Workshops for Interventive & Preventive Conservation of Metal, Paper and Textiles

   The Project and the Course General Information      

General Information       

Project type: Workshop on Conservation

Workshop started: 2017

About the project and the workshop: 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. Visit to the Ecclesiastical Museum, Archive and Library of Zakynthos as well as to the world famous Shipwreck (Navagio) beach. Optional tours to the top beaches of the island. 

Artifacts & monuments in the project's focus: replicas and objects from ecclesiastical and folklore museums in Greece

Project venue & accommodation: Ionian University - Division Conservation of Antiquities & Works of Art(I.U). Participants stay in a beachfront hotel in Zakynthos, located 8-10 min, by bus to the Ionian University.

BHF partners in this project: Ionian University - Division Conservation of Antiquities & Works of Art. and New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria

Academic coordinator: Asst. Prof. Christos Karydis (Conservator, Ionian University)

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

Lecturers:     

Asst. Professor Dr. Christos Karydis - Conservator, Ionian University

Dr Nikolas Sarris - Conservator of paper & archive materials, National Library of Greece   

Ms. Adamantia Panagopoulou - Conservator of Antiquities; MSc – PhD researcher in archaeological materials in 'NCRS Demokritos' National Research Institute & Leiden University in the Netherlands.    

Аsst. Prof. Panagiota Manti - Ionian University  

Field school sessions available:

• Field school one week session 1 (paper): 17 - 23 Мay, 2020      
• Field school two week session 2 (paper & metal): 17 - 30 May, 2020
• Field school one week session 3 (metal): 24 - 30 May, 2020   
• Field school two week session 4 (metal & textile): 24 May - 6 June, 2020
• Field school one week session 5 (metal): 31 May - 6 June, 2020     
• Full Field school three week session 6 (paper, metal & textile): 17 May - 6 June, 2020      

Application deadlines: until the places are filled or 10 April 2020

Minimum length of stay: one week   

Minimum age: 18

Number of field school places available: maximum 12

Language: English

Experience required: None

Requirements:    

• Good manual dexterity skills and ability to work carry out delicate bench work.      
• The admission fee does not cover insurance. It is necessary to arrange your own insurance before your trip to Greece. All EU citizens can use Greek medical services as long as they can provide evidence of their home-country health insurance with a card, certificate, etc.    
• Participants should bring clothes and toiletries suitable for warm and sunny weather (26 -36 C), but should also prepare for rainy, windy and chilly days.    
• Participants should bring white standard lab-coat needed for the conservation treatments in the labs.    
• Participants are also expected to prepare for the field school by reading the materials that will be sent by e-mail before the beginning of the project.    
• Participants will use the tools and equipment available at the labs and are not required to bring any additional equipment apart perhaps for favorite personal tools.   

Special considerations: Note: Citizens of the EU, EEA, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand do not need an entry visa for Greece. Citizens of countries not mentioned above should check in advance whether they will need entry visas for the country. The cost of any visas is not included in the price of the field school!  

       The Workshop   

In 2020, 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).

Refer to the Course description and Workshop agenda below.   

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. 

All participants will receive:

• Reading materials (in PDF version by e-mail);   
• Balkan Heritage Field School Certificate specifying the fieldwork hours, educational modules, and sites visited;   
• BHFS T-shirt.   

NB! Students who need to prepare conservation reports and presentations for their universities can receive additional instruction and assistance. Students applying for academic credit hours must take an exam.   

 The Program   

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.

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

• Introduction to Chemistry for Conservators 

1) PAPER CONSERVATION MODULE

• History of Paper Making   
• History of Bookmaking & Bookbinding
• Documentation & Causes of Deterioration of Paper
• Documentation Techniques of Paper Objects   
• Identification of Damages of Paper Objects 
• Preventive Conservation & Handling of Paper Objects and Books: Case studies St. Catherine of Sinai and Iraq project
• Introduction to First Aid Treatments of Paper Artifacts
• Introduction to Paper Conservation Treatments
• Paper Conservation Techniques   
• Housing and Storage of Paper and Books. Folders and Boxmaking
• Visit to the Historic Public Library and the General Archives of Zakynthos   

