On Thursday 2 July, twenty mid-career professionals completed their training at the joint ICCROM-Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) course focusing on theoretical and practical aspects of stone conservation.
The Stone Course participants spent approximately 720 hours learning about stone characterization, consolidation, conservation, structural repair, graffiti removal and non-destructive analytical techniques. In addition, over 40 worldwide experts provided multiple inputs and teaching approaches.
Towards the end of the course, participants were led to complete eight conservation projects on gravestones and sepulchral monuments at the Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome. Under joint guidance by staff from ICCROM, the GCI, and the Non-Catholic Cemetery, the participants successfully put their knowledge and background experience into practice, combining technical solutions with ethical and aesthetical considerations.
Now back in their home countries, they express various feelings and opinions about the impact the course has had on their personal and professional lives. Dominic from Hong Kong, posting the final course photo taken in front of Santa Cecilia Church in Trastevere on Facebook, said:
‘Even though I am working alone in my office, I do not feel lonely, as I keep sharing questions with my Stone Course colleagues.’