Environmental Factors Affecting the Deterioration of the Mural Paintings Inside the Crypt of Wat Ratchaburana, Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

The aim of this research is to study the three environmental factors namely, temperature, relative humidity and air quality, affecting the deterioration of the mural paintings inside the crypt of Wat Ratchaburana, Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province. The findings are as follows: 

Wat Ratchaburana was built by Chao Sam Phraya in 1424 and the crypt of Wat Ratchaburana is still in good condition. There is a  cella or small central hall inside the prang containing the crypt, which contains a two-level crypt. The space inside the crypt has a  microclimate. The mural paintings inside the crypt are beginning to crack, the colour is changing and fading,  and they are affected by salt weathering and dust. Moreover, snake stains, millipedes and bats are found inside the central hall.

The environmental monitoring of temperature, relative humidity and air quality conducted inside the crypt showed that there was no control of temperature, relative humidity and particles and dust in the air. Temperature and relative humidity changes depending on the weather conditions which have caused the deterioration of the mural paintings. Therefore, preventive conservation should focus on temperature and relative humidity control and improve the ventilation system. The doors and windows should be opened to increase ventilation and air exchange rates if there is no climate control system installed. Moreover, tourists should not be allowed to walk down the stairs to the lower crypt.