Workshop for Conservation of Paper

   The Project and the Course General Information      

General Information       

Project type: Conservation workshop

Workshop started: 2017

About the project and the workshop: The workshop provides participants with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in paper conservation. Documentation and scientific analysis (optical microscopy & UV, IR analysis) will also be presented. Participants will document original materials and work on replicas. Visit the Ecclesiastical Museum, Archive and Library of Zakynthos — optional tours to the top beaches of the island and the world-famous Shipwreck (Navagio) beach.

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

Project venue & accommodation: Ionian University - Department of Environment  (I.U). Participants stay in a beachfront hotel in Zakynthos, located 8-10 minutes by bus from the Ionian University.

BHF partners in this project:    

• Ionian University - Department of Environment.    
• New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria

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

Field School Dates: May 31 - June 13, 2026

Application deadlines: until the places are filled or April 30, 2026

Minimum length of stay: two weeks   

Minimum age: 18

Number of field school places available: maximum 12

Language: English

Experience required: None   

Visa Note: Citizens of the EU, EEA, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand do not need entry visas for Greece. Those from countries not specified should check in advance if they require entry visas for the country, and any associated costs will be the responsibility of the participants.

Special Requirements:    

• Good manual dexterity and ability to perform delicate benchwork.
• The reimbursement payment 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, such as a card, certificate, etc.    
• Participants should have medical insurance, including repatriation coverage. Participants should inform the project staff of any health issues, allergies, and food preferences.    
• 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 a 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 sent via email before the beginning of the project.    
• Participants will use the tools and equipment available in the labs and are not required to bring any additional equipment except perhaps their favorite personal tools.   

       The Workshop   

In 2026, the Workshop for 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 modules: practical work in the documentation and restoration paper; lectures, training, study visits, and excursions to the General Archives of Zakynthos.

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 the 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 the manufacture of paper.
• Get acquainted with various case studies on the 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 will receive additional instruction and assistance. Students applying for academic credit hours must take an exam.   

The Team

Academic coordinator:    

• Assoc. Prof. Christos Karydis (Conservator, Ionian University)

Field school coordinators:    

• Dr Angela Pencheva (Balkan Heritage Foundation & Field School Program Director) 

Lecturers:

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

 The Program   

The course consists of one educational module centered on the topic of PAPER. It consists of  75 hours of lectures, workshops and study visits to significant sites on the island of Zakynthos.

Lectures

• History of Paper Making   
• History of Bookmaking & Bookbinding
• Documentation & Causes of Deterioration of Paper 
• 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 preventive conservation of paper artefacts
• Introduction to paper conservation treatments
• Housing and storage of paper artefacts
• Introduction to wet cleaning and stain removal of paper artefacts    

• Paper deacidification   

• Adhesive tapes and their effect on paper

Workshops & Labwork

• Documentation Techniques of Paper Objects
• Handling and care of paper artefacts
• Introduction to first aid treatments of paper artefacts
• Paper conservation techniques: Paper repairs
• Making housing and storage enclosures for paper artefacts.
• Wet cleaning techniques: Float, blotter, gels and immersion washing
• Paper deacidification techniques
• Paper sizing
• Insect disinfestation of books and paper artefacts
• Object treatment exercises
• Display and mounting of books and paper artifacts

Study visits

• Historic Public Library of Zakynthos
• General Archives of Zakynthos

   Reading Background

• AIC -The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works . 1994. Paper Conservation Catalogue - Book and Paper Group. 9^th edition

• Bausi, A., Witakowski, W., Sokolinski, E., Borbone, P. G., Briquel-Chatonnet, F., Buzi, P., Gippert, J., Macé, C., Maniaci, M., Melissakis, Z., Parodi, L. E., & Studies, C. O. M. 2015. Comparative Oriental Manuscript Studies: An Introduction ., Chapter 5 (Sarris, N. et al): pp.539-581

• Clarkson, C. 1978. The conservation of early books in codex form: A personal approach: Part I. The Paper Conservator , 3(1), 33–50.

• 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.

• 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.
• Hunter, D. 1978. Papermaking: The History and Technique of an Ancient Craft, 3rd ed. New York, NY: Dover Publications

• Jones, M. 1978. Traditional repair of archival documents. In The Paper Conservator (Vol. 3, Issue 1, pp. 9–17).

