19th International Course on Wood Conservation Technology - ICWCT 2020

The 19th International Course on Wood Conservation Technology - ICWCT 2020 will be held between 14 April and 16 June 2020. The course includes an online distance learning segment (14 April - 26 May) and a workshop that will take place at Riksantikvaren - the Directorate for Cultural Heritage, Oslo, Norway (2-26 June). ICWCT 2020 is organised by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property - ICCROM, Riksantikvaren - The Directorate for Cultural Heritage in Norway, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology - NTNU.

Background

The ICWCT was initiated as a response to a recommendation by UNESCO and has been organised in Norway every second year since 1984. It is directed towards professionals who have been working for some years within the field of wood conservation. The ICWCT covers a wide range of interdisciplinary topics relating to both buildings and objects made of wood. Theoretical and practical aspects of wood conservation are given equal consideration. Relevant cultural heritage sites constructed in wood will be visited during the course.

Aims and objectives

The aim of the course is to promote cultural understanding and research in the field of wood conservation, and to be a valuable resource for the work of the individual participants in their respective countries. The main objectives of the course are:

• to establish a basic knowledge of wood, and the processing and use of wood, both structurally and decoratively;
• to give participants the theoretical and practical knowledge essential for diagnosing the causes of deterioration, and for selecting the most appropriate methods of conservation and restoration of wood;
• to extend the knowledge of participants beyond their own professions for a broader understanding of different aspects and approaches to wood conservation;
• to bring people with various professions from different countries and cultures together for a mutual learning experience, drawing on different experiences, practices and approaches to wood conservation and use of wooden materials.

Course programme

The ICWCT 2020 course programme will be divided into two main components:

• A 6-week compulsory on-line introductory section where participants will have access to a digital platform from their respective home countries. Participants should allow for at least 5 hours per week of interactive preparatory study with various exercises and papers to be submitted.
• A 4-week full-time course in Oslo. The course includes lectures, practical conservation exercises, field studies, museum visits and excursions.

The curriculum includes distinct but interconnected units covering aspects of: properties of wood; factors affecting the decay of wood; principles of conservation, preventive conservation; paint and surface treatment, conservation of wooden objects and furniture as well as the conservation of wooden buildings and structures. The course includes an onsite practical workshop with an introduction to the use of traditional tools and a 4-day study tour to selected wooden heritage sites in Norway. Lecturers from Norway and other countries will be contributing to the course. All are recognised experts within the field of conservation and with various backgrounds and professional experience.

Criteria and conditions for participation

The number of participants in ICWCT 2020 is limited to 20. Applicants should be mid-career professionals with a minimum of three years’ work experience in wood conservation. It is of great importance for the success of the course that the participants have relevant experience to contribute with, and benefit from, the mutual exchange of ideas. The working language of the course is English. A good knowledge of English is essential for the benefit of the individual participant and for the course as a whole and must therefore be documented in the application. A certificate of language is required for non-native speakers. Course participation is free of charge for the selected participants. However, participants should take into account the following aspects:

• Participants will be responsible for their own round-trip travel costs to Oslo, Norway.
• Student accommodation for the period of the course in Oslo will be provided free of charge by the course organisers.
• To cover living expenses, food and transport within Oslo during the course, participants should plan for a minimum allowance of approx. NOK5000 (about 600 USD) for the 4 weeks.

Depending on availability of funding, and a stringent application process proving financial need, a limited number of partial scholarships may be available in special circumstances.

Application and further information

Applications should reach ICCROM by 30 September 2019 to ensure inclusion in the selection process. All applicants will be notified before 1 December 2019. It is also important to note that the implementation of the course is subject to the approval of the ICCROM Programme and Budget 2019-2020 by the General Assembly of ICCROM to be held in November 2019. For additional information and applications, please visit https://www.iccrom.org/courses/19th-international-course-wood-conservation-technology-icwct-2020