INTRODUCTION
Between 1924 and 1927, the Architect Ugo Giusti and the artist Galileo Chini, realized the Moresco Hall, the Red Tavern and the Loggiato Veranda with a decorative system close to the mysterious sensuality of the Alhambra. The works for the new main body of the Red Tavern were concluded in less than a year and were inaugurated in 1926 with the representation of a series of choreographic performances specially prepared by Giuseppe Adami with the Stage Design by Galileo Chini, the costumes of Luigi Caramba and the corps de ballet of the Scala of Milan.
The Grand Hotel des Thermes managed by celebrities such as the Baron Ritz, Mr. Pfyffer and companies such as the Magnaghi Spas, closed the activity for ever after the 2nd. World War and in 1965 it was purchased by the Municipality of Salsomaggiore and used as a Congress Hall. The complex gave hospitality to the National Hotel-management School, layouts of Museums and the Tourist Office. In 1996 the new Council Library was inaugurated. From 1996 to 1999 the second and third floors, where the Museum of Minerals and Fossils, the Municipal Technical Offices, and the Office of the Councillor for Cultural Activities were located, were made functional.
INTERVENTION OF RESTORATION
► Preliminary fastening of the areas lacking cohesion through the application of tissues in Japanese paper and reversible collar and points of puttying with micro-piles in lime mortar effected close to impressive lifting of the bases (removed during the phase of consolidation);
► Purification of the painted areas from incongruous elements, re-painting, painting and trimming;
► Reinforcing of base which was detached or lacking cohesion by means of infiltrations of special mortars and acrylic resins in emulsion;
► Where possible it was attempted, through controlled pressure, to put back the portions of detached frescoed plaster to their original position;
► Filling of the cracking and re-compensation of the small gaps with supporting mortar similar to the original brown coated mortar (this mortar will be applied set back with respect to the level of the frescoed surface);
► Completion of the filling-in and integration of mortars with a plaster finish of a composition similar to the original;
► Fixing of the pictorial film lacking cohesion and powdery, where necessary, by means of applications of resin in emulsion through tissue in Japanese paper and subsequent pressure;
► Removal of superficial deposits ( cobwebs, accumulations of dust) by means of controlled suction, with the help of soft brushes of animal hair;
► Cleaning of the fresco by means of washing and calibrated compresses, after careful verification in the course of the work. The cleaning methodology could be differentiated according to the quality and the “solidity” of the pigments and the state of preservation of the base;
► Fixing of the clean surface with 3% resinous emulsion for nebulization;
► Pictorial reintegration using natural earths, natural binders, Wilson-Newton type water colours, re-touching brushes with animal bristles carried out according to the indications of the Work Management. Each phase of pictorial integration was visualized through preliminary samples. Fixing of the whole surface with resin in 5% emulsion for nebulization.