• Szirmai, J. A . 1999. The Archaeology of Medieval Bookbinding. Aldershot: Ashgate.

• Wilsted, T. and W. Nolte. 1991. Managing Archival and Manuscript Repositories. Chicago, IL: The Society of American Archivists

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 less than 10 minutes away from the coast of the 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, all ferries depart for the neighboring islands and for the port of Kyllini on the mainland. Usually, tourists arrive in Zakynthos by car or bus from Kyllini. For more information, please check Levante ferries' timetable.    

Visa Requirements: Citizens of the EU, EEA, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa to visit Greece. Citizens of all other countries may need a visa. The Balkan Heritage Foundation can provide an official invitation letter to facilitate the visa application process at the relevant embassy. For further details, please visit our visa information page. Greece is a full member of the Schengen Area and part of this borderless zone, allowing people to travel between Greece and other Schengen countries without passport checks at land borders. Holders of a valid Schengen visa issued by another Schengen country can enter Greece using that visa.

Accommodation & Meals      

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.          

Free Time & Trips   

Free time: Zakynthos offers many opportunities for sports and entertainment. Possible leisure activities during siestas and days off are swimming, sunbathing, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and 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 reimbursement payment does not cover insurance. It is mandatory to arrange your own health insurance before your trip to Greece. The insurance must cover, at a minimum, the following risks: medical treatment in case of an accident or disease, as well as costs related to evacuation and repatriation. 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: A South-European (Transitional Mediterranean to Continental) climate with hot summers (30-40 °C) dominates 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 an EU-type electricity wall plug if needed.
• A good attitude for work, fun, study and discoveries.      
• E-SIM or Data Roaming: We strongly recommend that participants purchase an e-SIM card with mobile internet tailored to their personal needs while in Greece, unless they have coverage through their data roaming plan. While the hotels provide internet access, we cannot guarantee its quality or reliability, which may include interruptions, excessive network load, or potential server issues.

NB! The organizers will provide all the tools and materials needed for the workshops!  

The Cost

All field schools are organized as non-profit initiatives by the Balkan Heritage Foundation. The expenses related to participation in the field school, including costs incurred by participants, are financed through reimbursement payments made by the participants themselves.

BHFS project reimbursement payment includes coverage for: educational and fieldwork activities, accommodation and meals, tools and materials, access to project readings, issuance of a Certificate of Attendance, administrative costs, and travel related to fieldwork and excursions included in the program, along with relevant entrance fees.

BHFS project reimbursement payment does not cover: travel expenses to and from Zakynthos, nor any costs associated with activities not included in the field school program. Additionally, it does not include medical products and services or any expenses related to medical quarantine (such as food delivery or accommodation).

The costs in USD are approximate. Please check the current exchange rates!

Early Bird Cost - until January 31, 2026:

Early Bird cost for the two-week project session is 2949 EUR/ approx. 3400 USD

Regular Cost - after January 31, 2026:      

The Regular cost for a two-week project session is 3099 EUR/ approx. 3600 USD

Reimbursement Transfer Options:

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

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

Discounts off the regular cost:

* 5% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost available for:

1. Participation in more than one BHFS project in 2026 (discount applies to the second, third, etc. project).
2. Membership in the Archaeological Institute of America.

* 10% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost available for:

1. Participation in any BHFS project/s in the past.

* 12% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost available for:

1. Group Participation (three or more people who participate together in one BHFS project in 2026). The discount is valid for each participant.

* 15% DISCOUNT OFF the regular cost is available for:

1. Group Participation (three or more people, who participate in more than one BHFS project in 2026 (the discount is valid for each participant).
2. BHFS alumni who participate in more than one BHFS project in 2026. (discount applies to the second, third, etc. project).
3. BHFS alumni who attended a full project in the past and returned to the same project.

NOTE: 5% OF EVERY COST FOR THIS PROJECT DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE BALKAN HERITAGE PROTECTION FUND'S ACTIVITIES!

For more information on scholarships, low-cost flights, hotels, etc., please contact us or visit our recommended links.

Academic credits

New Bulgarian University grants 6 ECTS credits to students for attending the two-week session. Transcripts of Records (ToR) are available upon request for an additional tuition fee of 400 EUR for EU students and 600 EUR for Non-EU students.

For details: Regulations for obtaining Transcripts of Records.   

Participants in the field school who do not need academic credit units are not expected to pay for them.