Services & Programming

What we do

Art Conservation Education delivers a dynamic programme of international workshops, lectures, and training initiatives designed to advance both the practical and theoretical understanding of painting and heritage conservation. Operating as a mobile, collaborative platform, these sessions serve as vital environments for sharing technical expertise, building individual capacity, and fostering resilient networks across the global conservation community.

Our Core Focus Areas:

Hands-on learning in canvas and panel painting conservation
Scientific and ethical approaches to treatment decision-making
Skills development for emerging and mid-career conservators
International networking and collaborative research
Capacity-building in underserved regions

Expert Collaboration
These initiatives are led by internationally respected conservators including Kate Seymour, Founder and CEO of Art Conservation Education, and are often carried out together with other internationally recognised practicing conservators such as Joanna Strombek (SRAL/STUDIO CRAQUELURE, The Netherlands), Humberto Farias de Carvalho (EBA-UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Tannar Ruuben (Metropolia University, Finland), Carlota Vieira (Independent, Portugal), Alzbeta Prochazkova (Independent, Czech Republic), and Louise Wijnberg (Art & Conservation (A&C), The Netherlands).

An Invitation to the Field: Art Conservation Education actively welcomes strategic collaborations with international professionals and institutions interested in contributing specialized expertise on topics beyond the scope of our core team. Together, we can shape a more informed, interconnected future for heritage preservation.

Support & Partnership

To ensure the global accessibility, lower participant overheads, and long-term success of our mobile training programs, we warmly invite institutional, corporate, and material partnerships.

Organizations can contribute to and enrich our upcoming Masterclasses through:

Conservation-Grade Materials: Provision of technical supplies (specialized adhesives, lining fabrics, cleaning agents, or structural mock-ups).
Venue & Studio Sponsorship: Hosting training events within active local conservation facilities, regional heritage hubs, or university laboratories.
Technical Resources: Sharing specialized case studies, analytical documentation, or institutional research materials.

Your collaboration directly enhances the educational experience for participants worldwide, lowering financial barriers for students and helping build a more skilled, sustainable, and connected global heritage workforce.

Programme 2026

January 2026

El Gigante Vestido Symposium | Jan 12–22, 2026 | Santiago & Alto Hospicio, Chile & Online

Hosted in partnership with Universidad de Chile, Universidad San Sebastian, Universidad Finis Terrae, and ICOM Chile, this ICOM-CC-supported initiative focused on the conservation of the Giant of Tarapacá geoglyphs.

The project highlighted the fragile pre-Hispanic site and its intersection with contemporary environmental concerns, including illegal clothing landfills in Alto Hospicio.

The symposium will include an online round table with panelists from ICOM-CC Working Groups on Archaeological Materials and Sites, Murals, Stone and Rock Art, Preventive Conservation, and Objects of Indigenous and World Cultures.

Discussions covered strategies for conservation, community engagement, and pathways toward potential UNESCO World Heritage recognition.

Thanks to project leads Professor Andreas Echeverría, Victoria Garcia, Johanna Theile, ICOM Chile, and all contributing partners for supporting this interdisciplinary initiative.

February 2026

Programme to be decided

March 2026

CESMAR7 | Mist-Lining | Bologna Ediation | 5–7 March 2026

Art Conservation Education is pleased to announce the theoretical-practical course “Mist Lining Technique in Preserving Canvas Paintings”, to be held at Laboratory degli Angeli, Bologna.

Led by Kate Seymour, this intensive three-day programme (24 hours in total) will guide restorers and restoration technicians through the principles and practice of Mist-Lining, a key method in canvas conservation.

Participants will engage in hands-on sessions complemented by theoretical instruction, gaining practical skills and professional insight. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants, and the course will be activated once a minimum of 10 participants have registered. Applications must be submitted before 20 January 2026 to cesmar7@cesmar7.org, including full personal or professional details.

This course continues Art Conservation Education’s commitment to providing high-quality training opportunities that combine technical mastery with practical application, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing within the conservation community.

April 2026

Sanfo 101 | Cleaning Workshop | Philippines Edition | 20–25 April 2026

Art Conservation Education is pleased to announce the workshop “Cleaning of Painted and Varnished/Unvarnished Surfaces”, to be held in the Philippines and organised by Sanfo 101.

This intensive five-day programme will guide conservators and restoration professionals through the principles, theory, and comparative analysis of cleaning methods. Mornings will feature lectures covering dry, aqueous, and solvent-based approaches, while afternoons will provide exercises to evaluate techniques and make informed conservation decisions. Practical sessions focus on analysis and decision-making, rather than step-by-step “how-to” instruction.

