TCA Abu Dhabi unveils Qasr al Hosn fort conservation
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The restoration team preserving Abu Dhabi’s historical structure has for the first time revealed the essential nature of its ongoing work. The work is being conducted at Qasr al Hosn, which has stood since the mid-1700s and is currently undergoing a comprehensive project of conservation and restoration.
This work is essential to prevent moisture from being trapped on the surface of the coral stone, which currently lies beneath the modern white render. This condensation has a corrosive and potentially harmful effect on the historic fabric of the fort.
Soon, members of the community and visitors to the UAE will be able to see this conservation work up close. The courtyard areas of the palace and former inner fort will be opened to visitors on guided tours at the annual Qasr al Hosn Festival from 20 February to 1 March 2014. Every year at the festival, visitors will be able to witness progress on Abu Dhabi’s most important historical project. The festival is held under the mandate of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said: “The principle approach at Qasr Al Hosn is to strengthen the appreciation of Emirati heritage and identity. Qasr Al Hosn is the centre piece of a new regional cultural quarter and is being restored using international standards of conservation.”
Peter Sheehan, Head of Historic Buildings, TCA Abu Dhabi has been working on the project from the outset, when he carried out the initial archaeological investigations aimed at understanding the construction sequence of the fort and informing the current conservation works.
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