ARTECHNE – Technique in the Arts, 1500-1950

Events

1 - 5 July 2019
Antwerp University

Summer school Burgundian Blacks by ROOHTS, 1 – 5 July 2019 in Antwerp

The Faculty of Design Sciences of the University of Antwerp offers an intensive 5-day programme on black coloured art materials. Scholars with theoretical and practical expertise in historical art technology will guide you. Participants will receive an introduction to reading, interpreting and evaluation of historical sources. Procedures, tools and materials are discussed while a selection of historical recipes for the manufacture of black dyes, inks and paints will be reproduced.

The days are divided in a theoretical morning followed by practical work in the afternoon. After a general introduction on historical technology and knowledge mediation you will be introduced to art technological sources and recipes relevant for the study of black dye, ink, and paint from pre-industrial Northwest Europe. Through theoretical courses, we will focus on recipes and protocols, and the difficulties typically experienced during reading and interpretation, such as ambiguities related to the procedures, materials and the ingredients’ nomenclature. During the practical part of the summer school you will work in duo and practice different techniques such as dyeing black on textiles, making inks and pigments. The goal is to experience, observe and assess.

As social activities, we will have dinner in Antwerp and a visit to the Museum Hof van Busleyden in Malines where we will visit the exhibition Back2Black. You will document your practical work, methodology, ingredients and the obtained results. In the end, you will have acquired the skills necessary for reading, understanding, interpreting and reconstructing historical recipes.


The target groups of this summer school are:

  • Master and PhD students in conservation – restoration or (technical) art history
  • Curators
  • Artists
  • Professionals

3 ECTS credits can be awarded upon successful completion of the programme: Participants will prepare for this summer school with a literature study (an orientation in the field of) and a selective bibliography (given by University of Antwerp). Participants have to be present during the full duration of the summer school. Participants will write a report about their work. The registration fee includes course materials, coffee breaks, lunch, site visits, one group dinner and social activities. Does not include accommodation, travel costs and other expenses.

Students: €500
Professionals: €650

Application details Will be available through Mobility Online before 15 April 2019.