Conservation Techniques for Historic Houses & Collections

Conservation Letterfrack in partnership with The Alfred Beit Foundation present a one day Housekeeping Workshop designed to equip attendees with hands-on knowledge of best practice in collections care.

The workshop will provide practical demonstrations with some of the leading experts on how to handle, clean and protect a range of fragile objects. It should be of interest and benefit to anyone who works directly with collections.

In the first session the six main ‘agents of deterioration’ will be explored: relative humidity, light, pests, dust, mechanical damage, and mould. Attendees will learn how to manage these factors to slow down deterioration.

For the remaining sessions you will take part in demonstrations and hands-on activity with their line-up of professional conservators, trying out handling and cleaning techniques for yourself.

Thursday 15th September

9.00am: Registration

9.30–10.15am: Physical agents of deterioration to structures, fixtures and fittings – Sven Haberman

10:15-10:30am: Russborough Case Study – Pauline Swords

11:00am | 12:00pm | 2:00pm | 3:00pm | 4:00pm: Practical Sessions

Practical Sessions:

- Furniture & Wood – Sven Haberman

- Paper & Books – Jessica Baldwin

- Stone & Plaster – Sophie Lerner

- Paintings – Siobhan Conyngham

- Decorative Objects – Susannah Kelly

- Practical Sessions: Furniture & Wood | Paper & Books | Stone & Plaster | Paintings

From 11:00am to 4:00pm delegates will rotate around the practical sessions in small groups.

Conservation Essentials Pack €65 incl. specialist cleaning products and brushes (Limited number available to buy on the day)