The Summer School of the Center for Cultural Property Protection took place from 21 to 25 August 2017, focusing on the conservation and handling of water-damaged archival materials and paper. Ten participants engaged in a comprehensive program that combined expert-led theoretical lectures with hands-on practical exercises. These included the independent development of an evacuation plan and the professional treatment of water-damaged documents.
The lectures offered in-depth insights into the causes and risks associated with water damage. Professor Matthew Collins (Universities of York and Copenhagen) also explored the wealth of information that can be extracted from historical documents, such as through DNA analysis. With the week’s emphasis on wet paper materials, freeze-drying was highlighted as a key method for stabilization and preservation.
Dr. Florian T. Bayer, Director of Collections at the Esterházy Private Foundation, provided original archival materials for training purposes. Participants first worked with these materials in their dry state to become familiar with their properties and appropriate handling techniques. Initial tasks included cleaning and sorting, with special care taken to preserve the original order of the documents.
In the next phase, participants practiced handling wet materials. Books and files were carefully retrieved from a simulated shelving system—created using large containers—and prepared for freeze-drying. Since firefighting efforts can also result in water damage, this scenario was incorporated into the training. Additionally, books and papers were submerged in water at the beginning of the week to observe how quickly moisture is absorbed and how the damage progresses over time.
At the end of the week, participants presented their findings. A demonstration station allowed attendees to practice treating wet books and preparing them for freeze-drying, reinforcing the practical skills acquired throughout the program.
Impressions of the Summer School 2017
