The Cremonesi Cleaning Workshop — A Christmas Gift

I recently had the privilege of attending a transformative 5-day workshop led by the eminent and beloved Dr. Paolo Cremonesi. A maestro in cultural heritage chemistry, Paolo's credentials—including a PhD in Chemistry, a PhD in Bio Medicinal Chemistry, and a Master's in Restoration of Paintings from the Instituto per l'arte e il restauro in Florence—speak volumes about his expertise.

The workshop was a dynamic exploration of surface cleaning methods aiming to equip participants with both theoretical understanding and practical skills. Paolo seamlessly translated complex chemistry into accessible insights, laying the groundwork for hands-on applications.

Throughout the week, we delved into a plethora of ways to clean, from using buffers, chelators, and surfactants to the world of gels. The workshop introduced us to innovative and avant-garde gel systems like agarose rigid gel, Carbopol gel, Xanthan gel, Pemulen gel, Borax gel, and the KSG Silicone gel—each offering a unique approach to surface cleaning.

I also had the unique opportunity to extend my knowledge beyond paintings by experimenting with surface cleaning on a ceramic item, broadening my understanding of restoration techniques across different mediums.

Exploring another discipline

Surface cleaning of a piece of ceramic shard

A piece of rusty ceramic shard before and after surface cleaning with a chelating aqueous solution

What made this experience particularly enchanting was the festive ambiance—it unfolded right before Christmas. The workshop halls echoed with the spirit of the season, adding an extra layer of joy to our exploration of art restoration techniques. Paolo's sweetness extended beyond the realm of chemistry; he brought us a delightful panettone all the way from Milan to celebrate the holiday season, turning our workshop into a warm and memorable gathering.

The delicious panettone brought by Paolo

In just five days, the workshop illuminated the path to mastery in surface cleaning, leaving me with not just knowledge but a profound appreciation for the delicate art of conservation. In the end, Paolo left us with a profound insight—that every artwork is different and deserves its own tailored system for cleaning. Armed with a wealth of cleaning methods and systems, we are now equipped to treat each unique piece attentively and differently.