Art Conservation

W. (Bill) Wei was a senior conservation scientist at the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, until his retirement in 2021, and is now an independent consultant. He has a BSE in mechanical engineering from Princeton University, New Jersey (1977), and a PhD in materials science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA (1983). Before working in the field of cultural heritage, he spent nearly 20 years in industrial materials research and development, focusing on fracture mechanics, fatigue, and corrosion. Dr Wei has been conducting research and consulting on the effects of vibrations and mechanical stresses on the condition of fragile works of art for more than 25 years. He also conducts research on perception related to conservation treatments and object appearance, risks posed to objects by mechanical loads, and conservation ethics.

• 1. Introduction 2. Mechanical Properties of Materials 3. Vibrations 4. Experience-Based Risk Analysis 5. Experience-Based Vibration Risk Analysis and Mitigation 6. Vibration and Shock Monitoring 7. Shock 8. Epilogue

“Dr Wei’s latest book is an essential resource for conservators grappling with the challenges of transporting, displaying, and storing works of art. The early chapters expertly introduce fundamental concepts related to vibration and shock damage in a clear and didactic manner, while the subsequent chapters on control, monitoring, and mitigation present these ideas concisely and effectively. The book demystifies many of the fears that haunt conservators, equipping them with tools to understand the risks associated with physical forces on objects—risks that have been understudied in the field of movable cultural heritage. Without a doubt, this work is a valuable contribution to the field of cultural heritage conservation.”Camila Zanon PaglioneObjects Conservator, Pinacoteca de São Paulo, Brazil“Building on Dr Wei’s earlier work Art Conservation: Mechanical Properties and Testing of Materials, this book examines how cultural artifacts respond to mechanical effects like vibration and shock, which can threaten their integrity. While conservation literature offers sparse or confusing information on these topics, Dr Wei fills this gap by clearly explaining technical concepts and their relevance, using examples such as the impact of nearby construction on collections or the effects of improper handling. This book is a thorough guide for heritage professionals seeking a clear understanding of the principles for protecting cultural materials from physical damage and provides actionable advice on safeguarding those materials.”Dr M. Susan BargerRetired Materials Scientist