Exploration Of Scaled Photography In Documentation Of Heritage Mural: Case Study Of Mural In Kedai Mulong Old Mosque

Abstract

Scaled Photography is an image-based documentation technique that has been practiced in conservation of heritage building in Malaysia. It is a combination of an image recording technology using camera and an image scaling process through AutoCAD application prior publication of final documentation report. The current development in digital camera technology has significant impact on the documentation process of Scaled Photograph compared to the previous technique using analogue camera. Nowadays, the Scaled Photography is synonymous with the documentation work for large scale of heritage building particularly for conservation purpose. However, little is known that Scaled Photography has ever used to record and document smaller elements such as ornaments and interior decoration especially those located inside a building with limited light. Through an exploration approach, this study was carried out to record and document one of the murals located at the Old Mosque of Kedai Mulong as a case study with the implementation of Scaled Photography method. This study aims and focuses on the processes and procedures needed to record and document the mural located on the internal walls of the mosque. The outcomes of the documentation were subsequently evaluated and discussed in term of its effectiveness based on the documentation principles recommended by ICOMOS in the ‘Principles For Recording of Monuments, Groups Of Building and Site’- Sofia, Bulgaria, 1996. The results showed that the documentation using the Scale Photography method complies with four (4) recommended principles namely illustrating significance, quality and accuracy, accessibility and clarity.