PRESERVATION OF THE MONUMENT


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  • Género: documentary / ΜΑΡΜΑΡΟΤΕΧΝΙΤΕΣ ΜΑΡΜΑΡΟ ΑΝΑΣΤΗΛΩΣΗ ΠΑΡΘΕΝΩΝΑΣ ΠΕΝΤΕΛΗ ΑΚΡΟΠΟΛΗ ΕΡΓΟΤΑΞΙΟ ΕΡΕΧΘΕΙΟ / MARBLE CARVERS / MARBLE / RESTORATION / PARTHENON / PENTELΙ / ACROPOLIS / WORKSITE / ERECHTHEION
  • Descrição: Documentary that follows the preservation process of the Acropolis monuments from 1973 to 1986. It imprints the slow pace of the labour and the gradual changes, as well as the tenseness of the scientists and the personnel before their great responsibility.
    1. TITLES The title of the documentary and the following information are superimposed on a gravure of Athens from 1840: "Τhe Ministry of Culture presents the first part of the cinematic chronicle from 1979 to 1986. Filming between 1983 and 1986 was entrusted to Kostas Vrettakos. The material from the transfer and restoration of the Karyatids was provided by the Committee for the Restoration of the Acropolis Monuments, which took the initiative of creating this film". Panoramic traveling on the gravure, while the narrator's voice introduces the audience to the main theme: the battle of humanity to preserve its monuments and, thus, its memory.)
    10. SAMPLES OF DRILLS FOR THE STUDY OF THE TEMPLE FOUNDATIONS A different type of method is used so as to investigate diagonally and at a depth of 17 meters he foundations of the Parthenon. The samples are classified in order to be studied in the laboratory and to help assess in full the durability of the temple floor. )
    11. TEST ASSEMBLING OF THE CRANE FROM FRANCE THAT IS TO BE INSTALLED IN THE CELLA In the spring of 1984, the large crane that was to be installed inside the Parthenon arrived from France. Before that, a test assembling of the crane had taken place. Cement webs were placed at the foot of the Acropolis. On them rested the base of the crane, on which the personnel of the worksite performed the test assembling of the crane. )
    12. CONCURRENT WORK AT THE PARTHENON AND LAYERING OF THE FLOOR WITH THE INSTALLATION OF AN IRON GRILL In the summer of 1984, the crew is solely occupied with the transportation, classification and cleaning of the Parthenon architectural members. Meanwhile, the study for the repair of the damage to the lift proceeded. A temporary bridge is set up for the transportation of all materials necessary for the installation of the large crane. This project began in January 1985. Its completion marked the first significant intervention to the monument. At the same time, inside the Parthenon the iron grill for the reception of concrete is laid on non expanding sheets of plastic. A total of 800 tons of concrete were used there! The procedure lasted for 40 days and continued even on weekends. )
    13. THE RETURN OF THE REPAIRED TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE AND THE INSTALLATION OF THE LARGE CRANE IN THE PARTHENON CELLA When the covering of the floor is completed, the “hapless” transportation vehicle returns, after being repaired! This time, it follows the same course, only with extra care. Afterwards, for the first time ever, a car that was to assist in the setup of the large crane enters the Parthenon cella. When the crane is set up, a test without extra load was performed, in order to certify the accuracy of its design. At the same time, multistoried movable metal towers are set up to assist in the process. The camera is placed in a cage hanging from the crane – thus yielding the first shots from a great height in the monument’s history. )
    14. THE FIRST REPAIRS AT THE NORTHEAST SIDE – THE TRANSFER OF THE LIONHEAD The images from the works at the northeast side of the Parthenon that suffered damage from the earthquake in 1981 are amazing. Impressive shots and a great deal of emotion, as the lionhead is lowered towards the ground. )
    15. THE CONTINUATION OF WORK AT THE ERECHTHEION – THE SOUTH WALL IS BEING RESTORED A crew similar in capacity to the one that constructed the monument 2,500 years ago disassembled and assembled the temple in 8 years, while the construction of the temple in antiquity lasted for 10 years. )
    16. THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF A N IDENTICAL REPLICA OF THE COLUMN TAKEN AWAY BY LORD ELGIN The completion of the project awaited the removal and restoration of the northern wall, as well as the replacement with a true replica of the column that was taken away by Lord Elgin. In the summer of 1986, the restoration of the south wall is nearly complete and the new pieces of marble that were added acquired a discreet patina. )
    17. THE SELECTION OF WHITE PENTELI MARBLE FOR THE FUTURE RESTORATION OF PARTS OF THE PARTHENON CELLA Mt. Penteli was the source of white marble used in all Athenian monuments. All present-day additions use material of the same quality. In the case of small pieces, the selection of the proper material is an easy task. Nevertheless, the identification of large pieces is a matter of luck. Finding a block of marble with a length of 9 meters is not usual. Thus, the Committee notified the quarry well in advance, in order to find the right piece to be used in the future. It would be needed for the Parthenon cella that was 8,5 meters long.)
