Conservation of Building Stones

by Anuradha V. Kumar

Stone has been an important medium for Indian sculpture and architecture since the Mauryan period. This book addresses stone deterioration which poses a serious challenge for professionals involved in the conservation of cultural heritage sites. It examines the various types of building stones used throughout the Indian Subcontinent and their properties. It offers an indepth discussion of the natural causes of stone decay, including the wide spectrum of physical, chemical as well as biological factors that have a prolonged action on the stone object or building. It also discusses in detail many of the available conservation materials and treatments and provides specific information on the advantages and limitations of each treatment.

About the Author:

ANURADHA V. KUMAR has specialized in teh conservation of historic masonry structures and preservation planning and, for more than 9 years, has provided her services for many historically significant buildings in the United States. She currently is in private practice and has in the past worked for institutions such as the Society for preservation of New England Antiquities, Boston; National center for Preservation Technology and Training, Natchitoches, Louisiana; and the Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles.