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Condition
- The inscriptions in stone were heavily obscured by lichen, overgrown plants, staining and surface deposits.
- The sandstone surface was unstable and friable. Much of the original paint on the inscriptions had been lost, leaving only small bits of colour remaining.
Treatment
- The inscriptions were cleaned and a biocide was applied to their surface to eliminate lichen growth.
- Where original paint colour could be determined, the inscriptions were retouched to return them to their original, colourful appearance.
- Inscriptions were coated with a protective sealant to preserve the paint and the friable sandstone surface.
- ICS conservator, Dr. Shrief Eissa, provided additional research of the one Arabic inscription which resulted in a more accurate interpretation of the inscription.
Outcome
The inscriptions in the sandstone are now stable and protected from future erosion. The now legible inscriptions, true to their original appearance, provide names of ships, passengers and crew, dates, diseases and symbols. They serve as a record and insight into the greater story of individual writers and their times.
Before treatment
After treatment
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