Theory and History in Conservation Working Group
Triennial Programme 2008-2011

There had been much global interest in the field of theory and history of conservation-restoration in recent years, which is visible in the number of new publications, including a new web-based journal specifically devoted to theoretical and historical issues (CeROArt). Numerous international meetings devoted to topics such as authenticity, decision-making, theoretical approaches to the preservation of contemporary art, Brandi’s current influence on our profession, commemoration of the Flood in Florence, just to name a few, have provided a rich forum – in addition to the Triennial Conferences of our organization – for the dissemination of the research of many of our working group members. Many of these activities and publications of proceedings supplement those of ICOM-CC, and are without doubt very positive knowledge promoting events. However, they also channel activities of our working group members. Therefore, there are no plans to organize interim meetings specifically for the Theory and History Working Group for the next triennial period, but rather focus on a strong working group presence at the next Triennial Conference.

Interim meetings of the Theory and History Working Group in the recent past could be described more as informal intimate gatherings. Rather than organize an opportunity for a limited number of members to attend, it is the intention of the present co-ordinators to promote the working group web site as a site for a discussion forum. All members are encouraged to use the site as a means to ask other members for their opinions and exchange thoughts on their on-going research projects.

The Theory and History in Conservation Working Group is committed to and encourages new members to participate in the long-term and ongoing project in the care of working group member Joyce Hill Stoner, which is devoted to collecting the oral history of our profession. The Conservation Oral History interview project is now over three decades old and more than 200 transcripts of interviews are open to researchers. Those interested in conducting an interview or being interviewed are asked to e-mail jhstoner@udel.edu.