Amelia International Conservation Studies
Program Description
Amelia International Conservation Studies
June 10 - July 5, 2024
Amelia, Italy
This course introduces students to restoration of natural and stones derivatives / artificial stone surfaces in Italian historic monuments. Through lectures and hands-on workshops, it explores traditional materials and techniques used to create monuments and artwork integral to their structure. It also examines the various agents of deterioration that, over time, damage the materials and the different approaches to their restoration and conservation. Furthermore, the course offers opportunities to explore, along with the most common restoration techniques, an advanced technique, such as laser cleaning.
The course investigates traditional monuments materials including natural stones and different types of traditional mortars. The objectives for this course are to introduce students planning a career in restoration to the field, and to offer a useful overview of the process and problematic examples of restoration to students involved in other aspects of the process of conservation and historic preservation. This course is aimed at students of restoration and conservation, historic preservation, architecture, art, art history, cultural history, engineering, anthropology, archaeology and museum studies.
Program Description
Amelia International Conservation Studies
June 10 - July 5, 2024
Amelia, Italy
In this course, students will learn the practical skills and techniques used in the restoration and preservation of paper-based artworks and archives. Through hands-on demonstrations and lectures, participants will get an in-depth understanding of the history of paper, paper-care basics, and the different restoration methods and materials suitable for different types of paper-based items.
By the end of the course, students will have gained an in-depth knowledge about paper restoration techniques for artworks and archives.
They will have developed the practical skills to explore and solve issues related to the damages in paper-based items. Participants can expect to gain expertise in the use of conservation materials and have an understanding of how to handle the artwork and archives for further preservation.
They will also have gained a deep appreciation of the cultural significance of paper-based items, and how restoring these objects is an important part of preserving our cultural heritage.
Overall, students can expect to come away from this course with a strong foundation in paper restoration techniques, and an understanding of how to apply these techniques to preserve works of art and archives for generations to come.
Students learn basic skills required for the cleaning and restoration of paper media in archival documents: manuscripts, printed materials and engravings. Instruction is done through lectures and practical workshops where students apply their newly learned skills under the careful supervision of their instructors on original documents from the Amelia Historic Archives (13th-19th centuries).
Program Description
Amelia International Conservation Studies
June 10 - July 5, 2024
Amelia, Italy
This is an immersive course designed for students from various backgrounds with a direct or indirect relationship with art, as well as enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of the techniques and tools used in painting through the centuries, as well as the challenges of preserving and repairing old artworks.
Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and visits to museums and studios, students will develop their skills and appreciation of the procedures for obtaining different types of traditional paintings.
Students will learn about the various approaches to the different techniques of painting, starting from scratch in carrying out the preparation of the supports, the different kinds of grounds-preparatory layers and eventually the painting with possible protection where it is needed, according to the tradition.
They will learn about the properties, preparation, and use of natural pigments, mediums, varnishes, and supports, as well as their historical and cultural context. They will also explore different types of brushes, and many other tools involved in the elaboration of a painting.
Restoration: In this section, students will learn about the common problems affecting old paintings depending on the combination of the different materials, which can lead in extreme cases to severe losses, as well as the ethical and practical issues related to their preservation and restoration. They will also visit conservation laboratories and talk to experts in the field.
Throughout the course, students can expect to gain:
- An in-depth knowledge of traditional painting materials, methods, and restoration issues, as well as historical context and cultural significance.
- A practical experience of painting with traditional tools and techniques, under the guidance of an expert.
- An appreciation of the challenges and rewards of conservation and restoration, and the role of science, ethics, and aesthetics in these fields. Students will have the opportunity to take home the paintings executed using various techniques.
- A network of connections with instructors and professionals in the preservation field.
At the end of the course, students will have a new set of skills, insights, and connections that will enable them to pursue their own projects and interests in the field of painting, and to appreciate the legacy and diversity of painting traditions.
