Publications
Field test of dehumidifiers for avoiding condensation in unheated historical wooden houses
A field test of sorption dehumidifiers in the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland' successfully mitigated condensation risk, a threat to valuable wall paintings. The study found that dehumidifiers, programmed to limit indoor relative humidity (RH) to 80%, effectively prevented condensation across all rooms despite high air change rates (~0.8 ACH). While RH peaks occurred locally and temporarily due to transient wind or stack conditions, the overall effectiveness was demonstrated through climate logging and tracer gas measurements. The research provides practical guidance for dehumidifier installation in unheated historical wooden structures, balancing preservation needs with environmental control.
Exploring Folk Art in Historical Interiors
A multidisciplinary research project, supported by the Swedish Research Council and conducted at the University of Gothenburg's Department of Conservation, revealed significant insights into the decorative folk arts and crafts of Hälsingland's farmhouses. These interiors, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, were analyzed using craft science methods to interpret their historical and cultural significance. The study, concluded in 2019, aimed to understand the intricate patterns and techniques employed in these farmhouses, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of craft sciences.
Forensic Art History: the Ädel Painting Dispute 1839-1841
A multidisciplinary investigation combining forensic art history and scientific analysis has resolved an 180-year-old dispute over the pigments used by 19th-century Swedish painter Anders Erik Ädel. The study, which analyzed judicial protocols alongside non-invasive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and spectroscopic methods, revealed that Ädel indeed used more costly pigments than agreed upon in his contract with client Erik Olofsson. This finding not only validates Ädel's claim from 1839 but also provides unprecedented insights into his painting techniques and materials, contributing to a deeper understanding of his artistic practice. The research underscores the value of integrating historical records with advanced scientific methods to reinterpret art history, particularly for UNESCO-listed sites like Hälsingland's decorated farmhouses.
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