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

APPENDIX C
5. The IRPA is primarily a research institute, where scientific,
technical and historical research are its major occupations.
Conservation Staff
6. There is a staff of four/five restorers in the department concerned
with the conservation of paintings.
Apprenticeship Training
7. Though IRPA is primarily a research institute, it has since the
beginning taken one/two trainees a year for a full training by the
apprenticeship method lasting four years. They receive a small
salary as trainees, and work closely with the restorer staff as apprentices.
These trainees have, before entry, normally attended art
schools or have a degree in art history.
Formal Course
8. Since its establishment in the present building, however, it has
developed, with financial aid from the University of Ghent, and the
cooperation of the Rome Centre, ICOM, and UNESCO, a formal
one-year Advanced Course (Cours de Perfectionnement) for ten
fully qualified conservators. This course is intended to serve as a
consolidation of the students' earlier training and experience and to
enable them to study and review the principles governing the practice
they have learnt.
Qualifications
9. Candidates must be between 20-35 years of age and have had at
least three years of study in a School of Restoration, or five years
practical restoration experience under supervision. Candidates may
have received their training within the IRPA or be from abroad.
Syllabus
10. About one-third of the course is theoretical and the remaining
two-thirds is practical and includes visits to other establishments.
The students on this course are taught by the staff of restorers
attached to IRPA, four or five in number, and visiting restorers and
lecturers, both Belgian and foreign.
Award
11. This course leads to a certificate of the institute, which cannot
be equated with any other official degree or diploma.