Conservation treatment EOS IX by Jean Tinguely
EOS IX (La Grande Bascule), a kinetic sculpture made in 1966 by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely (1925-1991) was no longer functioning properly and has not been on display for a considerable time. After meticulous research it was possible to reverse a number of past adjustments and carry out the necessary conservation measures. A nicely restrained method was found for letting the original rubber belt run secure. It was somewhat stretched out but still in good condition and after conservation treatment the wheel runs properly again. The large wheel has been aligned so that the turning of the wheel does not damage the other parts.
Research work and conservation treatment are carried out by Nahid Matin Pour as part of the master course ‘Restaurierung/Konservierung von Technischem Kulturgut’ at the Fachhochschule für Technik und Wirtshaft Berlin. (Photograph by Sanneke Stigter/KMM)