    18. THE CONTINUATION OF WORK AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE PARTHENON The disassembling of the northeast corner of the Parthenon continued as planned. The effectiveness of the crane in all phases of the dismantling and transportation was such that its use had to be slowed down, as the project staff had to take care of the restoration of marble pieces on the ground as well.)
    19. ΤΗΕ CLEANING OF THE MARBLES AND THE CHISELING OF MARBLE JOINTS BY MARBLE CARVERS The cleaning of marble pieces from old joints was the first task of marble carvers. The surface that is to be attached to additional pieces of marble has to be cleaned carefully and then chiseled. Many parts are restored, either with pieces that had been detached due to the expansion of the joints, or with new pieces of marble that were used in order to improve the inertia. )
    20. INTRODUCTION TO THE THEME: THE BATTLE OF SCULPTURES AND MONUMENTS WITH DECAY Long shot of contemporary Athens. Smog turns the marble of the monuments into plaster. Sculptures that remained buried in the earth preserved their original luster, while those that were exposed until the early 20th century preserved their relief details. On the contrary, architectural sculptures that remained in situ, especially over the last twenty years, presented pronounced traces of decay. The camera enters the Acropolis Museum and we hear that the museum is a secure refuge. The sculptures are kept in tightly closed showcases and preserved with the help of azote -thus decay stops. However, pollution and acid rain destroy the monuments. )
    20. PARALLEL ACTIVITY AT THE WORKSITE AND THE TRANSPORTATION OF MARBLE WEIGHING 12 TONS FROM THE DIONYSOS QUARRIES Work at the worksite is not limited to a single project. The needs that arise lead the staff to work simultaneously on several projects. The arrival of the marble that was found at the Dionysos quarries forces them to test the durability of means of transportation with a load of 12 tons. The increase of the load takes place gradually and takes several days. )
    21. PREPARATION FOR WORK AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER AND TRANSFER OF THE OXIDIZED SCAFFOLDING TO THE GROUND It was decided that the oxidized metal scaffoldings were to be taken down without being disassembled. Thus, their removal needed less time and, were it ever necessary, they could have been reused. )
    22. TRANSPORT OF MARBLE TO THE FEET OF THE AKROPOLIS, PROCESSING BY MARBLE CARVERS, JOINING, COMPLETION AND LIFTING OF THE MARBLE FOR THE PARTHENON CELLA TO THE TOP OF THE AKROPOLIS The lump of marble that originally exceeded 20 tons in weight is now cut in pieces. It is transported with heavy trucks that take the pieces to the feet of the Acropolis. The crew of marble carvers is transferred there for the final stages in processing. The decay of the pieces that were taken down from the Akropolis was in many cases more serious than originally estimated and they have to be completed with new, “healthy” pieces of marble. This is a complex procedure. The chiselling of the marble intended for the Parthenon cella is completed and the crane lifts it to the Acropolis. )
    23. THE LOWERING OF THE SCULPTURES OF THE EAST PEDIMENT AND EPILOGUE In the course of the summer, the sculptures of the east pediment are taken down. Most of them were copies that had been placed there during the previous restoration. However, the experience accumulated in the meantime made the procedure much more efficient. The dismantling of the southeast corner proceeded. For the first time since the construction of the temple, pieces that had never been touched are dismantled. )
    24. END TITLES End Titles)
