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The focus of the degree programme in the Conservation and Restoration of Paintings and Polychrome Sculptures lies in the examination, conservation and restoration of easel paintings on various supports, as well as polychrome sculptures, with works ranging from early medieval to contemporary art being studied. A distinctive feature of the programme is the combination of painting and sculpture restoration. This proves particularly valuable in the case of, amongst other things, medieval altarpieces and church furnishings.

Close collaboration with the other restoration degree programmes at the ABK and cooperation with the Archaeometry Laboratory provide the ideal framework for students’ interdisciplinary projects. Furthermore, through interdisciplinary modules, students also gain an insight into the working methods of the other disciplines at the ABK Stuttgart (Fine Art, Design and Architecture).

The degree programme is one of the first of its kind in Germany and was established as early as 1977. It has excellent national and international networks and maintains numerous links with museums, heritage conservation organisations and private partners.

Course projects

Projects within the degree programme

Outline of the profession

Conservators work to preserve works of art and cultural artifacts. By working on and with original works of art, they shoulder a great responsibility for passing on our cultural heritage. Every work of art has its own unique history, which can have many facets. Restorers aim to grasp and understand the complex historical, material and conceptual significance of the objects entrusted to them, adopting a holistic approach. Interdisciplinary collaboration is key to success here. That is why they regularly work alongside art historians, heritage conservationists, and specialists from the natural sciences and engineering.

A scientific assessment of the object in all its dimensions is a prerequisite for an appropriate restoration plan that justifies the necessary measures. Respect for the unique history of each object requires a bespoke, individual approach in each case. These measures are then implemented by conservators acting on their own responsibility. They work in museums, in the field of heritage conservation, or are self-employed on behalf of state, church or private clients. Increasingly, they also take on planning and coordination tasks, such as planning and coordinating larger restoration projects or overseeing exhibitions and loan schemes. They provide advice on matters of preventive conservation and thus help to improve the framework conditions for the long-term preservation of cultural heritage.

The opportunity to pursue a PhD means that Master’s graduates from the ABK Stuttgart also have a path into research and teaching.

Further information on this profession can be found on the website of the Association of Conservators (VdR).

Bachelor’s degree

Duration and degree

Duration of study

Standard period of study 6 semesters

Degree

B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)

ECTS

180

Course content

The Bachelor’s programme provides students with fundamental subject knowledge: through cross-disciplinary lectures and seminars, students learn the basic techniques of academic work, referencing and media literacy, whilst also acquiring a grounding in the natural sciences and the humanities.

The interdisciplinary curriculum is complemented by subject-specific lectures and seminars in the fields of materials science, art technology and conservation science. The six thematic areas are

  • Paintings on textile supports
  • Paintings on rigid supports and sculptures
  • natural organic and inorganic binders
  • Ground and paint layer structure, metal overlays
  • Modern, synthetic materials
  • Colouring agents

Bachelor’s thesis and final examination
The Bachelor’s programme concludes with a four-month Bachelor’s dissertation and a final examination, leading to the award of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and corresponds to Level 6 of the ‘Professional Guidelines’ of the European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers Organisations (E.C.C.O.). ecco-eu.org

Upon passing the Bachelor’s degree examination, graduates are eligible for a place on a Master’s programme. The B.A. degree does not yet qualify graduates to practise their profession independently, which is why the M.A. degree is recommended.

Regulations

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Master

Duration and degree

Duration of study

Standard period of study 4 semesters

Degree

M.A. (Master of Arts)

ECTS

120

Course content

The Master’s programme builds on the Bachelor’s programme in a sequential manner and specifically deepens the foundational knowledge acquired there, enabling you to gain the necessary professional expertise for a future career in which you will work independently. The Master’s programme is characterised by a wide range of options and a high degree of academic freedom: You can choose from a wide range of theoretical block modules – usually lasting one week – in the fields of materials science, archaeometry, art technology and conservation science, as well as modern artefacts and contemporary art, selecting those that interest you most and thereby developing your own specialist profile. A complete list of available modules can be found in the module handbook (see the ‘Regulations’ section).

The theoretical modules in the Master’s programme are also supplemented by a total of three major practical projects. Step by step, you will be enabled to develop concepts largely independently, based on a thorough technological and material analysis of the objects entrusted to you, and then to carry out these measures with increasing autonomy. International experience enriches the course and can be gained both through study placements at partner universities and through project work.

The semester project and Master’s thesis offer you the opportunity to carry out your first independent research projects. The choice of topic can be based on your academic interests and is therefore also an important step towards future specialisation. The M.A. degree from the ABK Stuttgart is highly regarded both in Germany and abroad. Our graduates work either independently or as employees in restoration workshops at museums and heritage conservation agencies, or at universities. Entry into the profession can be achieved, for example, through research traineeships in museums or via the contacts that students establish whilst still studying, during compulsory work placements, project work or semester and Master’s theses.

Master’s thesis
The Master’s programme culminates in a six-month Master’s thesis. Upon successful completion, students will have acquired skills in line with Level 7 of the E.C.C.O Professional Guidelines (ecco-eu.org). The M.A. degree qualifies you to practise the profession independently and to pursue a PhD.

Regulations

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Master’s Theses

Research

The degree programme is regularly involved in a variety of research projects in the fields of art technology and conservation science, and has an excellent network of contacts both at home and abroad.

Doctoral programme

ABK Stuttgart has been offering doctoral programmes since 2002. It provides graduates of ABK Stuttgart and other universities with the opportunity, following completion of their Master’s thesis, to devote themselves to a multi-year research project and to make original contributions to the still nascent but dynamically developing field of conservation science.

Anyone wishing to pursue an academic career following their Master’s degree has the opportunity to undertake a PhD at the ABK in the Conservation and Restoration of Paintings and Polychrome Sculptures programme. If you are interested in pursuing such a PhD, please contact the programme director.

The PhD regulations and further information on the PhD process, funding opportunities and current and completed PhD projects can be found under ‘Doctoral programme’.

Ongoing PhD projects

Elisabeth Fugmann: The influence of ancient encaustic painting on wax-painting techniques in easel painting of the late 19th and early 20th centuries (Prof. Dr. Wibke Neugebauer)

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