Training in the Conservation of Paintings - Calouste Gulbenkian ...

APPENDIX C
7. Research is carried out on the application of physical and biological
sciences to conservation and restoration, but this does not
extend to work on environmental control.
8. Facilities are not available on the premises for work involving
modern techniques such as X-ray spectroscopy, electron microprobes,
neutron activation, but the Technology Department has
access to these facilities elsewhere and the students are made aware
of these developments in tutorials.
Training Courses
9. The Technology Department provides a two-year training course
in the conservation and scientific investigation of paintings, whose
syllabus includes: Art History
Painting Techniques
Basic Physics and Chemistry
Materials Science
Scientific Examination
Conservation
Approximately four-fifths of the student's time is spent on practical
work in the department, and visits are made to other conservation
studios to see work in hand.
10. Students are also accepted for varying periods to work on
research projects.
Award
11. On satisfactory completion of the course, and after an examination
of practical and theoretical competence, the student receives a
certificate. Those who intend to become professionals would, however,
be expected to proceed to some year's further practical work
in a conservation studio under supervision before their training
could be considered complete.
12. Since 1965 twenty students have passed through the department
and completed the course or some research project. Of these, eight
obtained posts in museums, the South East Area Museum Service
and the Courtauld Institute, eight became independent restorers
and four did not obtain conservation posts. So far no student has
not completed the course.
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