    3. THE RESTORATION OF THE ERECHTHEION AND THE TRANSPORTATION OF THE KARYATIDS TO THE MUSEUM In the case of the Acropolis, damage to the monument was caused by the use of unsuitable materials in previous restorations. The Committee for the Restoration of the Acropolis Museums was established in 1975. Priority was given to the restoration of the Erechtheion. Work at the Erechtheion commenced in 1979. The lense illustrates the text and follows details of all iron joints from the earlier Balanos restoration, which caused great damage to the monument. Iron is now replaced by titanium that has increased durability by 500 times and is theoretically stainless. Shots from the transfer of the Karyatids to the museum are very touching. It was decided to transfer them in standing position, in order to avoid possible damage to vulnerable parts, such as necks. They are placed inside wooden boxes and were consolidated with concrete. The 105 meters of the distance to the museum are covered with a single horizontal move, while we can see the statues’ uncovered heads. The Karyatids seem to be alive! They are placed inside the museum with great care and, following a five-year period for the restitution of damage, they will be separated for ever from the polluted air by means of a crystal pane. In 1983, the original sculptures are replaced by true copies. The Erechtheion was the first monument that was restored on the Acropolis. In order to complete this work, detailed scientific studies in Chemistry, Engineering, Architecture and Archaeology had to be completed. Of great importance was the contribution of the Greek marble carvers, who continue the ancient tradition. )
    4. THE CONSERVATION OF THE ACROPOLIS ROCK A large part of the documentary contains sequences related to the conservation of the rock of the ACropolis. The rock itself has no right to grow old! In 1977, 22 places that needed immediate intervention were identified. Vegetation increased corrosion, bringing about the possibility of sliding. Plants had to be removed and dangerous rocks had to be solidified with wire rope. Small drills took samples at a depth of 30 meters and investigated the condition of the rock. Afterwards, the points in danger of corrosion were attended. The rock was naked again, as in early gravures. )
    5. THE RESTORATION OF THE PARTHENON –INTRODUCTION WITH GENERAL PLANS OF THE MONUMENT The restoration of the Parthenon began in 1974 and was estimated to last for 15 years. Manolis Korres was 35 years old at the time, and he had been assigned in part with the direction of the works. Eight hundred large pieces of marble and numerous smaller ones, with a total weight of 1,000 tons, completed the monument. This material was found on the ground and, after detailed research, had been identified and was ready to be placed in its original position anew. Even ruins from Morosini’s explosion were identified in the process (!). Moreover, ancient material was also located around the ACropolis, for example at the ground floor of the Arsakeion, where the ancient marbles constituted 50% of the building material. One piece after the other were transferred to the ACropolis, photographed and clssified. A point of major concern for archaeologists was the appearance of the monument in the course of the works. Five million tourists and three million Greeks see it daily from every point of view. In order to decrease the number of scaffolds that were hiding it, the installation of a large crane-lift inside the Parthenon was decided. This crane arrived from France in the spring of 1984. The test assembling lasted for 10 days! Inside the Parthenon, on waterproof and non-expanding sheets of plastic, an iron grill was laid for the reception of the concrete. A total of 800 tons of concrete were used there in all! The procedure lasted for 40 days, and continued on weekends as well. Afterwards, for the first time a car that was to aid in the installation of the large crane entered the Parthenon. When the crane was set up, a test operation without a load took place in order to verify the accuracy of its design. At the same time, multistoried movable metal towers were installed to help in the process. The camera was placed in a cage hanging from the crane and this is how the first shots in the monument’s history from high up were taken. The images from the works at the