Courses include
Three one day courses for artists and collectors or curators of paintings. These courses will also be of value to anyone who has an interest in paintings and enjoys visiting art galleries and fine art exhibitions. They comprise illustrated lectures and practical workshops where paintings can be examined and assessed for their nature and condition. Artists will be able to see examples of paintings where the choice of techniques and/or environmental conditions have seriously affected the condition and appearance of paintings. Collectors will also be introduced to dating and valuation skills.
1
The materials and techniques and deterioration processes of paintings
What are paintings made from and does it matter? This course looks at materials and techniques used by artists over the centuries and introduces techniques to identify what has been used and the significance of the artists’ choice for the appearance and care of their work.
2
Technical examination of paintings
This course develops from the first course by introducing and explaining some of the more complex techniques used to aid in the examination of works of art, including ultra violet light examination, infra red examination and x-radiography. It also explains the related significance of the information gained from these techniques to the understanding of how paintings have been ‘made’ which in turn aids in their future care and interpretation. This course is of particular value to collectors and curators or those who consider following a course of study in fine art conservation or the forensic sciences.
3
The work of the fine art conservator/restorer: An introduction to techniques used for the conservation and restoration of works of art
This course explains the reasons why works of art require interventions such as the removal of dirt and varnish layers, repair of damaged supports and paint loss etc. The techniques that have been and are used by conservators and restorers will be described and their related significance for the future appearance and care of works of art explained. This course is of particular value to collectors and curators or those who consider following a course of study in fine art conservation or the forensic sciences.
Please contact us for dates and times
At the end of each course attendees will be provided with notes of the main issues covered in each course and a bibliography for further reading.
All courses run 10am till 5pm (lunch break 12:30 – 1:30) on the first Saturday of each month. The five day course runs on the last week of August and September.
Booking
The one day courses are limited to 10 people and are offered on a residential or non residential basis. Tea/coffee and lunch is included in the price, lunch will be provided each day at the Allendale Organic Bakery tearoom. Non-residential cost £50 per person. Residential - (Bed and breakfast in local accommodation – please see links) price TBA.
All 3 courses can be taken separately or together in a five day course. If taken separately it is advisable that the courses be taken in order (1, 2 then 3).
Five day course
The five day course is also limited to 10 people and includes all of the above lectures and workshops plus visits and guided tours to local collections at the Bowes Museum and the Scottish Archives (Edinburgh) where knowledge gained can be applied to paintings in these collections. Both trips include visits to conservation departments and the opportunity to talk to conservators and see work in progress.
The price of the 5 day course and tours is £300 per person (non-residential) including transport to the Bowes Museum and the Scottish Archives (Edinburgh) and entry costs. Please note refreshments are not included on the visit days. Residential - (Bed and breakfast in local accommodation – please see links) price TBA.
Please note that the day courses may be booked specially for groups of between 5 and 10 people, please contact us to discuss availability.