Contribution of analytical techniques to determine the technologies used in the ceramic materials from the Former Workers Hospital of Maudes, Madrid (Spain)

Abstract

This study is focuses on the characterisation of the pastes and enamels constituents of the decorative ceramics, cladding ceramics and mosaic tiles, covering the façades and the central garden fountain of the Former Workers Hospital of Maudes at Madrid, Spain. The structural bricks of the inner fabric walls and those used at the courtyards are also studied. Both the original and restoration materials are analysed petrographically and mineralogically and the elemental composition of the enamel is determined. The major textural and compositional variations identified in the materials are mainly due to differences in the clay raw materials and additives used, as well as to the manufacturing processes, specially firing temperatures. In addition to comparing the results of the analyses conducted to the information obtained from the references consulted, the study provides unknown data on the raw materials and technologies involved in manufacturing the ceramic materials found in a heritage building.