Workshops for Conservation of Metal, Paper and Textiles 2026 (Balkan Heritage Field School/ Ionian University)

Location: Zakynthos, GR

Season: May 24, 2026 to June 13, 2026

Session Dates: May 24 - June 13, 2026

Application Deadline: April 24, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.bhfieldschool.org/program/conservation-course-historic-textiles-paper-metal

Discount for AIA members: 5% off regular admission

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

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

Project Director:
Academic coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Christos Karydis (Conservator, Ionian University) Field school coordinator: Dr. Angela Pencheva (Balkan Heritage Foundation & Field School Program Director)

Project Description:

In 2026, the Workshop for Interventive & Preventive Conservation of Textiles, Paper & Metal will again be hosted by the Ionian University – Division Conservation of Antiquities & Works of Art 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 textiles, papers and metal objects 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 authentic and replicas of textiles, archival materials and metal objects. The project includes three modules: practical work in the documentation and restoration of textiles, paper and metal; lectures, training, study visits and excursions to the General Archives of Zakynthos (paper), to the Ecclesiastical Museum of St. Dionysious (textiles) and one day trip to the famous Shipwreck at Navagio (metal).

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 textiles, paper and metal conservation treatments
• become acquainted with the basic methods of all the required documentation for the conservation of textiles, paper and metal using graphic software, as well as photo documentation
• learn about the forms, types, traditions and technology of manufacture of textiles, paper and metal
• 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

Notes:
The workshop enables participants to gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in paper, metal and textile conservation. Documentation and scientific analysis (optical microscopy & XRF, XRD analysis) will also be presented. The participants will document original materials and work on replicas.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 3 weeks

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: Good manual dexterity skills and ability to work carry out delicate bench work. A valid COVID-19 certificate may be required.

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.