Download: Mosaics of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul - Dumbarton Oaks

Besides data on conservation, the diaries of the
Whittemore staff also included observations on mosaic
technique and dating and descriptions of the images (Fig.
33). 29 The restoration was photographed systematically.
According to the diaries, the conservators faced two
major problems: consolidation of the original mosaics and
plaster and the removal or preservation of the Fossati
repairs and painting. Although much of the mosaic program
had survived, by the time the Byzantine Institute
started work it was apparent that many of the mosaics were
in fragile condition. In several places, sections of plaster
and mosaic had fallen off.
29 The diaries of the conservators also contain interesting details
about more mundane matters, such as the long journey by car to
Istanbul from London or Paris by staff members of the institute.
A. H. Lye mentioned in his diary that their party of four “left Paris
36
32
Conservator’s notebook entry
Sketch showing work sites
for members of the Byzantine
Institute staff for 18-19 June
1936. Pencil, watercolor, and
ink on paper. (Byzantine
Institute, W. Gregory, diary,
1936, notebook 57)