General view of the view of the Ahhichattragarh Fort and Palace Complex at Nagaur in Rajasthan, India. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Satellite view of the Ahhichattragarh Fort and Palace Complex surrounded by the city of Nagaur in Rajasthan, India. Image © Digitalglobe
Elevated view of an arcaded walkway, behind which lies the Sheesh Mahal and surrounding gardens.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Arcaded walkway though which lies the Sheesh Mahal building and garden.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
The beautiful Ahhichattragarh Fort and Palace Complex at night.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Exterior view of the Sheesh Mahal or "Palace of Mirrors". The building comprises a single vaulted hall with encircling veranda and garden courtyard. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Interior view of the Sheesh Mahal facing east, before conservation. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Interior view of the Sheesh Mahal facing west, before conservation. Image © Courtauld CWPD
The plastered and painted exterior walls of the Sheesh Mahal. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Both interior and exterior palace surfaces are covered in "araish" plaster. It is historically composed of three layers, the uppermost of which is bright white in color and highly polished. Both technique and materials are remarkably similar to thos
Once completely dry, the araish was decorated with paintings. In the vault, women are represented sharing drinks and playing musical instruments amidst swirling clouds during monsoon. Image © Courtauld CWPD
In the vault, women are represented sharing drinks and playing musical instruments amidst swirling clouds during monsoon. Image © Courtauld CWPD
In the vault, women are represented sharing drinks and playing musical instruments amidst swirling clouds during monsoon. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Detail of the painting in the vault in visible (left) and ultraviolet (right) light. Ultraviolet fluorescence exposes the faded organic materials originally used to depict the clouds and rain of the monsoon. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Environmental monitoring indicated that fluctuations in the internal microclimate were promoting the efflorescence of salts and causing deterioration of the painting. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Environmental monitoring indicated that fluctuations in the internal microclimate were promoting the efflorescence of salts and causing deterioration of the painting. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Salt crystals were pushing layers of paint off the wall.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Salt crystals were pushing layers of paint off the wall.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Salt efflorescences were removed by gentle brushing where possible. Poultices were then used to extract salt ions from within the plaster.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Before (left) and after (right) removal of salts from the wall paintings.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
An extremely glossy and discoloring non-original coating was removed from the surface of the painting with poultices.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Detail of the vault during coating removal. The coating is clearly visible in the upper portion of the image, giving the paintings a glossy and discolored appearance. Where it has been removed in the bottom portion of the image, the originally matte
Example of the inlaid mirror work from which the palace derives its name. The image shows the araish during cleaning. A thick brownish-yellow dirt layer has been removed from the left side of the plaster but remains on the right side.  Image
Tthe mirrored surfaces were similarly cleaned and polished.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Some of the mirrored work had been covered over by non-original repair material during a previous intervention. This was removed to expose the mirror beneath. The image shows a concealed area before (left) and after (right) cleaning.  Image ©
Detail of the mirrored dado level before (left) and after (right) cleaning.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Detail of the mirrored dado level before (left) and after (right) cleaning.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
A thick brownish-yellow dirt layer was also removed from the upper walls. A multi-step process was used to protect the water-sensitive pigments during cleaning of the araish .  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Paint layers were first covered with a naturally subliming material as protection during cleaning of the surrounding plaster.   Image © Courtauld CWPD
An intervention layer of tissue paper was then applied to the area.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
A gel-based system was applied over the tissue layer until the dirt layer beneath began to swell.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
The tissue was then peeled off, removing the gel poultice with it.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Sponges were used to clear the loosened dirt layer from the surface of the wall, leaving the painted surfaces unaffected.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Sponges were used to clear the loosened dirt layer from the surface of the wall, leaving the painted surfaces unaffected.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Example of a painted niche partially cleaned.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Example of a painted niche before (left) and after (right) cleaning.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Multiple small and large areas of detached and displaced plaster were readhered to the wall support through injection grouting. A custom grout compatible with the original materials was developed for the purpose. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Cotton wool was used to block holes where the grout could potentially leak out prior to setting.  Image © Courtauld CWPD
Pipettes, syringes, needles and catheters were used as required to inject the custom grout, stabilizing areas of detached plaster. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Pipettes, syringes, needles and catheters were used as required to inject the custom grout, stabilizing areas of detached plaster. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Detail of the south wall before (left) and after (right) completion of conservation treatment. Image © Courtauld CWPD
General view of the west wall before (left) and after (right) completion of conservation treatment. Image © Courtauld CWPD
Detail of the west wall after conservation treatment. Image © Courtauld CWPD
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