COLLAPSE (Corrosion of Lead and Lead-Tin Alloys for Organ Pipes in Europe)

The COLLAPSE project objectives were to define relevant methods and products as well as to create conservation strategies in order to combat the corrosion of lead and lead-tin alloy organ pipes: 1. Through field studies and laboratory experiments to identify the factors which cause indoor atmospheric corrosion of lead-tin alloy organ pipes in order to avoid or improve corrosive environments. 2. To develop methods to clean, protect and preserve already corroded pipes from further corrosion. 3. To apply the recommended conservation strategies in a case study using the historical Stellwagen organ in St. Jakobi Church, Lübeck, severely affected by corrosion. 4. To develop and present guidelines for a European conservation strategy within this field, in order to contribute to the safeguarding of an essential part of the cultural identity which once was a driving force behind the creation of European city life.