Abstract

This article investigates the main properties of 300-year old leather wallhanging dating to the late 17th century, originating from St. Peter and Paul’s church in the village of Sveti Petar u s˘umi in Istria. Tests were carried out according to standard IUC methods (ISO 4047), and microphotographs of cryostat prepared test samples were taken. The leather surface layer was investigated using a UV (ATR) spectrophotometer, thinlayer chromatography and a PIXE spectrophotometer. Examination indicates that the leather is calf-bovine and was vegetable tanned.

Formal suggestions were made for cleaning and preserving the leather wallhanging, it was suggested that the best solution would be to attach (adhere) the historic leather to new leather.