Ancient Istrian ship en route to France for restoration.
Exactly two years since the remains of ancient ships called “Pula 1” and “Pula 2” were excavated from the site at Flaciusova Street, after which they were taken to one of Uljanik’s plants for desalination process, preparations are under way for the smaller ship “Pula 2” to be transported to France, to a world-renowned laboratory for woodwork and ship restoration ARC-Nucleart in Grenoble were it will be restored and conserved, reports Glas Istre on October 28, 2015.
Ida Koncani Uhač, head of archaeological excavations at the Archaeological Museum of Istria, pointed out that this is the first time in Croatia that a ship is being sent to such world-renowned laboratory. By all accounts, the ship should leave Pula in December or in January next year at the very latest.
“Having carefully selected the contractor for the restoration and conservation works, we are going to send the smaller ship ‘Pula 2’, which is in parts and whose transport is therefore a lot easier. They will use the processing method called PEG (it is a type of wax that melts in water and which is supposed to take the place of water in the wood)”, Koncani Uhač explained and added that they are currently completing the necessary documentation and export licenses which are needed for the export of such valuable part of cultural heritage.
They are also currently discussing further cooperation, that will see one of the restoration experts from the Archaeological Museum of Istria travel to Grenoble to study and apply the knowledge later for the restoration and conservation of “Pula 1” ship. Koncani Uhač explained that, due to the complexity and the size of that ship, its transport would be too complicated so for now it has been decided that “Pula 1” will remain in Croatia. It will be restored thanks to the knowledge learnt in France.