Tentative schedule:

Day 1: Dry Cleaning Materials – Comparison of Brushes, Erasers, Rubbers, Cloths
Day 2: Aqueous Cleaning Methods – Buffered Water, Chelating Agents, Surfactants
Day 3: Solvency – Solvent and Solute Interaction in Varnish Removal, The Solvent Star Approach
Day 4: Rheology Enhancers for Cleaning – Aqueous and Solvent-Based Systems
Day 5: Case Studies – Putting Theory into Practice

This workshop continues Art Conservation Education’s commitment to providing high-quality training opportunities that combine technical mastery with critical thinking, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing within the conservation community.

For more information please check out the Sanfo 101 website: https://sanfo101.com/

May 2026

Latvia Restorers Association | Retouching and Varnishing Workshop | Latvia Edition | 18–22 May 2026

Art Conservation Education is pleased to announce the four-day workshop “Retouching and Varnishing”, to be held in Latvia under the auspices of the Latvia Restorers Association (venue to be confirmed).

This intensive programme will guide conservators and restoration professionals through the principles and practice of retouching and varnishing, with a focus on modern varnishes and retouching media. Participants will explore layering techniques, gloss control, and the aesthetic reintegration of painted surfaces, gaining both theoretical insight and practical experience.

The workshop offers a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and critical discussion, enabling participants to refine their techniques, evaluate materials, and approach complex conservation challenges with confidence and professional judgement.

For more information please contact: restauratorubiedriba@gmail.com

June 2026

Professional Conservators of Ireland | Tear Mending Workshop | Belfast Edition | 11-12 June 2026 | SAVE the DATE

Art Conservation Education is pleased to announce the two-day workshop “Tear Mending – Adhesives and Sutures”, to be held in Belfast, Ireland, in collaboration with the Professional Conservators of Ireland (PCOI). The workshop will be led by Louise Wijnberg (A&C) and Kate Seymour (Art Conservation Education)

This focused programme offers in-depth training on tear repair techniques for canvas and textiles, with particular attention to material compatibility, sutures, adhesives, reweaving, and treatment testing. Participants will gain both theoretical understanding and practical experience, enabling them to approach tear repair with confidence and precision.

The workshop provides an opportunity to develop specialized skills, engage in hands-on problem-solving, and explore best practices in the conservation of delicate textiles and canvas supports, strengthening professional expertise and critical decision-making.

For more information about this event please email info@pcoi.co.uk

July 2026

Art Conservation Education is pleased to announce a specialised, high-level advisory project and pedagogical residency on "Mist-Lining," to be conducted at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) in Barcelona.

This technical initiative will provide expert consultancy and structural guidance tailored to the unique mechanical challenges, logistics, and material-technical nuances of complex, large-scale canvas interventions. Operating directly within the museum's active studios, the project bridges advanced material science with studio craftsmanship, guiding the local conservation team through precision mild heat-transfer methodologies, structural stabilization, and adhesive theory.

The collaboration offers a critical platform for advanced professional development, capacity building, and resource sharing, enabling practitioners to evaluate complex treatments and safeguard monumental heritage assets with confidence and institutional rigour.

August 2026

Programme to be decided

September 2026

Art Conservation Education | ICOM-CC Triennial Conference | Oslo, September 2026

Art Conservation Education is pleased to highlight that its Founder and Director currently serves as Chair of the International Council of Museums – Conservation Committee (ICOM-CC). She will play an active role in the organisation of the 21st Triennial Conference of ICOM-CC, to be hosted in Oslo, Norway, in September 2026.

This event will bring together conservation professionals from around the world to share research, case studies, and developments across the field. The Oslo conference will also mark the conclusion of her second term as Chair, underscoring her ongoing commitment to advancing professional standards, fostering international collaboration, and supporting knowledge exchange within the global conservation community.

Further information on the conference programme and participation can be found at https://icom-cc2026.org/.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN. LIMITED PLACES ARE AVAILABLE

October 2026

Leeum Museum | Mist-Lining Workshop | Seoul Edition | 19–23 October 2026

Art Conservation Education is pleased to announce the three-day workshop “Mist-Lining”, to be held at the Leeum Museum, Seoul for 15 painting conservators..

This comprehensive programme will guide conservators and restoration professionals through fabric selection, acrylic dispersion application, and other key aspects of mist-lining. Participants will benefit from a combination of demonstrations and hands-on sessions, gaining practical skills and professional insight into this important conservation technique.

