The frescoes of the Novalesa abbey complex, from restoration to preventive conservation through non-destructive diagnostics

The work presented shows the initial results of an interdisciplinary project focusing on actions necessary for the implementation of strategic maintenance plans to achieve preventive conservation of heritage systems. Started in May 2021, the project aims to assess and tune strategies for the prevention and mitigation of degradation phenomena affecting four historical buildings belonging to the architectonical site of the Novalesa abbey (Turin), with a particular focus on its medieval frescoes. It involves different professional actors (restorers, architects, conservation diagnostic scientists, and art historians) as well as the area's inhabitants. Based on the results of studies conducted over time on the wall paintings in the Chapel of St. Eldradus, one of the most important examples of Romanesque art in north-western Italy, the work methodology was extended to other areas of the monastery complex in need of attention. The apse of the church, the Chapels of St. Michael and the aforementioned St. Eldradus, and finally the so-called 'Camera Stellata' are now the subject of research in terms of the correlation between environmental conditions and the deterioration of the wall paintings, through the use of scientific nDT techniques and various types of analysis. The project deployed a system to collect the needed knowledge while managing the operations related to the preventive conservation plan (as i.e. salt extraction, local consolidation, etc.) and it is tended to be an asset supporting the project according to ICCROM and ICOMOS. Furthermore, the project is committed to involve the communities through dissemination initiatives. The Novalesa project was activated in the framework of PRIMA initiative funded by Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, having also the financial support of Città Metropolitana di Torino and Benedettini Congregation. The project operates under the supervising of the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio per la Città Metropolitana di Torino.