2) METAL CONSERVATION MODULE

• History of Ethnographic and Archaeological Metal Artifacts
• Construction Technology of Ethnographic and Archaeological Metal Artifacts
• Introduction to Interventive Conservation Treatments of Metal
• Conservation Techniques and Materials of Metal: 1) Iron; 2) Copper; 3) Copper Alloys
• Physicochemical Analyses of Metal: XRF, XRD & Raman analysis
• Preventive Conservation & Handling of Metal. Conditions and Materials of Storage or Exposure of Metal
• Environmental Conditions of Interventive or Preventive Conservation. Methods and Materials of in situ Conservation of Metal
• Visit to Navagio (the shipwreck and the beach), Zakynthos.       

3) TEXTILE CONSERVATION MODULE

• History of Textiles
• Documentation & Causes of Deterioration of Textiles
• Documentation Techniques of Textiles
• Introduction to First Aid Treatments of Textiles Artifacts
• Introduction to Textile Conservation Treatments  
• Introduction to the Physicochemical Analysis on Works of Art and Antiquities 
• Mechanical Cleaning and Humidification Techniques       
• Textile Conservation Techniques and Fiber Identification
• Introduction to Stain Removal: 1) mechanical cleaning; 2) solvent cleaning   
• Stitching Support Exercise    
• Hanging Textile (Materials & Techniques)
• Preventive Conservation & Handling of Textiles. Case study: Holy Mountain of Athos & Patmos Monastery (UNESCO Monuments)   

   Reading Background

Paper       

• Hamburg, D. 1992. Library and Archival Collections. Pp.52-63 in Caring For Your Collections (H. Whelchel, ed.). New York, NY: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
• Hamill, M. 1993. Washingtoniana II: Conservation of Architectural Drawings at the Library of Congress. American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works Book and Paper Group Annual, vol. 12:24-31.
• Holden, M. 1992. A Programmatic Approach, Archives Preservation Update. American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works Book and Paper Group Annual, vol. 11:159-162.
• Horton, R. 1985. A Preservation Photographic Album Idea. Topics in Photographic Preservation. Washington, DC: American Institute for Conservation Photographic Materials Group.
• Hunter, D. 1978. Papermaking: The History and Technique of an Ancient Craft, 3rd ed. New York, NY: Dover Publications
• Wilhelm, H., with C. Brower. 1993. The Permanence and Care of Color Photographs: Traditional and Digital Color Prints, Color Negatives, Slides, and Motion Pictures. Grinnell, IA: Preservation Publishing Company, 744 pp.
• Wilsted, T. and W. Nolte. 1991. Managing Archival and Manuscript Repositories. Chicago, IL: The Society of American Archivists   

Textile

• Catling, D and Grayson, J. 2004. Identification of Vegetable Fibres. London: Archetype.   
• Cardon, D. 2007. Natural Dyes - Sources, Tradition, Technology, Science. London: Archetype.
• Carr, D., Cruthers, N., Smith, C and Myers, T. 2008. Identification of Selected Vegetable Textile Fibres. Reviews in Conservation, Vol. 9, 75- 87.
• Greaves, PH and Saville, B.P. 1995. Microscopy of Textile Fibres. Oxford: Bios Scientific Publishers.   
• Karydis, C. 2010. The Orthodox Christian Sakkos. Ecclesiastical Garments dating to the 15th- 20th c. from the Holy Mountain of Athos. Collection Survey, Scientific Analysis & Preventive Conservation. Oxford: Archaeopress British Archaeological Reports.
• Karydis,C., Siatou, A and Karabotsos, A. 2009. The Garment of an Byzantine Emperor from Mount Athos: Observation & Analysis. In: TECHNART 2009,Non-destructive and Microanalytical Techniques in Art and Cultural Heritage, Athens, 27 - 30 April 2009.   
• Pinniger, D. 2008. Pest Management in Museums, Archives and Historic Houses (Re printed). London: Archetype.
• Rogerson, C and Eastop, D. 1999. The Application of Cross- Sections in the Analysis of Historic Textiles, The Conservator, Vol. 23, 49-56.      
• Staniforth, S (edit). 2013. Historical perspectives on preventive conservation. Los Angeles: Getty Conservation Institute.
• Timar- Balazsy and Eastop, D. 1999. Chemical Principles of Textile Conservation. London: Butterworth-Heinemann.
• Woodfin, W. 2012. The embodied Icon: Liturgical vestments and sacramental power in Byzantium. Oxford: University Press.    

