San Gemini Preservation Studies

The San Gemini Preservation Studies Program is now in its 17th year, dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage and offering students the opportunity to study and travel in Italy. Visit our website: www.sangeministudies.org and contact Polly Withers at pwithers@iirpsemail.org

Session One (June 1 - 26)
Building Restoration* Revised program
• Restoration of Traditional Masonry Buildings in Italy
• Sketching and Analyzing Historic Buildings
Ceramics Restoration
• Introduction to Conservation of Archaeological Ceramics
• Workshop on Ceramics and Ceramics Conservation in Italy

Session Two (July 13 - August 7)
Book Bindings Restoration
• Introduction to the Restoration of Book Bindings in Italy
• Workshop on the Restoration of Book Bindings
Paper Restoration
• Introduction to Restoration of Paper in Books and Archival Documents
• Restoration Workshop – Paper in Books and Archival Documents
Traditional Painting Materials & Techniques
• Traditional Painting Methods and Techniques in Italy, including Issues of Weathering and Aging
• Painting Workshop – Traditional Painting Methods and Techniques in Italy
Preservation Theory and Practice in Italy
• Restoration in Italy – Issues and Theory
*Field Projects:
• Restoration of the façade of the Church of San Carlo (13th Century)
• Analysis of medieval buildings in San Gemini as part of an urban study of the city

Inter-Session Programs (June 27 – July 10):
Structural Treatments on Canvas Paintings (June 29 – July 10) Workshop
• An expert workshop dealing with the restoration of canvasses: the structural support of oil paintings. The program includes theoretical classes and practical workshops.
Inter-session Field Trip – Italy (June 28 – July 7)
• A ten day trip visiting Siena, Florence and Rome: places of cultural interest, the urban and historical development of each town, and specialized visits to places of interest to restorers.
Inter-session Field Trip – Athens (check-in Saturday, June 27 - check-out Friday, July 10)
• A twelve day visit of Athens: an exploration of the history of preservation and conservation issues facing the city lead by some of the top Athenian experts in their field.