Workshop on Basic Science for Conservators in 2023
The Center for Conservation Science conducts scientific research on the conservation and restoration of cultural properties. Since FY 2021, based on our research, we have held annual workshops on basic science for conservators who have diverse experience in the restoration of cultural properties and museum curation and archiving.
In 2023, the workshop was held for three days, from August 22 to 24. We provided lectures and practical sessions on basic scientific knowledge essential for conservation and restoration, including basic chemistry, science of adhesion and adhesives, chemistry of paper, pest damage control, and usage and disposal of chemical agents. Researchers of the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties delivered lectures based on their expertise.
We received 32 applications from across Japan for 15 workshop seats. Though it is unfortunate that we could not accept all, as the workshop included practical sessions, we invited 21 applicants among them. In responding to feedback received from the previous year, we tried to plan more practical contents for 2023. Participants expressed their appreciation for this workshop through the questionnaires provided. We received specific requests for disseminating scientific information used in actual conservation and restoration cases. We intend to continue this workshop series to meet these expectations.