The Historical Ceilings at Nieuwe Doelenstraat 16

Define

As the ceilings are beautiful and unique, their conservation was our main focus point. Technical examinations could tell us more about their condition, history, and options for preventive conservation. Additionally, the ceiling in the main hall should be made visible. Both these points are summarised in our aim: to put the conservation of the ceilings and the question of uncovering them on the agenda of the University of Amsterdam.

Intervention

To realise the conservation of the ceilings, we have been in contact with the professors and students of the Historic Interiors specialty of the master Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage at the UvA. A meeting was held with the professor that teaches the Historic Interiors specialisation, Jessica Hensel. She expressed her interest in putting this project on the curriculum. She said that "it would be nice to have a project within the UvA." To address any minor concerns regarding the conservation, we are assembling a report that describes the advantages, disadvantages, and chance of realisation of the project. This will be sent to Jessica.

Future students who work on this project can contact us to access the report we have written, so they might continue the placemaking for conservation in the University Quarter.
Future endeavours could include getting new (coloured) pictures of the ceilings into the archives of Beeldbank van stadsarchief Amsterdam, and to providing information on this interesting object to the students of the UvA and the general public.