Education and Training in

Electrochemical Techniques for

Conservator-Restorer

Presented by Vasilike Argyropoulos

bessie@teiath.gr
 Questions to be addressed
 Is it possible to educate and train C-Rs
at a Bachelor’s level in Europe in
application of Electrochemical
techniques?
 If so at to what level of understanding?
 What are some of the difficulties
involved in such training?
 Metals Conservation
Theory
 Requires basic knowledge in understanding
electrochemical corrosion
 The difference between electrolytic and
galvanic cell
 Essential to know the galvanic series
 Understanding Ecorr and Pourbaix Diagrams
 Cleaning and Stabilization using
Electrochemical Technques
 Electrotyping
Practical

 Most undergraduate conservation

courses teach making copies for metals
with this method
 Very easy to understand the basic
principles of an electrochemical cell
Archimedes Research Project
 Aim to test new methods for the
cleaning of historical metals
 Laser versus mechanical cleaning of
iron
 Eletrolytic versus mechanical cleaning of
silver
 Develop practical training for
professional C-Rs & undergraduate C-Rs
Collaboration and Training by Christian at
TEI of Athens
Before After
Laboratory Assignments
 Measurement of Ecorr for Ag, Cu, Fe,
Sn, Pb, Al and Zn in their respective
solutions at different intervals up to 5
minutes in different solutions
 Electrolytic Cleaning of Silver using pen
Results of Training
 Professional C-Rs now using electrolytic
cleaning of silver in museums!
 Students enjoy experiments, especially
the cleaning of silver
 Problems requires necessary
equipment and time to set-up and work
with 10-20 students each semester
New Program according to Bolognia
Process

 3+2 or 4+1 has resulted in dramatically

cutting down the number of hours of
teaching per week
 Hours for Metals Laboratory as well as
other materials cut in half
 Can electrochemical techniques
continue to be taught at undergraduate
level?
Thank you