Building Capacity, Building Connection 💪🎨

Capacity building isn’t just about learning new techniques — it’s about strengthening the team behind the work. Taking time to connect, share experiences, and refresh skills (even those we don’t use every day!) can spark new energy and confidence across the conservation team.

The recent two-day Surface Cleaning Workshop at the National Museum in Gdańsk did just that! The painting conservation team — joined by three painting conservation residents from Ukraine — came together to explore practical cleaning approaches and exchange expertise.

Led by Kate Seymour from Art Conservation Education, the workshop provided guidelines on how to approach the cleaning of painted surfaces — from removing surface deposits to reducing or removing varnishes. A wide range of cleaning solutions and application methods were discussed, trialled, and demonstrated, with special attention to mitigating solvent or gel transfer to the painted substrate.

Getting the whole team on the same page opens the door to more confident decision-making and future fruitful discussions — a strong reminder that shared learning builds stronger conservation practice. 🌱

Many thanks to Cátia Viegas Wesołowska, Anna Wojdat-Zielińska and Anna Żychska for the invitation and impeccable organization. And the museum team - Beata Ruszczyk, Małgorzata Wojewódzka, Marzena Kłossowska, Patrycja Mindykowska and our colleagues from Ukraine - Kateryna Koval, Anastasiia Bohdan and Ganna Marchenko.