Conservation of Painted Wood and Polychrome Sculpture; integrated Microbiology 3 credits and Swedish language 3 creditsLaajuus (15 ECTS)

Objective

This course will provide the students with information about conservation of painted wood (panel paintings, polychrome sculptures). Students will gain information about different materials, manufacturing technology, conservation materials as well as analyzing/researching the materials.

Students are able to analyze and identify the materials and production techniques of the painted wooden objects and document the findings according to requirements.

Students are able to make a conservation-restoration plan based on documentation, taking into account ethical and aesthetical aspects related to object under treatment and make right choices of conservation materials and methods best suited to specific objects.

Students will perform practical conservation treatment on object(s) based on approved conservation suggestion plan.

Microbiology - The student understands the mechanisms of wood deterioration and can identify different deterioration types and cause for them. The student can identify different wood destroying insects. The student knows the classification of micro-organisms, their basic characteristics, main museum vermin, the causes for micro-organism growth, micro-organism control and how to apply in museums and conservation.

Swedish language - Student can use Swedish both in conservation studies and conservation profession. The students acquire the written and oral language skills in the second domestic language that are necessary in their professional field, as required by national legislation (352/2003 8§). The students are able to communicate in Swedish in professional contexts both in Finland and in the other Nordic countries, taking into account the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the communication partners.
The students acquire oral and written language and communication skills that are at least at the B1 level as defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. They learn to seek information related to their own professional field in various sources and convey information both orally and in writing. During their studies, the students form a positive and realistic view of their language and communicative competence as well as skills and motivation to develop it further.

Content

This course is delivered in large parts through practical projects which allow students to use and develop their previously learned skills (Gilding and Surface applications, Historical painting techniques / wooden support, Introduction to Conservation Materials and Techniques) as well as demonstrate the use of new information gained during the course.

Documentation and conservation of painted wooden objects as well as ethical and aesthetical considerations in relation to choosing the correct materials and methods of conservation are part of the course.

The history and use / presentation of the objects will be taken into account as well as the working life connections through the communication with the owner and by respecting the owners wishes.

Different conservation methods (cleaning, consolidating, applying filling, retouching) and a range of conservation materials will be discussed as this course serves as an introduction to later more specific courses.

Also the causes of deterioration and display / storage and display conditions before and after conservation work will be discussed.

Content of Microbiology - Biological deterioration of wood. Classification of micro-organisms, the basic characteristics of the microbe groups and the most important vermin found in museums. The vital functions of microorganisms and factors influencing microbial growth. Working methods in microbiology and their use in conservation work.

The contents of the language part of the course focus on field-specific oral and written exercises related to the following themes:
Self-assessing one’s language and communication skills and developing learning strategies; Education and career planning; Organisations, working environments, tasks, processes and tools; Field-related texts; increasing and activating the knowledge of technical terminology; Key interactive communication situations: individual and group communication.

Qualifications

Introduction to paintings conservation , Gilding, Conservation of Gilding andSurface decoration, Chemistry I, Pigments I and II

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has often been absent from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and rehearsals has been unsatisfactory. The student has problems in acting as a group member. The student is not able to comprehend basic concepts and materials used in conservation of paintings on wood and polychrome sculpture and is not able to use them in practical work. The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the work is limited and the student has problems to apply theoretical studies to practical work. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is weak and the student has many gaps in his/her knowledge.
The student does not work independently and needs a lot of further guidance from the teacher. The student has not given enough attention to the subject, and he/she does not have a clear overall understanding of the subject.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has taken part in all teaching sessions and projects and his/her activity on the course has been good. The student acts flexibly as a group member.
The studies have proceeded consistently. The student is able to understand most of the basic concepts and materials used in conservation of paintings on wood and polychrome sculpture and is able to use them in practical work with good results. The reasoning of the rehearsal tasks is mostly valid and the student understands the causes and effects of one's choices in the tasks.
The student works independently but there is still some need for further guidance from the teacher. The student has given enough attention for the subject and has reasonable overall understanding of the subject.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has achieved the course objectives fully. The student has taken actively and constructively part in the teaching and the project. The student’s actions enhance the group activities.
The student masters the topics of the course, the student is able to understand of the basic concepts and materials used in conservation of paintings on wood and polychrome sculpture and is able to use them in practical work with very good results. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is professional and the student can validate the causes and effects of his/her choices.
The student works independently. The student masters the overall subject in both theory and practice.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student has often been absent from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and rehearsals has been unsatisfactory. The student has problems in acting as a group member. The student is not able to comprehend basic concepts and materials used in conservation of paintings on wood and polychrome sculpture and is not able to use them in practical work. The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the work is limited and the student has problems to apply theoretical studies to practical work. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is weak and the student has many gaps in his/her knowledge.
The student does not work independently and needs a lot of further guidance from the teacher. The student has not given enough attention to the subject, and he/she does not have a clear overall understanding of the subject.

Further information

Lectures and practical work (also in small groups) under the guidance of the lecturer.
Visit to Stockholm, Historiska Museet with the aim to deepen the learning on the examples of the excellent polychrome sculpture collection and its conservation practices.

Each student gives a Powerpoint presentation, based on article, chosen by the student or pointed by the lecturer