AHR VALLEY RECOVERY MISSION
Summer 2022About the Ahr Valley
The European flash floods of July 14 and 15, 2021 caused severe damage through Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland. Some of the worst damage was seen in Ahrweiler, where the Ahr river rose, destroying many buildings and causing at least 110 deaths. Nearly a year later, the town and residents were still rebuilding and healing for the tragic event.About the Volunteer Opportunity
In June 2021, as part of the Ahr Valley Recovery Mission team, I traveled to the Ahr Valley, Germany, to work with Heike Wernz-Kaiser the curator of Ahrweiler Museum der Stadt to assess and treat nearly 100 objects affected by July 2021’s devastating flooding in the area.This mission was part of a new collaborative effort between Winterthur/University of Delaware programs in American Material Culture and Art Conservation (WPAMC and WUDPAC). The team included myself and other current and recent graduates Rachael Kane (WPAMC 2022), Emily Bach (WPAMC 2022), Allison Kelley (WUDPAC 2022). Our mission was led by WPAMC Director and previous Ahr Valley resident, Dr. Martin Brückner, and Preventive Conservator Maddie Cooper (WUDPAC 2021).
This project was generously supported by the WPAMC and WUDPAC programs, the UD College of Arts and Sciences, the Society of Winterthur Fellows, and The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts. Many items were donated via an Amazon Wishlist along with many items were gifted by Ricarda Holly, a local paper conservator.
RECOVERY TEAM
Dr. Martin Brückner
Project HeadMaddie Cooper
Lead Conservator WUDPAC 2021
Allison Kelley
Conservation VolunteerWUDPAC 2022
Emily Bach
Material Culture VolunteerWPAMC 2022
Rachel Kane
Material Culture VolunteerWPAMC 2022
OBJECT CLEANING
As a team we re-cataloged and cleaned nearly 100 objects in a mobile storage and lab space with close proximity to the museum. We used various dry cleaning methods and materials including variable speed vacuum with HEPA filter, vulcanized rubber sponges, cosmetic sponges, various brushes and wet cleaning materials including distilled water and isopropanol. We used our cell phone cameras for before and after treatment photography and a google form for submitting condition reports.
We mostly worked with glass and ceramics, but also some textile and metal objects. These objects historically played an important role in the region and represent the rich history of the area - glass and ceramic souvenirs were often created for nearby spas where people came to drink natural spring water for their health. It was exciting to come together to work on the project and we all pitched in on the conservation efforts.
COMMUNITY POP-UP CLINICS
The highlight for me was being able to be a part of two community pop-up clinics. Area residents were able to bring in personal belongings affected by the disaster for advice on mud removal, care and storage, health and safety. We saw leather baby shoes, paintings, ceramic figurines, an 18th-century leather-bound book, and many photographs. Each object came with unique needs and individual stories about friends and family members and people’s connections to the Ahr Valley. Overall it was an incredibly moving experience and reminded us that it is worth preserving the things that matter to each of us and why I am in this field.
Images by Emily Bach, Rachael Kane, and Maddie Cooper
PRESS
Our recovery efforts also brought great attention to the cultural collections of the area and renewed attention to recovery efforts of the museum. Here are a few publications that feature the work of the Ahr Valley Recovery team, both in English and in German.
UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE MAGAZINE
STOPYRA, DIANE. 2022. “OVER TROUBLED WATERS” UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE MAGAZINE, VOL. 30, NO. 3, DECEMBER 2022.
AN RHEIN & AHR
VON ANTON SIMONS “RESTAURATORIENNEN AUS DELAWARE HELFEN” AN RHEIN & AHR, JUNE 2022