A European Recommendation for the Conservation-Restoration of cultural heritage

Abstract

The draft of the first European Recommendation for the Conservation-Restoration of Cultural Heritage proposed by E.C.C.O., written with the support of ICCROM and participation of ENCoRE signifies a further step towards guaranteeing preservation of cultural heritage and greater recognition of the actors in this field. The Recommendation takes into consideration the need to define and regulate the field itself as a whole. This article presents this document and places it within the context of the work carried out by E.C.C.O. which includes other efforts to define the Conservation-Restoration profession, raise awareness and ensure the continued preservation of cultural heritage as a whole.

Education and Specialization of Conservators — the Perspective of the Profession and Heritage Conservation

“…The tradition of conservator-restorer education under the auspices of UNESCO is almost 70 years long, 25 and the transformation of education in the field of conservation and restoration has been in focus in recent decades The promotion of research and education in this area, but also the preservation of the overall cultural heritage, are the proclaimed goals of the Council of Europe 26 and the main goals of two European conservator associations, the European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers Organizations -ECCO 27 Education -ENCoRE 28 During less than three decades of its existence, the Network has established principles based on which it establishes professional standards and publishes guidelines for education and practice, with the aim of regulating the profession of conservator-restorer 29 Unfortunately, not a single academic educational institution from Serbia is a member of this network The topic of conservator-restorer education is still an open question in our country The fact that the conservator-restorer should have both academic knowledge and practical skills opens the question of the possibility of combined education within the framework of the university system, as well as non-institutional education Future conservators are faced with 10 years of education and professional development -5-6 years of undergraduate studies and master's or specialization, and then 3-5 years of practical work with experienced experts In the meantime, future conservators should pass the professional conservation exam, and in the case of architects and civil engineers, the professional exam prescribed for these activities The question inevitably arises, how to motivate young people to invest a whole decade in their education and job security in today's world full of challenges and opportunities?…”