About
I am based in Basel, Switzerland, and specialize in the conservation of architectural surfaces, focusing on inorganic materials and their construction context. This includes, for example, stone and plaster, as well as decorated surfaces like wall paintings and mosaics.
By employing comprehensive documentation, building research, and the planning and execution of care programs and interventions, I aim to contribute to the preservation of our shared cultural heritage for future generations through solution-oriented approaches.
I would be delighted to collaborate with you in German, French, Italian, and English.
Services
In-situ services focus on meticulous planning and efficient execution to conserve architectural surfaces, including wall paintings, mosaics, plaster, painted plaster, stone, and masonry.
Intervention services include, for example, simple debris removal, stabilization via grouting, consolidation of friable materials, protective mortar finishes, and aesthetic integration. Each step is designed with the longevity and authenticity of the object in mind and is accompanied by thorough documentation.
Monitoring and maintenance are the most efficient and cost-effective approaches for preserving cultural heritage assets. This process involves identifying active issues and directly addressing their causes before damage spirals out of control. It also facilitates the development of an active understanding of the heritage asset, thereby optimizing management strategies.
As part of the monitoring and maintenance service, recommendations and plans are tailored on an individual basis to meet the specific requirements of each context. They can be further integrated with interval-based visual documentation through photogrammetry or environmental monitoring, for example.
Building research involves detective work to identify the sequence of construction or decoration work as well as the technologies used. It helps provide a bigger picture of the cultural heritage asset, which is important for the decision-making process.
Different tools come into play for this important task, including the consultation of previous documentation if available, the visual study of the context, thorough documentation of key aspects, and stratigraphical work in strategic positions.
In combination with condition surveys, environmental monitoring is regarded as an effective and economical tool for understanding deterioration phenomena and trends, and it has been widely implemented in conservation practices.
The monitoring solutions offered are energy-efficient and suitable for outdoor environments. Thanks to remote logging technology, it is possible to check and visualize data from anywhere, thereby facilitating the strategic planning of control visits.
Protective shelters are employed in various contexts within built heritage and large-scale artworks. The strategic optimization of these shelters is crucial for reducing risks and ensuring their effectiveness in supporting long-term preservation efforts.
Expertise is provided for assessing existing shelters and optimizing new projects, based on the exposure context, the original materials involved, and visitor access requirements. This process helps optimize the allocation of resources while aiming to enhance the preservation of the cultural heritage asset.
Conservation projects require extensive visual documentation for planning and executing interventions, as well as for monitoring deterioration processes.
Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and photogrammetry are employed to acquire the geometry and visual information of the cultural heritage asset, from which plans and orthophotographs are generated. Observations are annotated with the help of GIS tools on tablet devices or on paper, depending on the scope and requirements of the project.
Understanding the properties of specific specimens is vital not only for recognizing the materials and techniques originally used but also for analyzing deterioration phenomena and tailoring interventions to specific contexts.
Many physical properties can be assessed either in-situ or in the laboratory, while more specialized methods are conducted through partner laboratories.
Portfolio
Anjo Weichbrodt
MA Conservator-Restorer SKR
My professional journey began as an apprentice in wall painting conservation in France, before delving further into the field through undergraduate studies and work in Rome, Italy. I then specialized in the MA program for the conservation of architectural surfaces at SUPSI in Switzerland, which enriched my knowledge and skills and strengthened my dedication to the field.
Over time, I have had various opportunities to deepen my understanding and apply strategies to assess deterioration phenomena and material properties, supporting informed decision-making in the best interest of preserving the original materials and their context.
In addition to built heritage sites, I have actively worked on archaeological sites, addressing shelter construction needs that required me to develop skills in environmental monitoring and shelter optimization.
Working on large-scale surfaces, such as wall paintings, decorated plaster, mosaics, and archaeological masonry, prompted me to further enhance my skills in documentation and surveying techniques, including photogrammetry and geographic information systems (GIS).
Alongside planning and executing fieldwork, I have participated in collaborative projects that have helped me grow my research and writing skills. These experiences have been important complements to my hands-on work in situ.
Past clients
Memberships