Newsletter October 2007
- First online course in English
- New online courses in German
- New electronic publications for conservators
- First German Bachelor Degrees in “Preventive Conservation”
- Colloquium: “Later Restored”: new and proven aspects of preventive restoration
- New EU projects
1. First Online Course in English
Microbic Infestation of Objects of Art and Cultural Heritage,
by Prof. Dr. Karin Petersen und Barbara Hentschel M.A.
The focal point of this course is presenting different methods of detecting and analyzing microorganisms encountered in objects of cultural heritage. The user is introduced to simple analyzing techniques as well as modern and specific approaches. The different ways of removing samples and of nondestructive testing are described explaining which results obtained using these techniques are of significance for the conservator. Moreover, one module deals with the principles and fundamentals of a discipline, thus enabling a user without any background in the field to gain access to the contents of the course.
Course participants can discuss questions concerning the material or how to apply in practice what they learned with the authors via email or forum, whichever they prefer.
7 January to 2 March 2008, Fee: 98,00 €
http://www.hornemann-institut.de/english/course_micobiology.php
2. New online courses in German
The Hornemann Institute offers two new e-learning courses in German:
Documentary Photography,
by Barbara Hentschel M.A. and Dipl.-Des. Clemens Kappen
This course teaches the requirements of serious photographic documentation and describes in this context the basics of photography. Technical aspects of cameras, lighting and accessories are explained in an understandable manner and through many illustrations. The practice oriented combination of the most important facts of analogue as well as digital photography and photo processing is highly unique.
http://www.hornemann-institut.de/german/Fotografie.php
The Examination of Transparent Coatings on Furniture and Wooden Objects,
by Prof. Maierbacher-Legl, Julia Schultz M.A. and Merle Strätling M.A. sponsored by the EU
In cooperation with the corresponding professor of the Department for Conservation, Professor Gerdi Maierbacher-Legl, as well as the independent restoration specialists Julia Schultz and Merle Strätling, the Hornemann Institute developed the first e-learning course for furniture restoration. A special focus is the transparent coatings of historic as well as traces of use and handling. The course covers a meaningful and practical procedure for investigating these coatings prior to restoration.
This course emphasizes a practical approach to coatings examination, from overall inspection techniques to spot analysis: It covers observation with visible and ultraviolet light, solubility tests, examination of cross-sections, micro chemical tests as well as histochemical staining methods. Useful tips are provided for the use of specific equipment and facilities. Health and safety issues are also addressed.
In addition, the course conveys fundamental information about the primary materials used in different types of coatings, their chemical and physical properties, as well as factors influencing deterioration and surface phenomena.
Students with little previous knowledge encounter well-conveyed basics. More than 400 images and short film sequences make visual the course content. The project was funded by the European Union.
8 October to 16 December 2007,
15 September to 16 November 2008 Fee: 98,- €
http://www.hornemann-institut.de/english/course_coatings.php
3. New electronic publications for conservators
A professional seminar, open to the public, concerning Cesare Brandi’s “Teoria del Restauro” and restoration in Germany today was held at HAWK in Hildesheim on May 7, 2007.
A panel presentation and some lectures from that seminar are accessible on Internet:
- Hammer, Ivo: Struttura e Aspetto. Remarks on Theory and Practice of Restoration of Mural Painting/Architectural Surfaces in Austria
- Schädler-Saub, Ursula: Introduction to the seminar “Cesare Brandi’s Teoria del Restauro and Restoration in Germany Today
- Valentini, Francesca: Cesare Brandi’s Teoria del Restauro and its Application for the Restoration of Modern Art (in English)
- Capanna, Francesca: The Restoration of Giotto’s Wall paintings in the Scrovegni Chapel of Padua according to the principles of Cesare Brandi’s Theory
- D’Angelo, Paolo: A Short Profile of Cesare Brandi’s Aesthetic
New Academic Papers in Full Length on Internet
Anne-Marei Hacke “Investigation into the Nature and Aging of Tapestry Materials,” a dissertation by Anne Marei Hacke of the University of Manchester, was written within the framework of the international research project “Monitoring of Damage in Historic Tapestries” (MODHT) funded by the European Union.
http://www.hornemann-institut.de/german/epubl_hochschularbeiten820.php
4. First German Bachelor Degrees in “Preventive Conservation”
For the first time, 48 graduates have received their Bachelor degrees from the Department of Conservation and Restoration of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim. What is so special about the Bachelor programme from Hildesheim is its focus on preventive conservation. A wide range of subjects are covered; to name a few: protective mud coatings, exterior coats of paint, the conservation of various groups of objects and materials such papyrus, wax seals and drawings, software for managing monuments, storage concepts, emergency plans, analysis of surroundings, preventive measures against insect damages, cover materials, folding frames for paintings, electrostatic charging, and issues concerning water and dust. These topics reflect the internationality of the Department and a range of subject areas as well as fields of study specific to Hildesheim such as microbiology. A summary of all academic papers from Hildesheim as well as from many other German and foreign universities will be electronically published by the Hornemann Institute under:
http://www.hornemann-institut.de/english/e_publication.php
5. “Later Restored”: New and proven aspects of preventive restoration
A colloquium on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Department for Conservation and Restoration
Date: February1, 2008
Location: Hildesheim, HAWK, Hohnsen 2
Admission free
On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the Department will conduct a one-day colloquium, during which some of the first graduates will present their research results and various guest lecturers can be heard.
http://www.hornemann-institut.de/english/Whats_new_ICOMOS_conference_06.php
6. New EU projects
Ethics and Ethnographic Objects Conservation (EThCon)
A group of students, teachers and specialists in the field of ethnography work together for three years in order to develop an interdisciplinary methodology for the conservation of ethnographic objects.
Together we will develop an ethical framework to discuss the complex issues that occur when confronted with the analysis and treatment of these objects. The students will also learn to assess the risks for these kinds of collections and what kind of decisions can be made to reduce those risks. Teachers and students will learn to work with and further develop the didactic concept of ‘communities of inquiry’.
The target groups for this Intensive Programme (IT) are conservation students, (conservation) science students, anthropology students or other professions from the field of ethnology.
Our partners are: EVTEK Institute of Art and Design, Vantaa, Finland, Instituut Collectie Nederland
http://www.hornemann-institut.de/english/ethcon.php
Traces of the past - education for the future
The project aims at teaching and promoting the history of the local communities and European regions, starting public discussion and reflection on past events and their contemporary meaning.
The main idea is that students and their teachers prepare projects dedicate to the local history of their regions. They explore their own town and surroundings in order to discover interesting, though often neglected, physical traces of the past, witnesses of the multicultural history of their country. The students "adopt" their chosen object - they dedicate themselves to taking care of it.
Next, in cooperation with local government and cultural and educational institutions students strive to restore the monuments they have adopted and organize a public action reminding others about the history of that place. At the end of the project, students present the effects of their work to the local community.
http://www.hornemann-institut.de/english/1171.php
Best regards,
the team of the Hornemann Institute