Atelier de tehnici microscopice pentru studierea materialelor minerale din patrimoniul cultural

We invite you to register for a workshop on the optimal use of polarized light microscopy and SEM¹ to better understand mineral materials in conservation, architecture and archaeology. It will take place at the National University of Arts Bucharest for a period of 4 days, between 23 – 26 September 2025. The event is jointly organized by Prof. Dr. Johannes Weber from the University of Applied Arts Vienna, the National University of Arts Bucharest with the support of Prof. dr. Maria Dumbrăvicean and the Pro Patrimonio Foundation with the help of Arch. Raluca Munteanu.

“Microscopy is the most effective analytical technique

for gathering information on historic artefacts and building materials”

Background and aim of the Workshop

The analysis of the mineral material of architectural and archaeological objects in the laboratory is frequently a challenging task for conservation scientists, building researchers and archaeologists. It includes the identification and characterization of stones, mortars and ceramics as well as the assessment of their structural and material failures. Within the range of various methods of analysis employed, thin section petrography, eventually combined with SEM, offers a powerful method to gain relevant information on historical and modern building materials. Planned as a platform for scientists and experts with a background in mineral artefacts, the four-day workshop is aimed at demonstrating and discussing the potential of light microscopic and SEM techniques in the field of restoration, building research, conservation science and archaeology-archaeometry. The main focus is laid on the thin section analysis of mortars, plasters, concrete, stone and ceramics by applying transmitted and reflective light. Composition, workmanship and degradation will be discussed.

The group will comprise a maximum of 30 participants from architecture and conservation. Lectures and discussions are in English. They will be held resp. moderated by a conservation scientist from the University of Applied Arts Vienna, with a degree in petrography and a sound background in the use of different microscopic techniques in the fields. Following an introduction on methodology, each type of material will be quickly discussed on a general level before displaying examples of analysis by microscopy of actual samples.

Terms of workshop participation

The 4 day participation amounts to 250 EUR. The students of the National University of Arts have free access in the limit of 15 places. The participation fee includes digital course materials. Informal registration shall be sent not later than June 30 2025 by e-mail to propatrimonoio.romania@gmail.com . You will then within short receive a confirmation with details of participation and payment. The number of participants is limited, and a ‘first come, first serve’ policy will be followed according to the date of registration. Should no sufficient number of participants register, the event will be cancelled. In that unlikely case, you will be informed as soon as possible and payments will be fully reimbursed.

¹ SEM = scanning electron microscopy

PROGRAM

Coffee snacks and luncheons will be provided by the organizers – the costs are not included in the participation fee