Conservação das Casas Gandaresas

: inventariação da cor das fachadas e metodologia de levantamento cromático

Abstract

Color whitewash (or lime painting) was the most used technique for covering houses in the Gândara region until the 19th century. XX, when prefabricated polymer-based paints appeared. Casa Gandaresa is continuously subject to interventions that, without foundation and knowledge of the heritage object, lead to the de-characterization of this cultural asset, which is why it is crucial to invest in the preservation of this intangible and material heritage. In this context, the Gândara TourSensations project was recently created, coordinated by the University of Aveiro, which involves the three counties in the Gândara region (Mira, Cantanhede and Vagos), investing in the dissemination of quantification/inventory and characterization of the architecture of Casas Gandaresas. This project was taken as a starting point for the study of the color of the facade of Casa Gandaresa, addressed in this work, which may also present itself as a contribution for future interventions respecting the old materials and techniques, thus preserving the its cultural and heritage value. The main objective of this dissertation and from the point of view of Conservation and Restoration, a proposal for a methodology for chromatic survey, in situ, followed by the organization of data on the color of the facade of Casa Gandaresa. For this purpose, a field survey of the traditional techniques and pigments used in lime painting was carried out, through interviews with the population of the region, the photographic survey of the houses, in the counties of Vagos, Mira and Cantanhede and, later, the selection and graphic recording, of 10 representative houses, making this a special contribution to a detailed characterization of the color distribution of the facades. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the pigments in samples collected in the counties of Vagos and Cantanhede. Based on the survey carried out, the importance that color has reached in traditional finishes can be inferred and it was concluded that the predominant colors of lime paint (base color) in the region are blue tones, yellow ochres and red, presenting different combinations with the decorative elements of the set (framework, basement, friezes, pilasters, corners, cornices/ceilings).

Date of Award	18 May 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Eduarda Vieira (Supervisor), Alice Tavares Costa (Co-Supervisor) & Nuno Camarneiro (Co-Supervisor)