The project

A second joint restoration and on the job training scheme is now underway on the outskirts of Hué, at the mausoleum of Tu Duc, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. The pilot project`s core aim is to conserve and restore the gateway and spirit screen at Tu Duc's actual tomb. Yet the German restorers and trainees – all of whom worked previously on the An Dinh project – are also compiling research data for a manual: recommendations on the future restoration of the entire Tu Duc site and similar architectural ensembles. Typical tropical problems crop up, as they did at the An Dinh Palace: frequent rain, extreme humidity and inadequate maintenance, here exacerbated by the inexorable jungle overgrowth and tourism. The project timeframe is March 2009–July 2010. Restoration here differs from previous practice in Vietnam: the traces of time are to remain legible, original artwork and complementary reintegration to remain distinguishable from one another. The structure is to retain its inimitable patina and beauty yet be safeguarded against further deterioration and thus preserved for future generations. It will be exemplary for the extensive site. An exhibition about the project will be presented as part of the Hué Cultural Festival in June 2010.

Restoration

The craftspeople commissioned to create Tu Duc's tomb were well aware of the dangers of their climate and thus developed decorative elements from glazed architectural ceramics, porcelain mosaic, fresco painting and extremely stable mortars. The advantages of such techniques were wiped out in part by structural shortcomings however: the small canopy of roof-tiles atop the gateway at the tomb's entrance did little to prevent rain-soaked mortar from gradually encrusting plaster and ceramics with calcite deposits, and thus helped create a perfect environment for micro-bacterial infestation. The conservation and restoration of the gateway and spirit screen fully comply with UNESCO standards and the internationally ratified principles of the Venice Charter. A thorough analysis of historic components and techniques and of different types and causes of damage precedes all practical on-site work and constitutes its scientific basis. The measures undertaken at Tu Duc's tomb represent primary research into modern conservation materials and methods for outdoor architectural monuments. Their aim is the long-term preservation of original substance. Recommendations on the entire mausoleum site will prioritize the use of materials that are available in Vietnam and easily handled. Already, local workshops are being encouraged to manufacture a broader range of glazed ceramics and the market for buffalo-hide glue, precious lime and paper made from the 'do' tree is about to boom. Successful examples of conservation and restoration such as Tu Duc's gateway and spirit screen encourage local craftspeople to appreciate the benefits of traditional construction methods.

History

Tu Duc was the fourth emperor of the Nguyen dynasty and the one to reign the longest, from 1847 until 1883. His place of eternal rest was created during his lifetime amid hills, pine forests, islands and lakes. Built 1864–1867, it is considered the most accomplished of the seven mausoleum of the Nguyen emperors. Enclosed by a mighty brick wall, it comprises circa fifty buildings and other architectural elements scattered over almost 12 hectares, and can be divided roughly into two main areas: the residential complex with temples, pavilions and buildings for life in this world and the actual tombs of Tu Duc, his wife and other important family members. The gateway and spirit screen, currently under restoration, stand directly at the entrance to Tu Duc's tomb. The spirit screen serves to keep out evil spirits and annoying winds alike: it assures the potentate peace and quiet. Tu Duc loved luxury and the fine arts. Often, he would flee harsh realities and the influence of French colonial rule to seek respite in this oasis of calm and natural harmony, accompanied by his entire court. An ardent poet, he penned numerous verses on the veranda of the teahouse at the heart of his refuge, his gaze wandering the while across the idyllic Luu Thiem pond and its small island. The mausoleum grounds reflect the emperor's romantic soul, attest to his sense of beauty and were inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993.

Key players

Funded in the framework of the Cultural Preservation Programme maintained by Germany's Federal Foreign Office, the project to conserve and restore the gateway and spirit screen and produce a manual with recommendations on the conservation and restoration of the entire Tu Duc mausoleum was initiated by GCREP restorers. The Germany Embassy in Hanoi steers and monitors the project. The Hué Monuments Conservation Center (HMCC) has made specialist personnel available for consultancy or practical support. The 'Society for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage' (GEKE) will direct the project from 2009–2010. The joint restoration and on the job training scheme is carried out under the aegis of the German Conservation, Restoration and Education Projects (GCREP) team, led by Chief Restorer and Project Manager Ms. Andrea Teufel. Local restorers, who completed an earlier training scheme at the An Dinh Palace, benefit here from primary research and the challenge of unknown materials.