PoCo Symposium: Future for Polychromy was a success!

Last week, on 31 October, our long-planned symposium took place: Future for Polychromy - Collaborative projects in the field in Bonnefanten, Maastricht, the Netherlands. 
This symposium was the mid-term meeting of the PoCo (Polychromy Conservation 2024-2027) project, which aims to train a new generation of specialists in the conservation of polychromy.   

The programme

The day, moderated by Paulien 't Hoen, began with an introduction to the PoCo project by SRAL director Lydia Beerkens. This presentation was followed by several in-depth topics presented by guest speakers: Jitka Šrejberová from the Czech Republic, Noëlle Streeton from the University of Oslo, Michael Rief from the Suermondt-Ludwig Museum in Aachen, Regina Urbanek from CICS / University of Cologne and Arnold Truyen, specialist in the field of polychromy at SRAL.   

During the break, there was also time to view the Bonnefanten sculpture collection and the SRAL workshop, or to meet and talk to colleagues from the field.    

After lunch, the day continued with several short presentations by Seppe Roels on the Marks on Art project from Belgium/the Netherlands and Lauryna Usoné from Lithuania on her research into varnishes, and an extensive presentation on the research of Elisabeth Sobieczky from the University of Salzburg. The lectures concluded with presentations on the research conducted by the PoCo specialist trainees: Ausrine Dambrauskaite, Manon Antenbrink, and Rosanne Snijders. 

The day ended with drinks and talks. It was very nice to have so much knowledge shared and connections made on the specific topic of polychrome sculptures. We want to thank all speakers and participants for their enthusiasm and knowledge sharing.

Photo credit: Rob Becker.