Short Courses / Theoretical and practical course

Talking about photography: the use of gels in photographic restoration

Date: October 2nd and 3rd, 2026
Course duration: 12 hours (3 hours of practice, 9 hours of lab work)
Number of participants: Maximum of 20 participants
Attendance mode: Online and in-person for the theoretical part, in-person only for the lab work
Course Location: Fondazione Biblioteche and Laboratorio Fortezza V.le Filippo Strozzi
Course cost: €330 for the full course, €100 for the theory section only.
Language: Italian/ English subtitles are avaible only for the online theoretical part
Registration Procedure
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Course description

The course is dedicated to the use of physical and chemical gels in photographic conservation, an effective methodology for the selective and controlled cleaning of delicate surfaces. Thanks to their ability to precisely modulate their action, these systems allow for interventions that respect original materials, reducing risks and improving treatment effectiveness.

The course combines a theoretical component—covering the main types of gels, their chemical-physical properties, and mechanisms of action—with an extensive presentation of case studies. In the practical session, participants will be involved in the preparation of gels, particularly those based on polysaccharides, PVA-borax, and their combinations, learning how to tailor their properties according to different conservation needs. In addition, ready-to-use Nanorestore Gel® systems will be introduced.

During the hands-on activities, participants will have the opportunity to work directly on real samples, carrying out cleaning treatments such as the controlled removal of surface deposits, the reduction or elimination of adhesive residues and stains, and the removal of secondary supports from photographic techniques and related materials.

Programme divided into modules
  • 1° theoretical module: General principles, presentation of case studies by all teachers
  • 2° laboratory module: Chemical-physical aspects, preparation of gelled systems, applications on samples and selected works, by all professors.
Duration
  • Friday, October 2nd: 3 hours of theory from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Fondazione Biblioteche, Via M. Bufalini, No. 6, Florence, FI 50122, and 4 hours of practical training from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm at the Fortezza da Basso, Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, 50129 Florence.
  • Saturday, October 3rd: 5 hours of practical training at the Fortezza Laboratory, Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, 50129 Florence.
Target audience

The course is intended for both professionals and emerging conservators and aims to provide practical, up-to-date, and applicable tools in the field of photographic conservation.

Further information

The course will be held if and when the minimum number of participants will be reached. An attendance certificate will be issued.

Lecturers