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Practical leather conservation.


Usually 3 or 4 day day courses. These are sometimes held in Northampton, UK and can be arranged to suit participants. Others venues are possible, in the UK and abroad, I can come to you.

Dates: A 4 day course is planned for the week of the 7th April 2025. This will be held at SRAL, Maastricht, the Netherlands. The details are not yet finalised. There are two reviews of a similar course held in the UK HERE Watch this space.

Distance learning via zoom or similar is also possible. Students are sent a pack of sample materials, tools etc. so that the practical work is possible. Cost varies according to the number of students. This is not ideal, in person teaching is much better, but if travel is difficult it is possible.

A sample programme is available here: Practical leather conservation programme.pdf

A five day programme is also available for larger groups and universities.
Theo Sturge teaching leather conservation and resotoration in Vienna

Theo Sturge teaching students at the Institut fur Konservierung-Restaurierung, Akademie der bildenden Kunste, Vienna. He has also taught at the universities in Oslo Gothenburg and Vantaa, Finland.
 

The course introduces some of the techniques more commonly used in leather conservation. The course will include theory and practical.  The course will aim to provide participants with a range of techniques for use on a wide variety of leather artefacts. The teaching is based around the 30 years experience Theo has had in leather conservation.

Topics to be covered include:

Methods of repair, including the choice of repair material and adhesive, and hints and tips on getting the best results. Repair materials including leather, and woven and non-woven fabrics will be considered. Adhesives such as the Lascaux acrylics, Evacon-R, Beva 371 and wheat starch paste will be discussed. Their method of application and the control of drying will be examined.

Gap filling with Beva 371, leather, Japanese tissue paper etc.

Surface finishes and dressings.

Cleaning.

Humidification to allow reshaping.

Dying and colouring leather and toning in areas of damage to match the colour surrounding colour.

Leather working techniques. To include skiving with an English knife (once you have learnt to do it you will never use a scalpel again), basic saddle stitching with two needles, and skived joints.

Make a piece of gilt leather (beware, this can be very addictive and take up all your time!).

The cost of the course varies depending on the venue and the duration. Cost for 3 day course in Northampton: 650 pounds Sterling per person including all materials, tea, coffee and lunch. Accommodation in Northampton is available locally at additional cost. Number of participants: 2 or 3.

Enquiries: 0044 (0) 1604 717929 webenquiry@leatherconservation.co.uk
 
 
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Last modified: June 2024