The Archives hold over 10 000 audiovisual recordings of various natures, such as motion picture films; videotapes of different formats (Umatic, Betamax, VHS, etc.); and audiotapes (reel-to-reel tapes and cassettes), spanning from 1961 to present. Most of these materials are unique copies and are very valuable for educational purposes and historical research on heritage conservation and ICCROM’s history. This material documents:
- ICCROM’s General Assemblies and Council meetings: interventions and discussions by prominent representatives of ICCROM’s Member States on needs, priorities, strategic directions and trends of the conservation field.
- ICCROM’s Oral History Project: interviews with conservation personalities related to ICCROM (e.g., Director-Generals, Council Members, staff).
- ICCROM’s Worldwide Activities: training courses and field workshops, lectures by prestigious conservators, course participants’ interventions, worksite restoration works, etc.
- ICCROM’s 1991 Media Save Art Competition: reportage and documentaries on safeguarding our heritage from many countries produced by qualified filmmakers and videomakers, such as:
- Bulgaria: Restoration of mural paintings at the Church of Bojana;
- Burkina Faso: Bronze traditional making process in Burkina Faso;
- Cameroon: Traditional earthen architecture in Cameroon;
- Colombia: Chibchas columns conservation; Museum of Santa Clara in Bogotá;
- Egypt: Restoration chronicle of the Queen Nefertari Tomb;
- France: Restoration of the stained glasses of the Chartres Cathedral;
- Italy: Restoration of the Sistine Chapel, Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci, the Brancacci Chapel, Leaning Tower of Pisa; Conservation problems in Pompeii; etc.
- Mexico: Rock paintings;
- New Zealand: Rescue and restoration of the Pegasus House;
- Republic of Korea: Treasures saved from the Sinan Sea;
- Spain: Restoration works in the Altamira cave and the Silos Monastery;
- United States: Safeguard of historic buildings in Vermont;
- Yemen: Safeguarding Sana’a and Shibam.
- Productions about conservation and restoration activities collected by ICCROM staff during missions and activities worldwide: educational videos, tutorials, documentaries, and TV or radio programmes interviewing ICCROM personnel or other conservation professionals.
Unfortunately, these audiovisual recordings are at risk of irreversible data loss due to format obsolescence and progressive material deterioration. ICCROM Archives are currently working on the implementation of digitalization activities for the preservation of this valuable material. For this purpose, all contributions (in kind or other) and support from Member States and partners are encouraged and deeply appreciated.