Workshop for Conservation of Paper 2026 (Balkan Heritage Field School/ Ionian University)

Location: Закинтос, Гърция

Season: May 31, 2026 to June 13, 2026

Session Dates: May 31 - June 13, 2026

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.bhfieldschool.org/program/workshop-for-interventive-and-preventive-conservation-of-paper

Discount for AIA members: 5 % off regular admission

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Balkan Heritage Foundation,Ionian University - Department of Environment, New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria

Project Director:
Academic coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Christos Karydis (Conservator, Ionian University) Field school coordinators: Dr. Angela Pencheva (Balkan Heritage Foundation & Field School Program Director) and Assoc. Prof. Christos Karydis (Conservator, Ionian University) Lecturers: Dr. Nikolas Sarris - Conservator of paper & archive materials, National Library of Greece

Project Description:

In 2026, the Workshop for Interventive & Preventive Conservation of Paper will again be hosted by the Ionian University – Department of Environment in Zakynthos island (Greece). It provides a unique opportunity for students and volunteers to gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience on the conservation and preservation of organic and inorganic artifacts. Participants will be guided through the history and technology of ecclesiastical, historical and ethnographic papers and consequent stages of their study, conservation and documentation. Both the theoretical and practical courses will take place at the labs of the Division Conservation of Antiquities & Works of Art at the Ionian University. During the project weeks, participants will work with archival materials. The project includes three module: practical work in the documentation and restoration paper; lectures, training, study visits and excursions to the General Archives of Zakynthos.

By the end of the workshop the participants will:

– be able to develop basic practical skills (depending on participant’s initial level of qualification) in paper conservation treatments
– become acquainted with the basic methods of all the required documentation for the conservation of paper using graphic software, as well as photo documentation
– learn about the forms, types, traditions and technology of manufacture of paper
– get acquainted with different case studies for preventive conservation of organic and inorganic materials.
– meet professionals working in the areas of conservation in Greece.

Period(s) of Occupation: Middle Ages & Modern

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 weeks

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
Accommodation*: In the family-run Yria Hotel near the historical center of the town of Zakynthos (Zante), in comfortable rooms with two beds (bathrooms with shower and WC, TV, 24-hour room service, lockers, hair dryers, A/C and a fridge). Laundry service and free Wi-Fi are available at the hotel. Participants are not expected to bring any additional equipment, bedclothes, or towels. Single rooms are available upon request for an additional 260 EUR. Staying an extra day at the hotel costs 75 EUR (per night per person). *Subject to change. May be substituted with similar level accommodation. Meals: The reimbursement payment covers only breakfast. Lunches and dinners are not included. The prices of inexpensive and mid-range restaurants range from 10 to 20 Euros for a three-course menu.

Academic Credit:
*IMPORTANT NOTE* Enrollment in the Balkan Heritage Field School (BHFS) through the Balkan Heritage Foundation (BHF) does not include academic credits. Аs part of the BHF–CFS collaboration, US credit units are available to all students. To obtain US credits and certification, apply and enroll directly through the CFS portal; the tuition fee is included in the CFS admission fee: https://www.fieldsciences.org/programs/ For students attending European universities, ECTS credits are also available for an additional fee. To receive ECTS credits, enroll directly through the BHFS and declare your request for credits during the enrollment process.