Metal

• Scott, D., Podany, J and Considine, B (edit). 1994. Ancient & Historic Metals conservation & scientific research. Proceedings of a Symposium on Ancient and Historic Metals organized by the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Getty Conservation Institute, November 1991.   
• Hammilton. D. Methods of Conserving Archaeological Material from Underwater Sites. http://nautarch.tamu.edu/CRL/conservationmanual  
• Scott, D. 1991. Metallography and microstructure of ancient and historic metals.http://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications_resources/pdf_publications/metallography_microstructure.html   
• Cronyn, J.M. 1990. The elements of archaeological conservation.   
• Burhke V., Jenkins R., Smith D, 1997, A Practical Guide for the Preparation of Specimens for X-Ray Fluorescence and X-Ray Diffraction Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, New York.   
• Cowley ed. J.M, 1993. Electron Diffraction Techniques, IUCR, Oxford University Press.   
• Ferraro J., Nakamoto K., 1994. Introductory Raman Spectroscopy, Academic Press, Boston.   
• Stuart Barbara H., 2007. Analytical Techniques in Material Conservation, John Wiley & Sons, Athens.

Travel & Accommodation & Practicalities 

Travel   

How to get there?   

The Greek island of Zakynthos or Zante in the Ionian Sea is a very popular summer destination in Europe. The island is located less than 10 mi away from the coast of Peloponnese. The island has one airport: Zakynthos International Airport which connects it with numerous Greek (Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete etc) and international airports and two harbors. The main harbor is located in the town of Zakynthos - from there start all ferries to the neighboring islands and to the port of Kyllini in the mainland Greece. Normally tourists arrive by car or by bus to Zakynthos through Kyllini. For more information, please check the timetable of Levante Ferries. 

Accommodation & Meals          

Accommodation*: In the family-run hotel Yria 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, hair dryers, 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 admission fee 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.          

Free Time & Trips   

Free time: Zakynthos offers a lot of opportunities for sports and entertainment. Possible leisure activities during the siesta and days off are: swimming, sunbathing, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, sailing. 

Participants can visit the most famous landmark of the island Navagio beach, the numerous natural "Blue Caves", cut into cliffs around Cape Skinari, the mountain village Keri is located in the far south of the island.    

Technicalities & Practicalities   

Insurance: The admission fee does not cover insurance. It is mandatory to arrange your own health insurance before your trip to Greece. All EU citizens can use Greek medical services as long as they can provide evidence of their home-country health insurance with a card/certificate, etc.

Weather: South-European (Transitional Mediterranean to Continental) climate with hot summers (30-40° C) dominates in the region. Rainy and chillier days in this season are not uncommon.

What to bring?

• A pair of comfortable shoes for walking/hiking;
• Wide brim hat;   
• Small backpack (for your water bottle, snacks, camera, etc.)   
• Lab coat
• Medication - only prescription medicines you may need. It is not necessary to bring non-prescription medicine from your country since you can buy all basic non-prescription drugs in Greece.
•  A converter to EU type electricity wall-plug if needed.
• A good attitude for work, fun, study and discoveries.   

NB! All the tools and materials needed for the workshops will be provided by the organizers!  

 The Admission fee        

In order to participate in this educational project the BHFS expects all participants to reimburse their related costs, i.e. B&B accommodation (hotel + breakfast per day), tools, materials, excursions/sightseeing tours/entrance fees and other administrative costs. All participants are invited to support the project realization through donations. Information about all related costs will be published as soon as the WHO organization announces the end of the Covid 19 global pandemic.

Admission Fee Transfer Options:

- Bank transfer
- Online transfers via the Balkan Heritage virtual POS Terminal VISA, MASTERCARD & MAESTRO cards are accepted.
- TransferWise money transfer

For further information contact Admissions Office at [email protected]!

Academic credits

New Bulgarian University grants 3/6/9 ECTS credits to students for attending the one/two/three week sessions. Transcripts of Records (ToR) are available upon request for an additional tuition fee. For details: Regulations for obtaining Transcripts of Records.