Art Conservation Education at Wawel Royal Castle: A Week of Innovation and Insight
- Kate Seymour | Founder and CEO
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
This week, the historic halls of Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków are hosting a dynamic and hands-on series of workshops on art conservation. Organized by Aleksandra Hola, Head of Conservation, the event features renowned conservation expert Kate Seymour, who is leading a five-day refresher course for the Wawel conservation team on critical topics in the field.
Each day is dedicated to a different, but interconnected theme:
(Dry) Cleaning
Solvents and Solubility
Gel Cleaning Systems for Polymeric Surfaces
Consolidation and Varnishing
Modern Varnishes
Day One: The Science of Dirt and Dry Cleaning Techniques
The week opened with an exploration into the invisible—and often underestimated—world of dirt. Participants took a deep dive into the composition of surface grime and how these unwanted substances bond to various materials used to create art. Through a series of methodical, pre-discussed tests, the group examined the effectiveness of different tools—brushes, sponges, rubbers, erasers, and microfiber cloths—in removing dirt without compromising the integrity of the underlying surface or leaving behind residues.
The materials tested ranged from high-grade conservation tools and materials to widely available alternatives from art stores, home improvement stores, and even the cosmetics aisle. The testing sequence moved from inert acrylic sheets (Melinex), to artist-prepared canvases with carefully applied mock dirt, and finally to real-world case studies including painted surfaces, textiles, paper, and gilt leather.
The results were, at times, surprising. In certain cases, everyday cosmetic sponges outperformed some of the more expensive, conservation-specific tools. However, the group collectively agreed that the reliability, consistency, and scientific backing of materials sourced from specialist conservation suppliers offer reassurance that is difficult to replace.
Looking Ahead: Solvents and Solubility
Tomorrow’s session promises to be equally engaging, as the focus shifts to solvents and solubility. Participants will revisit foundational concepts and apply them in practical sessions, evaluating different strategies for selecting and testing solvents for varnish removal. As with day one, a strong emphasis will be placed on balancing effectiveness with material safety and long-term conservation ethics.
Stay tuned for more insights as this week of learning, testing, and collaboration continues at Wawel Royal Castle—bringing together tradition, research, and innovation in the field of cultural heritage conservation.
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