Boulder, Colorado – December 7, 2006 Join renowned Italian conservator Alma Ortolan and Heritage Conservation Network in Serravalle at Vittorio Veneto (TV), Italy this April for a hands-on workshop in the cloister of the Monastery of San Giovanni Battista. Lectures on fresco conservation issues, materials and painting techniques, among other topics, will be interwoven with the actual work of documenting the cloister’s interior decoration. Pietro Mangarella, an Italian conservator specializing in masonry and plasters, will also lecture and assist.

The workshop, scheduled for April 1-14, 2007, consists of two, one-week sessions of hands-on work, lectures and field trips exploring the surrounding area. Participants may sign up for one or both weeks. As site access is limited to those with knowledge of materials conservation, registration is limited to mid-career professionals. The cost of the workshop is $2000 per person per week, which includes lodging, instruction, materials, and some meals. A special rate of US$800 per person per week is available for accompanying partners who wish to explore the region during the day while the group works in the cloister.

The work will focus on documenting the cloister’s frescos and columns. The Church of S. Giovanni Battista dates to 1367. The cloister itself was built at the beginning of the 15th century and modified in 1668, at which time the frescoes were completed. The cloister’s interior includes 20 stone columns and walls with fresco paintings. The goal is to identify the original columns and inventory and assess the condition of all the frescoes as the initial stage in the cloister’s full restoration. Week 1 will include preparation of a photographic survey, measured drawings and documentation of decay conditions. This work will continue into Week 2. During Week 2, participants will develop the overall conservation plan and learn how to carry out cleaning tests.

Field trips will be made to Serravalle itself, the Grotte del Caglieron, Treviso, Venice, and Padua. Accompanying partners are welcome to participate in the field trips. Complete workshop details are available at www.heritageconservation.net/ws-serravalle.htm.

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. HCN produces an annual series of hands-on building conservation workshops in association with local preservation partners in order to further the sites’ preservation and provide an educational experience for participants.