Researchers are developing protection for rock relief

February 3, 2011, Nr. 4

Pilgrimage Chapel in Schwäbisch Gmünd under threat of destruction by the elements

The Church St. Salvator in Schwäbisch Gmünd was developed as an upper and lower chapel between 1617 and 1621 by Kaspar Vogt as a natural church built in a rock above Schwäbisch Gmünd. The pilgrimage church has an illustration unique in Germany: a relief from the life of Christ (Ölberg illustration, created 1620), which was carved directly out of the precipice. However, the wall surfaces are under threat of being destroyed by the elements. In order to maintain the valuable illustration, scientists from the Materialprüfungsanstalt (MPA) (Materials Testing Institute) from the University of Stuttgart are developing methods to preserve the chapels. The research project is funded by Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt und der Denkmalpflege (German Foundation for the Environment and Monument Preservation); other companies are involved, Landesamt für Denkmalpflege (Regional Office for Monument Preservation) and the Catholic parish of Heilig-Kreuz Schwäbisch Gmünd as the owner. An official kick-off event with the presentation of the project and an inspection of the rock chapel as well as welcome addresses by representatives from the city of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Landesamt für Denkmalpflege (State Office for the Preservation of Monuments) and the parish will be taking place on Wednesday 26 th January.

Kick-off event
Date: 26 th January 2011, from 2.30 pm
Venue: Der Franziskaner, Franziskanergasse 3, Schwäbisch Gmünd
Media representatives are cordially invited.
The church rocks are made up of Stuben sandstone from the Mittleren Keuper. Dampness, salts and microbial infestation in particular afflict the surfaces. They are starting to crumble; in addition, black crusts are forming in some parts. Due to the natural, high level of pit moisture, which is also subject to seasonal fluctuations, to date no suitable rock stabilisation tools resp. preservation methods exist which can be safely applied. Drying out the relief involves the risk of increased and rapid material losses due to the fragile condition. Together with its project partners the scientists at the University of Stuttgart will record the damage potentials arising from climatic, hydrogeological, microbial and wear and tear damage to the relief. Subsequently they will develop moisture resistant stabilisation tools for the rock surfaces, which will initially be applied to some sample areas and will ensure a preliminary stabilisation. The subsequent entire preservation of the relief will comprise various steps, which will also include cleaning the surfaces and removing salts and microbial infestation and finally using resources for the final stabilisation.
Apart from the preservation of both rock chapels the aim of the research project is that the findings obtained can be used as a sample for the preservation of similar objects made from permanently damp natural stones. In addition Stuttgart scientists are working out a monitoring concept and a catalogue of measures to also maintain the pilgrimage chapel in the future. Special attention is hereby dedicated to the involvement of the owner, users, preservation of monuments and the public. A homepage provides information about the project, workshops are also planned.
 
Further information on the project is available at www.shm.uni-stuttgart.deas well as from Dr. Jürgen Frick, Materialprüfungsanstalt (MPA) University of Stuttgart, Tel. 0711/685-63381, email: Juergen.Frick@mpa.uni-stuttgart.de.
The unique rock relief from the year 1620 in the Pilgrimage Church St. Salvator in Schwäbisch Gmünd is under threat of destruction by the elements. Scientists from the University of Stuttgart are developing preservation methods to maintain the valuable illustrations. Photo: Karl Fiedler.
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