Workshop on Restoration Treatments for Cultural Property - The Modular Cleaning Program Workshop
Photo 1: At the lecture
The American instructor, painting conservation expert Mr. Chris Stavroudis, is the developer of the Modular Cleaning Program, a computer program that logically organizes and quantifies the formulation of solvents used to clean works of art. He has conducted over 70 workshops on this program worldwide. This workshop, which took place at TOBUNKEN, was the first of its kind that he has led in Asia.
Photo 2: Preparing cleaning solutions
There were a total of 70 attendees at the morning lectures, and among them, 21 went on to practical work sessions in the afternoons. Participants received an overview of fundamental theories of cleaning and of the program, prepared cleaning solutions, and performed cleaning tests on various material samples.
Mr. Stavroudis emphasized that “computers only assist in calculating formulations of solutions, they are not ‘smart’ in the sense of understanding anything about the artworks. Conservators still need to think for themselves and decide on the proper procedures.” The workshop underscored the need for conservation professionals to enhance their observational and analytical capabilities, as well as to deepen their understanding of chemistry, the ethics of restoration, and other areas.
Building on basic knowledge gained from the “Workshop on Restoration Treatments for Cultural Property - Cleaning with Gels and Emulsions” held at TOBUNKEN in 2019, participants were able to further develop their grasp of the Modular Cleaning Program and relevant skills.
A report on the “Workshop on Restoration Treatments for Cultural Property - Cleaning with Gels and Emulsions” can be downloaded from this repository.
Toriumi Hidemi (National Center for Art Research)
