ICCROM Course: "Wood Conservation Technology"

The 18th edition of the International Course on Wood Conservation Technology (ICWCT 2018) will be held in April - June 2018, including an initial period of online distance learning (9 April - 11 May) and a workshop in Oslo, Norway (4-29 June). The course is organised by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), the Directorate for Cultural Heritage in Norway and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

Background and Objectives

The ICWCT was initiated as a response to a recommendation at UNESCO’s General Conference in 1980, 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 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 Contents

ICWCT 2018 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. Interesting cultural heritage sites constructed in wood will be visited during the course. For the first time, the ICWCT 2018 course programme will be divided into two main components:

• A 5-week compulsory on-line introductory section where participants will have access to a digital platform from their respective home countries. 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 workshop in Oslo. The workshop 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; conservation of objects and painted surfaces, archaeological wood and furniture; conservation of wooden buildings and structures, including wood working tools and machinery. ICWCT 2018 will include an onsite practical workshop and a study tour to selected wooden heritage sites in Norway. As a part of the programme, each participant is expected to give a 20-minute presentation from his or her work experience in their own country. Lecturers from Norway and other countries will be contributing to the course. All are recognized experts within the field of conservation and with various backgrounds and professional experience. The working language of the course is English.

Participants

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 so as to contribute and benefit from the mutual exchange of ideas. The number of participants is limited to 20.

Costs

Course participation is free of charge for the selected participants. Participants will be responsible for their round-trip travel costs to Oslo, Norway, as well as for living expenses and local transport while in Oslo. Accommodation for the period of the course in Oslo will be provided free of charge by the course organizers. 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.

Further Information and Application

Applications should be sent by 30 September, including a full professional CV and a one-page report describing a conservation project related to wood in which candidates are or have been actively involved. For additional information about ICWCT 2018 and application, please visit http://www.iccrom.org/wood-conservation-technology-icwct-2018/