Strengthening Conservation Through Capacity Building

The Importance of Teamwork in Conservation

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 exemplified this approach! The painting conservation team, joined by three painting conservation residents from Ukraine, came together to explore practical cleaning methods and exchange valuable expertise.

Workshop Highlights

Led by Kate Seymour from Art Conservation Education, the workshop provided essential guidelines on how to approach the cleaning of painted surfaces. Participants learned about removing surface deposits and reducing or eliminating varnishes. A wide range of cleaning solutions and application methods were discussed, trialled, and demonstrated. Special attention was given 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 fruitful discussions in the future. This serves as a strong reminder that shared learning builds stronger conservation practices. 🌱

Acknowledgments

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

The Future of Art Conservation

As we look ahead, it’s crucial to continue fostering these collaborative environments. Workshops like this not only enhance our technical skills but also strengthen our community. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we can elevate the standards of conservation practice globally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, capacity building is vital for the growth of conservation teams. It empowers us to face challenges with confidence and creativity. Let’s continue to invest in our skills and our teams, ensuring that we preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

Conservation Teamwork CapacityBuilding ProfessionalDevelopment ConservationEducation CulturalHeritage Collaboration PaintingConservation SurfaceCleaning NationalMuseumGdańsk

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