At Recclesia, we take pride in our commitment to preserving the delicate beauty of historical sites, using cutting edge conservation techniques to conserve and maintain the integrity of our cultural heritage. One of the most effective tools in our conservation work is laser cleaning, particularly with the Nd:YAG laser system from Lynton Lasers. This technology has proven invaluable in our ability to tackle more challenging issues, where more traditional methods could risk damaging fragile materials and historic fabric.
The Role of Laser Cleaning in Conservation
Laser cleaning involves using a highly focused beam of light to remove contaminants from surfaces with remarkable precision. The Nd:YAG laser systems our team have used over the past ten years, emit infrared light at a wavelength of 1064 nm – this is particularly effective for cleaning stone, plaster, terracotta, and metals like bronze. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, laser cleaning works by emitting short pulses of energy that are absorbed primarily by dirt and pollutants, leaving the underlying material unharmed. In short, when set up correctly by experienced conservators, it is a self-limiting system. The ability to target specific layers makes it ideal for conserving delicate surfaces without causing damage and maintaining any desired patina.
It is this selectivity which is the key to the benefits of laser cleaning; once the surface is clean, further laser exposure has little to no effect on the underlying material.
Our Work at Recclesia
At Recclesia, our team have been using Nd:YAG lasers for on-site conservation work for over a decade. Working closely with Dr. Martin Cooper, a pioneer in the field at Lynton Lasers, we have achieved outstanding results in preserving historical sites that would otherwise have been at risk of irreversible damage. We have completed laser cleaning works on Cadw monuments, Churches, and municipal buildings, showing the diverse range of projects this equipment and approach can be used on. Our team have also completed what is arguably the largest area of external masonry cleaned with a laser system in Wales, as part of our work on the SPAB Betjeman Award nominated St Cybi’s Church project.
Our laser cleaning projects are carefully planned, starting with site-specific trials to determine the optimal laser settings for each material and surface. For example, at Porth Mawr in Caernarfon, a 13th-century monument, the stonework had become heavily soiled by atmospheric pollutants. Laser cleaning allowed us to remove these encrustations while preserving the intricate details of the structure’s stone, something that would not have been possible with other methods.
Similarly, at St. Cybi’s Church in Holyhead, the medieval carvings on the south doorway were obscured by centuries of dirt and grime. After conducting trials, we found that laser cleaning was the ideal method to reveal these intricate carvings without damaging the fragile stone. Over the course of six weeks, we carefully cleaned the carvings, unveiling details that had been hidden for centuries.
Benefits of Laser Cleaning in Conservation
The precision of laser cleaning allows us to achieve results that would be extremely difficult or even impossible with traditional methods. It’s particularly effective for cleaning delicate or friable surfaces, like those found in ancient stone structures or intricate sculptures, where even the slightest damage can be irreversible. Laser cleaning typically eliminates the need for harsh chemicals or abrasive techniques, making it an environmentally friendly and highly controlled solution for conservation.
Ensuring Safe and Effective Use
Laser cleaning requires strict adherence to safety protocols. We ensure that all areas where lasers are used are secured, and only trained staff handle the equipment. Detailed risk assessments are conducted before each project to ensure safety throughout the process.
Conclusion
Laser cleaning is a game changer in the field of conservation, offering precision, efficiency, and non-invasiveness no other current system can offer. At Recclesia, we’ve seen firsthand how this technology can conserve historical fabric and return it to a long-lost glory, all while maintaining the integrity of the materials.