INTERVENTION, DESTRUCTION & FORGERY
The Bertha Collection of Art Nouveau Book Design and Illustration was created in order to gather, preserve and rehabilitate as many original unique designs as possible. While most specimens of the 1000 piece collection are in acceptable condition, some objects need massive restoration. The current exhibition is a detailed display of Bertha’s most “shameful” items, exemplifying the types of damage that antique books and artifacts may suffer.
Viewers are invited to observe instances of neglect, ill treatment, vandalism as well as botched, professional and artistic attempt at restoration. A special segment is dedicated to forgery, both antique and contemporary, and the means of recognizing fake artifacts.
Laboratory