Registration is open: Click Here

National Centre for Art Restoration | Mist-Lining Workshop | Tokyo Edition | 26–30 October 2026

Following the Seoul workshop, Art Conservation Education will host a second three-day Mist-Lining workshop at the National Centre for Art Restoration, Tokyo.

This workshop will focus on textile supports, acrylic dispersions, and practical exercises, providing participants with the opportunity to refine their technique and apply theoretical knowledge in a hands-on setting. NCAR will select participants from Japanese institutions.

Both workshops continue Art Conservation Education’s commitment to high-quality training opportunities that combine technical mastery with practical application, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing within the conservation community.

November 2026

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya | Panel Painting Conservation & Master-Level Training Initiative | Mumbai Edition | November 2026

Art Conservation Education is pleased to announce a major international training initiative and advanced technical residency on "The Structural Conservation of Panel Paintings," to be held in Mumbai at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS).This intensive, multi-phase programme bridges studio craftsmanship, material science, and economic history to address the complex mechanical and structural challenges of wooden supports. Spanning structural interventions, historical carpentry, and advanced diagnostics, the curriculum delivers a deep dive into historical panel constructions, structural repair, and conservation pedagogy. To maximise pedagogical impact, lower logistics overheads, and ensure long-term sustainability, the initiative utilises a blended learning model, delivering a sequence of specialized online lectures and preparatory modules leading up to the hands-on masterclass residency in November. Core Curricula & Modules:The Macro-Economics of Timber (The Baltic Oak Trade): A deep dive into the 14th–17th century supply chain, explaining how Hanseatic trade routes and seasoning requirements determined the physical characteristics of Flemish and Netherlandish panels.Workshop & Apprenticeship Frameworks: Evaluating how historic guild systems regulated panel quality and construction, and how these standardized supports directly influenced artist techniques.The Pedagogy of Repair: A critical analysis of the history of panel repair, tracking the evolution from aggressive historical cradling to modern, flexible, and education-based structural strategies.Case Studies in Structural Intervention: Technical review and practical insights drawn from over two decades of international master-level practice in the stabilisation and technical study of complex painted supports. For more information please contact: info@art-conservation-education.com

December 2026

Estonian Conservation Network | Filling and Retouching Workshop | Estonia Edition | December 2026 | Dates to be decided

Art Conservation Education is pleased to announce the four-day workshop “Filling and Retouching”, to be held in Estonia under the auspices of the Estonian Conservation Network (venue to be confirmed).

This intensive programme will guide conservators and restoration professionals through the principles and practice of filling and retouching, with a focus on material selection, layering techniques, thermoplastic and aqueous systems, synthetic resins, and colour theory. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises and practical demonstrations designed to develop technical skills and enhance decision-making in the conservation of painted surfaces.

The workshop continues Art Conservation Education’s commitment to providing high-quality training opportunities that combine technical mastery with practical application, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing within the conservation community.

Interested in Hosting an Art Conservation Education Workshop?

We’re always looking to collaborate with institutions and individuals passionate about advancing conservation practice. If you or your organisation would like to host a future Art Conservation Education workshop, training session, or event, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Please complete the form below to tell us more about your venue, facilities, and areas of interest.

Together, we can create meaningful learning experiences that strengthen the global conservation community.

Programme Archive

Programme 2025

January 2025

Painted Cloths Workshop | Jan 6–8, 2025 | London, UK 

Hosted at the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, this National Trust-led initiative brought together conservators, curators, and researchers to explore the history, and treatment of painted cloths within the collections of the National Trust (England). Treatment and display options for these fragile, originally unmounted painted textiles were explored and discussed. With case studies from Coughton Court, Hardwick Hall, and Mottistone Manor, plus hands-on sessions on Mist-Lining, textile mounting, and interdisciplinary decision-making, this event highlighted the challenges and innovations in conserving these hybrid, often overlooked objects. Thanks to partners at the National Trust, Maritime Museum, Hamilton Kerr Institute (HKI), and all contributing experts, especially Art Conservation Education collaborators Tannar Ruuben and Joanna Strombek! 

Feburary 2025

Conservation 2025: Reflections and Beyond | Feb 14–15, 2025 | Mumbai, India 

Hosted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) Museum in Mumbai, this inspiring two-day gathering of conservation leaders, Indian Conservation Fellowship Programme (ICFP) Fellows, and educators from India and beyond. Featuring talks, panels, and presentations on education, grant writing, and the future of conservation training was organised by CSMVS, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and Art Conservation Education. Thanks to speakers and organisers including Venu Vasudevan, Joyoti Roy, Savita Monie, Nikhil Ramesh, Satish Pandey, Maniyarasan R, Shilpa Raturi, Sreekumar Menon, Lisa Pilosi, Vinod Daniel and others. 

