Mold infestation on organs to be clarified
The Evangelical Church in Central Germany (EKM) has launched a research project on mold infestation on organs. The three-year project will initially involve a serial examination of around 100 instruments.
In the second phase of the project, a larger number of organs will be examined more closely. Among other things, this involves identifying the fungi found, recording the structural condition of the church in detail and recording the indoor climate as well as researching the history of restoration and refurbishment.
In a preliminary project, mold was found not only on the instruments, but also in other places in the church interior, which is why the entire building is now being examined. The question of whether the infestation is favored by renovation measures of the last twenty years also plays a role, for example because the air exchange was reduced by tighter windows or surface coatings were used that serve as a breeding ground for the fungi.
The project brings together experts from the fields of building climatology, materials science, microbiology, restoration science and heritage conservation, who work closely with organ experts from churches and heritage authorities, parishes, organ builders and organists.
