VENUE Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
DATES July 2012
GOALS The workshop aims to familiarize conservators with the thread-by-thread tear mending method for the treatment of torn canvas paintings. Through lectures, demonstrations and laboratory sessions the workshop provides a comprehensive insight into the different adhesives, tools and techniques used. Petra Demuth will describe the philosophy of this treatment approach, demonstrate the methodology, tools and materials, explain when the method is appropriate, and the advantages and benefits of the reweaving technique as a treatment option. The technique is carried out under the microscope using fine tools adapted from dentistry. Although labor-intensive, the resulting repair is often virtually invisible. This method allows for the viable repair of tears, for the realignment of distortions or gaps resulting from tears and can re-establish the visual and mechanical integrity of the canvas, while using minimal intervention. This reweaving technique can be especially effective for unlined paintings as well as for modern works of art and will add significantly to a conservator's repertoire for the treatment of tears in fabric-supported paintings. The thread-by-thread tear mending method can be used as an alternative for the repair of torn woven fabric, where patching or lining or inlays are not an option.
INSTRUCTOR Petra Demuth studied conservation of paintings and polychrome sculptures at the Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences (CICS), Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Germany (1990-1994). She has taught conservation of paintings and modern art at the Conservation Department of the Academy of Fine Arts in Dresden, Germany, as a research assistant with Professor Winfried Heiber. After these six years, she worked as a painting conservator in private practice in Berlin. She has been a technical lecturer in the Department of Restoration and Conservation of Paintings, Polychrome Sculptures and Modern Art at CICS since 2003. Petra Demuth has demonstrated the thread-by-thread tear mending method with Professor Winfried Heiber over a number of years. They have offered tear mending workshops in Chicago, London, Cambridge, Tokyo, Oslo, Copenhagen, Berne, Maastricht, Valencia, London, New Haven and Melbourne. Since 2009 Petra Demuth has continued to impart the knowledge about this technique in numerous European cities. The ideas about the method, its concept, principles and significant examples, as well as the content and structure of the workshop, all are based on the lifework of Winfried Heiber († 2009). It is a compilation of almost 30 years of his experience as a conservator in private practice and 11 years as a Professor in the Conservation Department of the Academy of Fine Arts in Dresden, Germany.
REGISTRATION ON LINE www.cfp.upv.es
1-ONLY THEORY (4h., Early bird registration -75 euros- until 31st May 2012):
2-THEORY LESSONS+ PRACTICAL WORKSHOP (20 h., Only 10 places in each group. Early bird registration -450 euros- until 31st May 2012. Registration fee includes an individual workstation for each participant during the practical workshop and a KIT of TOOLS FOR FREE formed by:
• -Micro hot needle , with temperature regulator and 4 special tips • -2 dentist explorer (probe), double ended, cork screw, “Weston” .
• -Microscissors
• -Tweezers with curved tips
• -Broach holder for insect needle
FURTHER INFORMATION
E-mail: grupo_lienzo@upv.es / laufuslo@crbc.upv.es