Studio of Wooden Sculptures Conservation and Restoration
Objective of the study is to teach the students to be able to objectively assess the state of monument and to determine the correct method of restoration to prevent the destruction of artwork, and to gain craft and art skills which are necessary for this profession.
Restoration is a very specific discipline which is also reflected in the concept of the educational process. Through the restoration of monuments we are preserving our cultural heritage, and so the objective of the study is to teach the students to be able to objectively assess the state of monument and to determine the correct method of restoration to prevent the destruction of artwork, and to gain craft and art skills which are necessary for this profession.
Study of restoration of wooden polychrome statues and altar architecture is specific in a way, that particularly in architecture we cope also a carpentry problems (composition of altar, fixing of sculpture etc…), so this is the reason why knowledge from this field are inevitable.
The students are recommended to complement the study and make excursions and sights, which have been or are restored in Slovakia, or abroad, to see different approaches of restoration in a real life.
Bachelor´s level of study
Students learn to make restoration on specific sights from galleries, museums and churches under supervision of a teacher. During the study they will obtain basic practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed for restoration. Each sight requires a specific approach with regard to its further use.
First of all they carry out a comprehensive restoration research, which includes destructive and non-destructive methods. The cooperation with methodologist of restoration and chemist is inevitable. After evaluation of research and restoration proposal the students will proceed to the actual restoration. They become familiar with materials needed for restoration. When selecting the materials, the reversibility must be taken into account. The students then gradually try historical technologies used for restoration of sculptures and altar architecture. Technological copy in wood is an integral part of the teaching process. Students enhance their skills obtained during previous study (chopping copy through a scoring device). Apart from copy in material they will make epoxide copy using silicone mold. Working with wood is essential for cutting the missing part for the originals.
Master´s level of study
Knowledge from bachelor´s level of study are essential for the master´s level. Selected sights are more demanding for restoration. Students should be encouraged to get more independence and responsibility in expanding their theoretical and practical knowledge obtained during their studies.
Students work individually with the methodologist of restoration, with Monuments Board employee and with a chemist. They have sufficient knowledge to determine the scope of research needed for an adequate assessment of the work and subsequent processing of the restoration proposal. Restoration method is consulted with the teacher. In case of reconstruction they are able to find a suitable analogy and complete the missing part of the original in appropriate way.