Studio of Easel and Panel Paintings Conservation and Restoration
Six years long study at the Studio of Restoration of Easel and Panel Paintings at the Conservation and Restoration Department is a preparation for a highly professional artistic activity with the objective to preserve spiritual values and tangible cultural heritage.
The study programme at bachelor´s and master´s level is focused (depending on the selection of the student) on one of two specializations registered by the Chamber of Restorers – it is specialization M2-Restoration of panel paintings and specialization M3 – Restoration of easel paintings on canvas or other medium. Study of both specializations contain a wide scope of issues relating to materials and technologies in creation of works in the past and at present, as well as issues relating to technologies for the preservation of artworks for future generations. Study programmes are based on a combination of artistic and professional education, on developing of talent and creative feelings, on mastering and developing of restoration skills, knowledge and competencies, on dealing with complex and comprehensive issues relating to restoration of easel and panel paintings. The accent during the study is put on creating habits of scientific consistency relating to restoration work, then to self-activity when applying scientific methods of restoration research, monitoring trends and application of new methods, accurate identification of components of single layers, on interdisciplinary cooperation, professional ethics, formation of own esthetic opinion, the responsibility for cultural monuments and in particular respecting the authenticity of the original.
Bachelor´s level of study
Via trainings the students obtain skills in single restoration action, they learn to define initial state of the monument considering the nature, causes and scope of damage, to implement and evaluate non-destructive and destructive restoration research. Under the guidance of a teacher the students propose the optimal technology and procedure for preservation of work, taking into account specific features – techniques, nature and state of artwork and individual layers, scope, nature and causes of damage and all new findings discovered by a thorough research. Students finish the bachelor´s level of study with a two-semester paper, in which they demonstrate their mastering of study programme demands.
Master´s level of study
At master´s level the students select one of before mentioned specializations. The interdisciplinary master´s study puts high demands on students in the field of art, history of art and simultaneously in the field of chemical and technological analyses, stratigraphic analyses and pigment identification which are an integral part of restoration research. In the area of technological processes the students solve and implement demanding technological interventions preceded by a comprehensive analysis of the damage, destruction and subsequent selection of an adequate intervention. Students extend their theoretical knowledge on historical technologies and applied materials used in the construction of work in direct relation to regions where the work originated, on availability of different materials in the past or "modus operandi" of a particular master or workshop in practice which deepens their understanding of art work, understanding technological construction of work and its mission in historical, social and cultural context. During the study the students are required to extend their knowledge from domestic and foreign literature. Students are encouraged to take responsibility and autonomy. They have an opportunity to participate in international projects. Within bilateral agreements they have an opportunity to study at art schools in Poland, Hungary, Italy and Finland.