Long Night of Research 2024

Free admission and participation
Fri, 24.5.2024 5 pm11 pm
MAK – Museum of Applied Arts
7 pm / 8.30 pm

PRESENTATION
Roentgen Images (X-rays) and Sounds: On Researching and Restoring David Roentgen’s 1779 Marquetry Panels by Britta Dierig and Anne Biber, MAK Conservation Department
 
SPECIAL: Unlocking David Roentgen’s Cabinet
 
Cabinetmaker David Roentgen was already a legend in his lifetime. The MAK possesses the only marquetry panels (13 m² each) worldwide produced by his cabinetmaking workshop, each measuring 13 m². Visitors are afforded insights into how a concept for conservation and restoration work is elaborated. There is also a unique opportunity to have a look inside Roentgen's complex art and cabinet cabinet.
 
MAK conservators Britta Dierig and Anne Biber present David Roentgen's marquetry panels as part of the Long Night of Research 2024. The historical scenes depicted on them demonstrate an extraordinary love of detail. Thanks to the careful choice of wood and the extremely high quality of the workmanship, the original substance of the panels has been largely preserved. Nevertheless, time has left visible traces on the panels.
 
Visitors are afforded insights into research findings on the panels’ historical context and the preliminary material-technological test results, learn about the devolopement of a concept for conservation and restoration work and get to see “roentgen images” (X-rays) of Roentgen’s pictures.
 
The complex construction of the of David Roentgen’s cabinet cabinet can also be admired. It posed a particularly challenging task for the museum's restoration department, as Roentgen's luxury furniture is is fitted out on its interior with a number of highly complex mechanisms. The MAK conservators will exclusively open individual secret compartments and will be available for discussion after the lecture.
 
Slot 1: 7–8.15 pm
Registration here
 
Slot 2: 8.30–9.45 pm
Registration here

 
5–7 pm
MAK Design Kids
Making roentgen images (X-rays) of Roentgen’s work, and Superglue
 
MAK conservator Britta Dierig affords the MAK Design Kids X-ray insights into the restoration of one of cabinetmaking superstar David Roentgen’s impressive wood mosaics from the year 1779: What do we know of the adventurous journeys of these 13 m²-sized objects? How were their countless pieces of marquetry veneer glued on, and how are they being restored today? How was glue made in the past? We are as well being invited to enjoy a whiff of fish and bone glue in the Baroque Permanent Collection.
 
 Afterwards there’s a special ART Research Station, at which we can experiment with different glues. What glues stick best on which materials? Which solutions work for which situations? This research journey also leads us into the PROTEST/ARCHITECTURE exhibition, where we will be dealing with superglue and rebellious tricks involving glitter.
 
Workshop for 8- to 12-year-olds (with or without accompanying adult)
Registration here
 
Exhibitions

Until 6 pm: all special exhibitions and permanent collections are open
From 6 pm: special exhibitions closed, permanent collections are open

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