International Seminar on Theory and Practice in Conservation

Conservation interventions in cultural objects should be carried out with an attitude of criticism and well supported in a deep theoretical background. Theory and principles are essential supports to practice and not just explaining tools. They can serve as guides in the search for the values that determine the meaning, the importance, the authenticity and the cultural content of the object or the site, but they should also be critical references for any actions that might be accomplished in such cultural items. Having in mind the importance of the interplay between theory and practice, LNEC decided to launch the organisation of the International Seminar with the aim of discussing these important issues and of assessing how pertinent and instrumental they are to modern conservation. The Seminar was organised as a tribute to Cesare Brandi, this remarkable theoretician and person of culture, in his centennial year, for his role in raising the standards of modern conservation practice.
The seminar raised an unexpected interest, as seen from the number and quality of the papers presented. The major domains of conservation (paintings, architecture and archaeological remains) were addressed from the theoretical and practical points of view, and the subjects varied from theoretical discussions to practical case-studies, and included valuable results from scientific research as well.
These proceedings document the contributions received and we are convinced that this volume will constitute a relevant reference for all those interested in the themes here discussed.
The Seminar was organised under the framework of the EU-ARTECH project (Access Research and Technology for the Conservation of the European Cultural Heritage) and was partially sponsored by the European Union through the project Networking activities.

Descriptors: Architectural heritage / Archaeological heritage / Cultural heritage / / Architectural restoration / Buildings restoration / Art restoration / Art conservation / Buildings conservation / International congress / / Conservation theory / Conservation principles / Cesare Brandi