Investigating the colourful world of Alessandro Mendini: Perserving Nigritella Nigra, a unique chest of drawers decorated with grease crayon drawings 

This paper discusses the decision-making process and the conservation treatment of Nigritella Nigra (1993), a chest of drawers designed by Alessandro Mendini (Milan, 1931-2019. (1)). The top drawer case is decorated with several colourful abstract crayon drawings, making the chest a unique work of art. The varnish on top of these drawings was peeling off, lifting the crayon with it, with loss of material as a result. This study analyses the factors that may have contributed to the degradation process and describes the research performed preceding treatment, including ethical, aesthetical and artistic perspectives. Information from an artist interview has enriched deliberations in decision-making. For material analysis Py-GC/MS and FTIR were used, identifying grease crayon as medium for the drawings and cellulose nitrate (CN) for the varnish. Various options for consolidation and retouching were considered and tested, and a suitable approach was found with satisfactory result.