Conservation Issues

There is a discussion of the Conservation issues within the Conservation Plan.

In dealing with the exposed mosaics problems are created by the migration of moisture from the subsoil through the mosaic to the air above and through surface condensation. Whenever moisture is either above or within the structure of the mosaic and the temperature falls below freezing point the mosaic will be damaged.

There is also a problem produced by the accumulation of dust and blown soil fragments lodging on the surface and providing a home for algae, which if left will form a basis that would allow mosses to take root, which would cause serious damage to the mortar pointing between the individual tesserae.

The aim therefore is to keep the surface as clean and dry as possible.

See also the Mosaics Conservation reports by Caroline Sharp of Southampton City Council and John Stewart of English Heritage in the reports section. Further monitoring information will be added to this website in due course.