»Restoration of the allegorical representation of the Moravian Church ›Vine with branches‹ for the Single Brothers' House in Herrnhut from 1774«

KEK-model project

After successful funding projects in previous years, the Unity Archives in Herrnhut applied in 2021 for funding for another KEK-model project from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) and the Office for the Coordination of the Preservation of Written Cultural Heritage (KEK). This time, a large-format allegorical representation of the Moravian Church on paper and canvas, which was made in 1774 for the Single Brothers‘ House in Herrnhut, is to be cleaned and restored. The family tree depiction is a vivid testimony of the history of the Moravian Church, steming from the words of Jesus Christ from John 15:5: ›I am the vine, you are the branches‹. It shows the names of the Moravian congregations, and diaspora places and so called Memorabilia (e.g. Memorial Days, Moravian distictive features and individuals) recorded on almost 300 vine leaves from the year of Herrnhut's founding in 1722 up to the year the representation was created in 1774. Due to its age and size, its object history as well as its expressiveness and significance, the pictorial representation is to be preserved and restored and exhibited in Herrnhut in 2022 as part of the 300th anniversary of Herrnhut's founding. This project is also financially supported by the State Commissioner for the Preservation of Holdings in Saxony at the Saxon State and University Library Dresden (SLUB).

Project procedure

The allegorical representation shows extensive damage. The surface is heavily soiled on the front and back. The paper has been browned by sunlight and various environmental influences, which have led to an altered appearence. Creases and serverely tears in the paper and at the edges have also caused loss of substance. During the restoration, for which a restorer in Saxony could be found, the front of the canvas, as well as the back is to be cleaned. Loose paper fibers are to be strengthened, creases and rips are to be smoothed, missing parts are to be filled and neutrally retouched. The restoration of the  ›Vine with branches‹ from 1774 is an example of how endangered paper is not only found in files and books. It can also affect such an 18th century representation on paper and canvas. After the project application was approved in July 2021, the restorer could be commissioned in September. The restoration could be fully completed by January 24, 2022. The restored 'Vine with branches' was then included in the anniversary exhibition 'Aufbruch-Netz-Erinnerung. 300 Jahre Herrnhut' from April 9 - November 27, 2022 in the Ethnological Museum in Herrnhut and shown to the public.