Course on Mosaic Conservation

MCC Mosaic Conservation Course Syria 2011 – 2012

Course Intro

Mosaic Conservation Course (MCC) Syria 2011-2012 is organized by CCA in collaboration with the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums of Syria (DGAM). It is part of MOSAIKON, an international initiative that aims to build capacity for the conservation and management of mosaics in the Mediterranean region.

The aim of MCC Syria 2011-2012 was to provide participants with a good understanding of how to develop and implement a conservation plan for lifted mosaics. The course took place part in Italy and part in Syria, and was attended by eight permanent employees of the DGAM who work with Syrian mosaics.

The regional activities of the course took place at the Damascus Citadel, an important storage site for lifted mosaics. Assisted by CCA staff, participants carried out a survey of the storage area with the aim of creating an inventory and documenting the condition of the materials present. The results formed the basis on which to elaborate a plan for a new storage area and conservation laboratory.

Theoretical lectures and laboratory practice took place in Italy, at CCA’s operational headquarters in Belmonte in Sabina, Rieti. The lectures, delivered by CCA members and several international experts, dealt with a range of topics including modern principles of mosaics conservation, main intervention techniques, elements of chemistry and ancient manufacturing techniques. Laboratory practice focused on the treatment of a Roman mosaic from the Villa del Quadraro, Rome, dating to the 3rd century A.D.

Participants gained first hand experience of in situ archaeological conservation during a week of fieldwork at the Roman Villa of Sant’Imbenia, Alghero, Sardinia. As part of the course, students had the chance to come in contact with an international professional network by taking part in the 11th ICCM Conference in Morocco. In this occasion, participants presented a poster on the projects carried out during MCC.

MOSAIKON is a partnership of four institutions: the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), the J. Paul Getty Trust, the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and the Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the International Committee for the Conservation of Mosaics (ICCM).