Bridging Disciplines: The Transferable Skills of Conservators | Feb 7, 2025 | New Delhi, India 

Taking the opportunity of being in-country, Kate Seymour was invited by Dr. Satish Pandey of the Indian Institute of Heritage to address the conservation Master students on how conservators’ skills extend beyond the lab into ethics, material science, critical thinking, and project management. This was a compelling session discussing the multidisciplinary value of conservation training with emerging professionals. 

March 2025

Mist-Lining Masterclass | Mar 26–28, 2025 | Porto, Portugal Organised by 20|21 Porto and hosted at Museu e Igreja da Misericórdia do Porto (MMIPO), Kate Seymour (Art Conservation Education), assisted by Carlota Vieira, gave a three day masterclass to a group of 20 practicing conservation professionals on Mist-Lining for structural treatment of canvas paintings. Participants explored the full workflow of this non-invasive technique, including material selection, spray tent setup, practical lining, and low-pressure envelopes. Highlights included hands-on lining of mock-ups, selecting local materials for Mist-Lining, and ethical discussions. Thanks to MMIPO and 20|21 for their support! 

April 2025

Challenges and Current Issues in Movable Heritage | Apr 7, 2025 | Amersfoort, The Netherlands The Erfgoed Academy team organised a one day session focused on museums and risk management, preventive conservation, and climate change for museum professionals. The group of 15 professionals gathered to discuss environmental challenges and strategies for resilience, including emergency preparedness and sustainability. Participants gained practical tools and strengthened emergency response networks. Thanks to Erfgoed Academy and all contributors. 

Chemistry for Conservators Workshop | Apr 14-18, 2025 | Kraków, Poland The Wavel Royal Castle, Kraków team invited Kate Seymour to provide a tailored 5-day intensive, refresher workshops focusing on integrating conservation science and practical treatments for their in-house conservators. The workshop was coordinated locally by Aleksandra Hola and facilitated by Karol Brzozowski. Each day focused on an interlinked topic, combining theory and hands-on practice covering dry cleaning, solvents, gel cleaning, consolidation, and varnish treatments. This workshop united conservators from multiple fields working on the same collection to deepen scientific understanding for heritage preservation. Thanks to Wawel Royal Castle for hosting and to the Wavel conservation team for their inquisitiveness! 

May 2025

2025 International Symposium on Conservation and Restoration of Paintings | May 12 & 13, 2025 | Beijing, China 

Kate Seymour presented “An Alternative to Mist-Lining: Pretreatments and Interleafs,” sharing innovative, minimally invasive approaches to structural treatment. The presentation sparked rich discussions among international conservators and researchers. Thanks to The Palace Museum and IIC for organizing. 

IIC-ITCC Painting Conservation Training & Symposium | May 14-23, 2025 | Beijing, China This 10-day intensive program covering canvas paintings, murals, Thangkas, and scrolls what organised by the IIC-ITCC (International Training Centre for Conservation) in collaboration with the Palace Museum Beijing. Instruction was given by an international team including Kate Seymour, Alberto Dimuccio, Jennifer Porter, Amarilli Rava, Teresa Heady, and Marco Leona, each focusing on their own expertise. The programme combined lectures, case studies, and practical demonstrations leading to discussions and exchanges on best practices and cross-cultural conservation challenges between the 12 international and 12 Chinese participants. 

June 2025

ApoyOnline 5th Regional Conference 2025 | June 30 - July 4, 2025 / Panama City

 Invited as part of the (online) panel discussion on Education & Training, Kate Seymour’s presentation “Education & Training in Conservation: Balancing Sustainable Practice” emphasized integrating practical skills, science, and ethics in conservation education. Within this presentation Seymour highlighted the approaches of organisations such as ECCO, EnCORE, and ICOM-CC. The talk called for greater accessibility and stronger global networks in conservation education. Many thanks to Beatriz Haspo for the invitation to join Silvana Lovay, Rob Waller, Henry Antonio Vílchez Chávez, Nora Kennedy and Jane Henderson for a scintillating discussion. 

https://apoyonline.org/programs/apoyonline-regional-conferences/2025-panama-city-panama/

July 2025

Getty Conserving Canvas Initiative – Mist-Lining Brazil Edition Workshop | CECOR, Belo Horizonte 

