Alabaster

Curriculum

Introduction

   Lecture on safety measures when working on site and with alabaster.
  Theoretical session on general geology and the genesis of stone.
  Theoretical session on the nature, properties, types, provenance, and specificities of old                 and new Mosul alabaster.
  Theoretical session on stone decay mechanisms
  Theoretical session of the decay of Alabaster
      Use of Lime and Gypsum as binders for Mortars and Plaster
  Theoretical session on the various tools used for alabaster.
  Theoretical session on the benefits of the use of alabaster as cladding to cover masonry               surfaces.
  Theoretical session on preparing raw alabaster and on the re-use of old blocks of                             alabaster, on the use of both old and new alabaster and on matching of colours and                       characteristics.
  Practical group exercises on old blocks of alabaster to remove surface residual old paint              and adhesive, and calcification traces, cutting and repairing damaged pieces using epoxy.

Drawing & Documentation

 Recording condition and mapping

 Principles of photography for conservation documentation
 Theoretical and practical session of treating decorative carvings of various sizes.
 Practical exercises constitute 70% of the second week.
 Practical sessions on sculpting and carving with alabaster, covering methods to replicate              traditional geometric and abstract floral patterns and imprint patterns on alabaster                      surfaces. 


Carving

  Practical exercises on restoration of damaged carved blocks of alabaster (movable)
  Practical exercises on restoration of in-situ damaged carved blocks of alabaster.
  Site visit to various sites in Old Mosul to learn from mistakes and best practices.
  Intensive practical exercises (continued) on sculpting, carving, and finishing old and new               alabaster.
  Practical exercises on colouring epoxy, colouring agents, and matching colours.
  Moving from 2D to 3D.

Building

  Practical exercises on carving on new blocks of alabaster (encouraging creativity).
  Replicating an old piece of carved alabaster. Each participant will propose to replicate a                different traditional design of their choice, to be agreed with the trainer.
  Introduction to specialized labour, teamwork, dealing with professionals, etc.
  Introduction to the different types of alabaster and the types of alabaster that are suitable            and not suitable for building.
  Theoretical and practical sessions on the use of the different tools in building with                           alabaster.
  Theoretical and practical sessions on the properties of the various materials used in                      building with alabaster: regular cement, white cement, Nora, colouring oxide, adhesives,                (etc.).
  Theoretical and practical sessions on the technical vocabulary related to the field, technical           and architectural drawings, dimensions, scales, maps, etc.
  Theoretical sessions on traditional and modern building tools and techniques - similarities             and differences.
  Theoretical and practical sessions on the use of old alabaster fragments in new                              constructions, including filling of gaps with additional alabaster.
      Exercise on restoring alabaster using cement, Nora, adhesives, colouring agents, etc.
  Theoretical and practical sessions on price estimation, BoQs, etc.
      Visit to the main quarries in Mosul to learn how alabaster and limestone are sourced and              cut.
  Group exercise: replicating/building large structures.
  Group Exercise: preparation of a conservation/restoration proposal.
  Group discussion: challenges, lessons learned, way forward.
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Evaluation Criteria

The trainer provided blocks of alabaster with specific measurements for the trainees to carve. The trainer chose simplified traditional Moslawi decorative designs, and the trainees were required to carve a piece of alabaster as per the design. The trainer closely monitored the stages and evaluated each trainee based on their performance.
The building part of the evaluation covered the theoretical knowledge, development of a Bill of Quantities, reinforcing fabric of steel installing alabaster on facades, and specific Moslawi techniques.

Trainers:                Mahmoud Ibrahim Hussein              Akram Younes Mohamed Saeed