CAPS Workshop 2018: Buenos Aires

The Cleaning of Acrylic Painted Surfaces workshop in Argentina (CAPS 2018 Argentina) was held in October 2018, at the Instituto de Investigaciones sobre el Patrimonio Cultural of Universidad Nacional de San Martín in Buenos Aires.

The workshop included lectures presenting new research, technology, and practical advances, much of which had been developed by the course instructors themselves. There was also a significant amount of hands-on activity designed to test the different approaches.

Participants were provided with commercially available and custom-prepared cleaning materials for testing on paint films. Group discussions were used to evaluate materials, techniques, applicability, and effectiveness.

• communicating results of recent scientific research and new developments in conservation practice
• stimulating a dialogue between researchers and conservators about the application of new research and technical insights to the conservation of acrylic painted surfaces
• developing critical thinking skills that will help participants design project-specific cleaning systems in their own labs
• identifying areas where further research is needed

• Tom Learner, Head of Science, Getty Conservation Institute
• Bronwyn Ormsby, Principal Conservation Scientist, Tate
• Chris Stavroudis, independent conservator, Los Angeles

Assistant Instructor

• Alexia Soldano, independent conservator, Paris

El Instituto de Investigaciones sobre el Patrimonio Cultural de la Universidad Nacional de San Martín follows an interdisciplinary tradition on the study and conservation of cultural heritage that fosters a close collaboration between conservators/restorers, scientists, and art historians. The objectives of the institute include the conservation and restoration of national heritage; basic and applied research from an interdisciplinary perspective; professional training with standards of excellence; and advising public and private institutions on conservation and restoration matters.