Workshop for Interventive & Preventive Conservation of Textiles, Paper & Metal 2022 (Balkan Heritage Field School/ Ionian University)

Location: Zakynthos, GR

Season: May 15, 2022 to June 4, 2022

Session Dates: Session 1: 15 - 21 May, 2022 (Paper) Session 2: 15 - 28 May, 2022 (Paper & Metal) Session 3: 22 - 28 May, 2022 (Metal) Session 4: 22 May - 4 June, 2022 (Metal & Textile) Session 5: 29 May - 4 June, 2022 (Textile) Session 6: 15 May - 4 June, 2022 (Full course)

Application Deadline: April 15, 2022

Deadline Type: Rolling

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

Discount for AIA members: 5%

Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Balkan Heritage Field School, Ionian University - Division Conservation of Antiquities & Works of Art (I.U) and New Bulgarian University

Project Director:
Dr Angela Pencheva (Balkan Heritage Foundation & Field School Program Manager) and Asst. Prof. Christos Karydis (Conservator, Ionian University)

Project Description:

In 2022, 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), 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.

The course consists of three separate educative modules depending on the subject in their focus: 1) PAPER, 2) METAL, 3) TEXTILES. Each of them consists of approx. 33 hours of lectures, workshops and study visits to significant sites on the island of Zakynthos.

Period(s) of Occupation: Middle Ages, Modern

Notes:
The workshop will enable participants to gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in textile, paper and metal 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: 1 week

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: Good manual dexterity skills and ability to work carry out delicate bench work. A valid COVID-19 certificate is 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 to four beds (bathrooms with shower and WC, TV, 24-hour room service, lockers, hairdryers, LAN plugin connection, 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 the supplement of 150 EUR per week. Staying an extra day at the hotel costs 45 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 the inexpensive and mid-ranged restaurants vary between 10 - 20 Euros for a three-course menu.

Academic Credit:
3/6/9 ECTS credits from New Bulgarian University for an additional tuition fee. Participants who are not interested in academic credits don't need to pay the tuition fee.