Gradual integration of specific guidelines and interventions based on the balance between values, use, and economy are the best means to achieve the preservation goals.

Marble Tablet Replacement Issue

Marble tablet deformation is the result of dimensional under sizing (thickness), unsupported installation, climate, and material. While all of these factors cannot be easily remedied, such as climate, increasing the thickness of the slabs to 1¼ - 1 ½" would dramatically improve marble tablet rigidity. Substituting other varieties of white marble (for the original Carrara), that are less prone to bowing, would be preferable to using the popular and widely available dark gray granite and anorthosite.

These granite closure tablet replacements are dramatically different both in color and reflectivity from their marble precedents. Their widespread use is significantly impacting the appearance of the site as a whole. Surface finish samples show that historically, the tombs were white-washed or colored red, yellow, or grey. Currently, most painting has been with modern white latex-based materials. Tomb colors are now inverted: white tombs with colored tablets are appearing. While the closure tablet issue may seem like a minor aesthetic debate, it is indicative of the larger question of the contribution of repetitive architectural elements to the visual integration of the overall site and the impact of such changes.

Replacement also encourages loss of critical information if tablets are not remounted on the tomb. Remedial methods to repair and reinforce tablets for reuse do exist, and have been demonstrated throughout this project.