ARA Netherlands organizes a three day workshop presented by Professor Richard C. Wolbers (Delaware University)
New Methods of Cleaning with Aqueous Gels
The eminent restorer and scientist Richard Wolbers will in December 2015 present a series of two three day workshops in Hilversum explaining his methods of surface cleaning. The workshop can be of interest for restorers of many disciplines and deals with the restoration of textiles, paper, wooden objects and paintings alike.
In the mid-1980s, Richard Wolbers at the University of Delaware introduced solvent-based gels, resin soaps, and enzymes as alternative cleaning systems. For effective use of these systems, a basic understanding of the chemistry of all the layers is even more crucial than it is for solvent or alkaline-based cleaning solutions. These cleaning systems offer three important benefits: 1) they enable the cleaning of surfaces that could not be cleaned by traditional solvent or mechanical methods; 2) they enable a more controlled and selective cleaning than these methods; and 3) they have relatively low toxicity.
The "Wolbers Workshop," as it has come to be known, has been presented many times in many countries since then; these cleaning systems are now widely used by conservators worldwide. The popularity of the workshops indicates the importance of surface cleaning in conservation treatments.
Richard Wolbers considers it a challenge to illuminate his methods during these workshops in a way nonscientists can understand and as accessible as possible. During the morning sessions some theory will be explained and after lunch practice will be encountered in the form of objects brought in by participants. A reader will be provided and the spoken language is (of course) English.
The workshop will be held on 9,10,11 and 14,15,16 December in Hilversum and will cost € 350,- at most for the three days. Those interested can subscribe at
Enlistment is closed. Unfortunately not all applications can participate in december. We are in negotiation about prolongation of the workshops in 2016. But Richard Wolbers allready is nearly booked full for 2016. The first opportinaty then will be beginning of 2017. All enlisted will hear from us soon.
The ARA board.