International Course on Wood Conservation Technology

There is considerable interest in wood conservation, as it is a principal building material in many heritage sites. ICCROM began implementing the International Course on Wood Conservation Technology (ICWCT) in 1984 in collaboration with the Directorate of Cultural Heritage of Norway. The course aims to improve long-term practice in wood conservation by providing sound theoretical and practical knowledge.

The course is intended for heritage professionals who already have some experience in wood conservation but are ready to extend their knowledge beyond their own profession to understand new and different aspects and approaches. 

The course is organized around interconnected units that cover the following subjects: 

• properties of wood
• factors affecting decay
• principles of conservation at the global level
• preventive conservation
• conservation of objects and painted surfaces, including archaeological wood and furniture
• conservation of wooden buildings and structures, including woodworking tools and machinery

When held in-person, the course includes study tours to workshops near Oslo and to select wooden heritage sites in Norway.