from it: we are losing not only
>>cemetery inscriptions but great architectural details, and even entire
>>structures, worldwide, at an alarming rate through a myriad of influences.
>>Acid rain.
>>
>>Sulphur from car emissions, vandalism, weather and temperature changes.
>>And now even the misguided family historian's crayons and scrapers and
>>chemicals. Although the intention is to capture and preserve this
>>information,
>>many suggested techniques actually accelerate damage to the stone. For
this
>>reason an increasing number of cemeteries prohibit rubbings and the
physical
>>application of any substance to the stones.
>>
>>Once the hard, polished surface has begun to wear off, a stone becomes
>>increasingly vulnerable to natural wear and the influences of weather.
>>Some stones are naturally softer than others. Marble is especially
>>vulnerable. Even granite is subject to disintegrating influences of time.
>>
>>Rubbing is an action that wears away the raised portions of the stone.
>>Shaving cream does, indeed, leave an acid residue that does not wash
>>off. It destroys marble and limestone. Dusting with flower attracts
damaging
>>molds. Even the water brought to wash them off is likely to have chemicals
>>that react destructively with the stone. Never attempt to scrape or
>'clean' a
>>stone. Only trained conservators should attempt this.
>>
>>So what are the options? If one absolutely must make rubbings (and if it
>>is allowed) thin paper and SOFT charcoal should be the only method used.
>>A can of spray artist's fixative will keep the charcoal from coming off the
>>paper when you are done, but be careful not to allow any over-spray on
>>the stone.
>>
>>To decipher very worn inscriptions, by using a mirror to redirect the
>>sunlight you can create deeper shadows. You will be surprised what you
>>can see with just a change in light angles. Then simply transcribe into
>>writing what you have read.
>>
>>Once we understand the fragility of these monuments, it is easier to see
>>the best and kindest method by far to preserve these fragile inscriptions
>>for future generations is photography. It does nothing to compromise the
>>stone, and it provides a complete record of the stone within its
>>surroundings.
>>Shoot when the light is at the greatest angle across the stone to create
>>contrast.
>>Try a roll of black and white film to simplify the visual elements. You
will
>>be
>>surprised how much more detail often appears in finished (Glossy)
photographs
>>than was perceived by the naked eye. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's
>loupe
>>to view tiny details.
>>
>>I wish some of the magazine and newspaper articles that have advocated
>>using things like shaving cream had been more carefully researched. I hope
>>this has helped change us from mere capturers to conservators. By better
>>understanding the nature of the material we can help preserve these markers
>>for future generations.
>>
>

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