Architectural Paint Research and the Archaeology of Buildings

Architectural Paint Research (APR) is the archaeological study of interior and exterior applied decoration. Over time, applied layers of paint and other decorative finishes build-up on the surface of a built structure, encapsulating microscopic deposits of material evidence. This evidence can be used to inform the phase dating of a structure, or illuminate the historic function of a space. It can challenge preconceived ideas of how specific areas were decorated, and track the changes in aesthetics over time. It can identify when architects’ ideologies have been balanced by practical considerations. It can provide an insight into the intangible and ephemeral atmosphere that decoration gives to a room. Finally, it can examine the dirt trapped between layers of decoration and thus categorize the physical environmental conditions that surrounded a building at varying points in its history. Although used in the commercial heritage and conservation sectors, Architectural Paint Research is almost completely unknown to building archaeologists. This article aims to introduce APR to a new audience, and argues that is an invaluable tool in the archaeological interpretation of buildings

Roe and fallow deer: are they compatible neighbours?

International audienceThe analysis of the relationships between population density and habitat features is important to evaluate the ecological needs of a species, its potential impact on ecosystems and its interspecific interactions. We analysed the spatial variation of roe deer and fallow deer densities in a Mediterranean area in summer 2007 and winter 2007/2008. Previous research has shown that fallow deer can actively displace and exclude roe deer from natural feeding sites. Here we show that both species have the greatest densities in ecotone habitats between wood and open fields (abandoned olive groves and pastures), but with contrasting geographic patterns. The fallow deer showed the greatest densities in the central northern part of the study area near to local historical release sites. The densities of roe deer were great where fallow deer were rare and low where fallow deer were abundant. Spatial overlap was great at the habitat scale, indicating a high potential for competition, but was low at the plot scale, suggesting that partitioning of space occurred at a fine scale. Supporting great numbers of deer, the ecotone areas are crucial for the management of ecosystems. We suggest that roe deer avoid areas with great densities of fallow deer and that interspecific interference from the latter affects the density and distribution of the former both at a fine and at a large scale

Jonathan at home: or, A stray shot at the Yankees.

Electronic reproduction. Washington, D.C. : Library of Congress, [2002-2003