In the year 1990 Gunter Lorenz had the idea to give restorers a program with which they could evaluate solvents according to health and safety principals as well as according to their suitability. This software should be able to calculate mixtures of solvents according to the TEAS-parameter model.
With a graphic user interface the software was for both the practicing restorer and for students and scholars. It was not only a fine tool for rapidly getting calculations. It at the same time explained visually the theory of the solvent-triangle.
A mixture was then not e.g. 1:2:1 but 32 % : 17 % : 51 %. With the software a restorer could improve his mixtures or replace harmful solvents or mixtures with less harmful ones.
With the help of some practicing restorers and institutes SOLVATOR was improved and enhanced by tools that can print out data sheets, store text blocks as a part of the later documentation. The biggest effort was to implement a tool that could store the own results of a restorer as a mean to give more and more data to assess aged materials.
The next step was to implement a possibility to calculate even mixtures of binding media according to their solubility. Regarding occupational health and safety regulations we implemented a tool which enables to calculate the risk with up to six different solvents. Furthermore the restorer can implement several working rooms in the software.
Thus he is able to estimate the risk of solvent exposition in several places.
Gunter Lorenz, born 1954, Art Historian and Restorer for paintings and polychromed sculptures.
Responsable for the development of SOLVATOR since 1990.