northeast side of the Parthenon that suffered great damage from the earthquake of 1981 are astonishing. The shots are impressive and full of emotion as the lion head is taken to the ground. Equally impressive is the dismantling of the sculptures of the East pediment. Parts of the monument that had never been touched are now removed. Metopes are lowered to the ground after 2,500 years! Great emphasis is placed on the cleaning of old joints and the identification of parts that had been smashed by the oxidized iron. We watch the restoration with “healthy” new marble, as well as the procedure of joining joints made of titanium. Impressive is also the identification and carving of a piece of marble 8,5 meters long that was meant for the Parthenon cella. )
    6. DESCRIPTION OF THE GENERAL PLAN OF RESTORATION OF THE PARTHENON This is not a simple restoration of the damage caused by time and the earlier restorations, but rather a partial completion of the monument using material located on the ground, that has been identified following archaeological research and is ready to be placed in its original position. Another problem faced by the committee was the appearance of the monument in the course of the works. Among several propositions, the committee selected a crane that can be folded when not in use and can be stored inside the monument. The project has been broken down into 12 parts.)
    7. SETUP OF THE WORKSITE AND PREPARATION FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF THE MARBLES, USING TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY MEANS In the beginning, the worksite was divided in units. Modern means took the place of traditional ones. However, traditional techniques were used in cases where modern means did not correspond to the needs of the restoration project. )
    8. ATTEMPTS AT LIFTING LOADS WITH A CRANE LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM The crane was designed in a way that combined practicality with aesthetics and was placed at the side of the walls. The lift was used to transfer gradually the large crane that was to be installed inside the temple. In February 1984, tests began, with a gradual increase of the load in order to test its lifting capacity. In addition to a clark weighing 5 tons, the crane also lifted successfully a load of 7 tons. However, a flaw in the crane’s motor led the clark to slip and crash on the ground, thankfully without a human accident – only with a delay in work. Difficulties were faced with the construction of a rail on which the marbles slided in order to be transferred, in an attempt to make up for the lost time. )
    9. IDENTIFICATION OF ANCIENT MATERIAL IN OTHER BUILDINGS, SUCH AS THE ARSAKEION – COLLECTION AND TRANSFER TO THE AKROPOLIS – PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION OF EACH PHASE Each piece is photographed separately and then, with the aid of an airlift, it is transferred to a specified area, depending on whether it will be used in the restoration or not. Many of the pieces complement larger ones, taking up their original place in the monument. Marble pieces that had not been used in the previous restoration were identified and used for the restoration of the Arsakeion. Today, under the supervision of the committee, qualified personnel attends the demolition of some walls and realizes that ancient material at the ground floor of the building reaches 50%. Ancient members are transferred to the Acropolis, photographed and classified in detail, in order to find their place on the monument. )
  • Palavras-chave: IMediaCities / ΜΑΡΜΑΡΟΤΕΧΝΙΤΕΣ ΜΑΡΜΑΡΟ ΑΝΑΣΤΗΛΩΣΗ ΠΑΡΘΕΝΩΝΑΣ ΠΕΝΤΕΛΗ ΑΚΡΟΠΟΛΗ ΕΡΓΟΤΑΞΙΟ ΕΡΕΧΘΕΙΟ / MARBLE CARVERS / MARBLE / RESTORATION / PARTHENON / PENTELΙ / ACROPOLIS / WORKSITE / ERECHTHEION
  • Fornecedor: Tainiothiki tis Ellados
  • Direitos: In Copyright
  • Companhia produtora: MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND SCIENCES
  • Cor: Colour
  • Director: VRETTAKOS KOSTAS
  • Sound: With sound
  • Colecção: Ψηφιοποιημένα ελληνικά ντοκιμαντέρ