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

APPENDIX C
2. In 1970 the Institute was moved from its first home, the Cason
del Buen Retiro, to the University City, where it has temporary
accommodation in the Museum of South America until a separate
building is ready. Its premises include scientific laboratories and
photographic studios.
The Training School
3. The Training School was started in 1966; and its purpose is the
technical training of future restorers and conservators of the works
and objects of all kinds which make up the national heritage. It is
part of Madrid University.
The Courses
4. The Training School provides a three-year undergraduate course
in the conservation of painting, sculpture or archaeology. It also
provides, as part of the university course of History of Art, a course
in the Philosophy of Conservation. Three- or four-week courses are
also given occasionally on special subjects such as the conservation
of mural paintings or mosaics.
5. The syllabus for the course in the conservation of painting is:
First year - instruction in history of art; drawing and technique
of painting; elementary physics and chemistry; technique of
conservation of paintings; photography. Practical work (at least
twenty hours a week).
Second year - instruction in history of art; drawing and the
technique of painting; physics and chemistry as applied to the
conservation of works of art. Practical work (at least twenty
hours a week).
Third year - instruction in the history of Spanish art; the
criteria applied to the conservation of works of art. Practical
work (at least twenty hours a week).
6. Examinations are taken at the end of each year as a condition of
acceptance for the following year, and consist of theoretical and
practical tests in all the material covered. They are held before a
tribunal composed of the Director of the Institute of Restoration as
president, and four professors of the School nominated by him.
7. Although the Training School is part of the University, the final
award is not a university degree but a professional award from the
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