Once you have
lived such an interesting, fulfilling and funny experience the will to share it
with as many people as possible comes naturally. To tell the world what a good
time you had, what wonderful people you met and how much you learnt. This is
what has been happening to me since I came back from Tirana, Albania, about a
week ago.
Stepping back a
bit, I may start by introducing Heritage Without Borders, the UCL-based charity
that is at the base of the Albania Conservation Summer School 2012 project. The
organisation has been founded by UCL alumni willing to contribute to
preservation of cultural heritage in areas of the world where more problems are
present. In my opinion the most exciting part of their vision is that they
focus on working with local heritage professionals. The aim is to build up
their confidence and connect them with local communities, international
conservators and organisations, to create national and international networks
for the preservation of cultural heritage.
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| The cobbled street of Berat, UNESCO World Heritage Site |
I've always
considered the possibility of working in an international, multicultural
environment one of the most fascinating aspects of conservation so I took the
opportunity and applied as a volunteer for HWB. I was lucky to be chosen to
participate in their latest project in the Balkans.
The Albania
Conservation Summer School 2012, funded by Headley Trust, was held in Tirana
between the 24th and the 28th September 2012, in
collaboration with Cultural Heritage without Borders (similar name, but
different organisation!). It was a one-week training course in basic preventive
conservation for heritage students and professionals.
The main topics
addressed during the course were principles of preventive conservation,
understanding and monitoring the museum environments (lights, relative
humidity, pests, pollutants, etc.), correct handling, packaging and
organisation of storerooms. The schedule
was full of lectures, discussions, practical activities and visits.
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| Sokol Cunga, archivist at the State Central Archive of Tirana shows us a precious manuscript |
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| Participants carry out a condition assessment |
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| Recording the objects from the Institute of Archaeology, Tirana |
An important aim
of the project was also to create an occasion for people working in different
countries and institutions to meet each other, building contacts and a local
network of interest in conservation of cultural heritage. About 25 people from
the southern Balkans participated in the course: Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia.
Many of them had a great deal of experience in conservation, and we tried to
engage them in sharing their expertise as much as possible. Indeed, what
excited me the most about the course was the great opportunity to learn from
each other.
Participants were involved in giving presentations about their
work, assisting during practical activities, discussing about different
treatment methods, as well as effective engaging strategies in museums. After a
couple of days to get to know each other, a great atmosphere was created among
us. Everyone was willing to share problems faced in his/her own institutions,
as well as participating in finding possible solutions. The most interesting
aspect of being in such an international environment was to realise how the
risks that threaten cultural heritage are often the same in different parts of
the world. Complaints about inadequate storage areas were shared by Megan, from
Wales, Goran, from Macedonia, Stefanie from Ireland, and then Albania, Kosovo,
UK, etc. Realising that we all face the same problems was a powerful incentive
to sharing and cooperating to find a solution.
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| Measuring light levels in the National Museum, Tirana |
Fortunately the
social aspect was not neglected either! We had chances to get to know each
other, chatting about non-conservation-related topics (sometimes!) and having
fun. I personally learnt how to say Cheers! in at least three different
languages!
Me and the other
volunteers worked really hard and made our best to make the experience as
fruitful as possible.
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| Stefanie shows how to use a swirling hygrometer |
The volunteer team
was composed by Stefanie White, Ma (hons) Ma B.Sc. Conservator, Ireland, our
team leader;
Azra Becevic
Sarenkapa, MA in Conservation of Historic Objects, Senior Textile Conservator
at National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Megan de Silva,
BSc, Objects Conservator: Monmouthshire Museums Service, Wales;
and me, Francesca
Guiducci, MSc Conservation for Archaeology and Museums, University College
London.
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| Azra is delivering a lecture about conservation of textiles |
For me it was a
great opportunity to build my experience and confidence in working in an
international environment, in engaging with people, in delivering lectures and
activities.
I really want to
thank everyone that participated in the project for contributing to creating
such as wonderful experience. For me, it has been a fantastic opportunity to
meet inspiring people, and it really gave me a new boost of enthusiasm for what
I am doing.
Falemnderit!
Francesca
If you are interested in reading
more about Albania Conservation Summer School 2012, visit the project blog. We
have been blogging daily about the course, with more info about people and
activities:
If you are interested in Heritage
Without Borders, its history and future projects, visit the website:
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