First project meeting PoCo in CCNL

On 17 October, the first project day of Project PoCo (Polychromy Conservation) was held at the Collection Centre Nederland (CCNL) in Amersfoort. The event provided a valuable platform for project partners and experts to exchange knowledge and ideas. Several presentations showcased specific objects and techniques, followed by discussions on how the project can advance the conservation of polychrome artworks in the Netherlands.

Presentation of the three specialists

One of the highlights of the day was the contribution of three trainee specialists: Manon, Ausrine, and Rosanne. These junior conservators are undergoing a three-year practical education program to become specialists in polychrome sculpture. They presented their research plans and case studies for the project period:

• Stone fragments from Saint Servatius Basilica (15th century): This case addresses the challenges of preserving historical stone fragments. The research focuses on identifying deterioration issues and developing appropriate conservation strategies.
• Cross timber of the Triumphal Cross by Jan van Steffeswert (16th century): Stratigraphic research is being conducted to gain deeper insights into the structure of paint layers and previous restoration efforts.
• Retable (15th century): This object is also being analyzed using stratigraphic methods to better understand its complex polychrome history.

Roundtable discussion: Inventory and Collaboration

A roundtable discussion with all partners of the project considered ways to gain an overview of polychrome sculptures in the Netherlands. Although beyond the direct scope of PoCo, participants stressed the importance of a national inventory of sculptures, including information on time, place, context (ecclesiastical or profane), and condition. Such collaborations could lead to valuable insights and future initiatives.

Future prospects

The first project day not only provided an insightful overview of the various research directions within PoCo but also fostered productive discussions on broader themes in the conservation of polychrome objects. The project team is excited to move forward with the next steps and anticipates the tangible outcomes of this collaborative initiative.