Hosted by CECOR in Belo Horizonte, this workshop united conservation educators from Latin America, including Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina, to explore and adapt the Mist-Lining technique—a structural treatment for canvas paintings using a fine mist of acrylic adhesives. Sixteen participants tested local materials, exchanged knowledge, and strengthened a Latin American network of conservators. Instruction was given by Kate Seymour, Joanna Strombek, Humberto Farias de Carvalho, and Edson Motta Jr. The workshop blended theory, hands-on application, and multilingual collaboration—laying the groundwork for future research, regional cooperation, and education in cultural heritage preservation. The programme included 5 half-day, virtual sessions in June followed by two weeks of practical sessions in early July. Huge thanks to our hosts at CECOR, especially Amanda Cordeiro, Camilla Camargos, Alessandra Rosado, and Luiz Souza, the instructors, and the Getty Foundation for their support in building a sustainable future for conservation in Latin America.

A video diary can be viewed on the CECOR insta account: https://www.instagram.com/cecor_ufmg/

September 2025

Varnish Removal | 17-18 September | PCOI Belfast, Ireland

Fifteen participants gathered at The Vault in Belfast for an intensive two-day workshop dedicated to varnish removal from paint surfaces, expertly led by Kate Seymour of Art Conservation Education.

The workshop combined in-depth theoretical discussion with extensive hands-on practice, allowing participants to critically engage with both historic and modern approaches to varnish removal. Core activities included systematic solvent testing using the Solvent Star, controlled varnish reduction with gelled solvents and tissues, and a comparative evaluation of techniques such as Gel Compress Tissue versus loaded Evolon microfibre sheets.

Throughout the masterclass, participants explored the complexities of removing degraded varnish layers while maintaining ethical, safe, and reversible conservation practices. The discussions were thoughtful and technically rigorous, the techniques directly applicable to studio practice, and the learning environment notably open and collaborative.

A sincere thank you to Kate Seymour for her clear, expert instruction, and to Alison Pascoe, Ruth Decowell, and Angela McDowell from the Professional Conservators of Ireland (PCOI) for their excellent organisation and support in delivering such a successful event.

A strong example of how focused, advanced training continues to build confidence, critical judgement, and shared professional standards within paintings conservation.

More info at PCOI website

October 2025

Mist-Lining Workshop – Florence Edition | Oct 6–8, 2025 | Florence, Italy 

Organized by Fondazione Opificio ETS, this intensive 3-day workshop led by Kate Seymour and Francesca Bettini (OPD) offers emerging and experienced conservators hands-on training in Mist-Lining. The workshop includes lectures, demonstrations, and practical sessions focused on non-invasive structural reinforcement for canvases. Limited to 20 participants. 

October 2025

Getty Foundation’s Conserving Canvas project, held at the National Museum in Gdańsk on 20–21 October.

t was a privilege to reconnect with colleagues and to see, firsthand, how the three workshops delivered through the programme have translated into tangible changes in participants’ practice and confidence when treating paintings on canvas. In particular, it was rewarding to reflect on the mist-lining workshop I co-led in 2024 with Joanna Strombek (SRAL), and to hear how this approach has been integrated into day-to-day conservation decision-making.

The discussions throughout the symposium were thoughtful, open, and deeply personal. They were shaped by the experiences of the museum’s in-house conservation team and by the three Ukrainian residents who joined the programme. Their perspectives, resilience, and generosity in sharing their experiences brought exceptional depth to the exchange and underscored the value of learning across institutional and national borders.

A fitting and meaningful conclusion to an initiative that continues to strengthen skills, professional networks, and collaboration within the field of paintings conservation.

November 2025

Building Capacity, Building Connection | Cleaning Painted Surfaces | 1-2 November | Gdnask, Poland

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.

October 2025

Workshop Mist-Lining: Región NOA y Sudamericana

Online Lecture

Twenty-Five Years of Mist-Lining — Techniques, Challenges, and Lessons Learned
Kate Seymour

This presentation offers a reflective overview of twenty-five years of professional practice with the Mist-Lining technique in canvas conservation. Through a concise introduction to the method’s principles and evolution, Kate Seymour will discuss how Mist-Lining has been developed, adapted, and critically assessed in response to different materials, ethical considerations, and practical challenges. Selected case studies will highlight decision-making processes, successes, and limitations encountered over time. The talk concludes with reflections on future directions, emerging materials, and the importance of knowledge sharing within the conservation community.

51CAA68A-DAB5-4306-9314-8D6C8A981249_1_105_c_edited.jpg

info@art-conservation-education.com