Program A : Touching the Stones, Restoration and Analysis of Historic Buildings

/

San Gemini Preservation Studies 2025
Session 1: June 2 – June 27 (4 weeks)
Location: San Gemini, Italy

Program Information

Students are required to take both courses, participating in the lectures in the morning and the field projects in the afternoon. In the four weeks of the program, field project participation is split in two equal blocks of time: The first is working on the material restoration of the San Giovanni City Gate (13th century); the second is sketching and documenting various buildings or historical features of the town of San Gemini.

This program is intended for students planning to be involved with building conservation and restoration, architecture, art history, civil engineering, art, restoration, field history, management of cultural heritage, anthropology and history of technology.

Field Projects associated with this Program:

  • Restoration of the Tuderte ( aka. San Giovanni) City Gate (13th century)

  • Analysis of medieval buildings in San Gemini as part of an urban study of the city

ProgramA_Course1.jpg

Restoration of Traditional Masonry Buildings in Italy

Course 1
Instructor Prof. Valery Tovazzi
SG 201 (3 Units)

The first course deals with the restoration of masonry buildings in Italy and focuses on traditional building materials such as stone, brick, stucco and mortars out of which structures, decorations and fixed art are made. This course involves lectures in the morning and a restoration workshop in the afternoon. During the lectures students are instructed on the nature of the building materials, how they are used, how they age and deteriorate over time, the agents of deterioration, and various approaches to their restoration. In the afternoon students participate in a workshop (a total of at least 12 work days) directly restoring the masonry of the San Giovanni City Gate (13th century) in San Gemini.

ProgramA_Course2.jpg

Sketching and Analyzing Historic Buildings

Course 2
Instructor Prof. Max Cardillo
SG 209 (3 Units)

In this course students learn how to identify and analyze historic buildings and their cultural context. The lecture classes develop skills by familiarizing students with the following topics: the evolution of the Italian city, building typologies, architectural styles, traditional building materials, structural systems, building components and construction methods. The afternoon sketching workshop offers the opportunity to develop analytical skills by observing and documenting historic structures in San Gemini’s medieval core. The hand drawing exercise is not only a gratifying personal experience, it is also a valuable tool (portable and low tech) for guiding the mind through a process of methodical observation and thinking.  

 

Architectural Restoration Projects by SGPS:

Program B : Restoration and Analysis of Archaeological Ceramics

/

San Gemini Preservation Studies 2025
Session 1: June 2 – June 27 (4 weeks)
Location: San Gemini, Italy

Program Information

This program aims to give basic theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in the field of analysis and conservation of archaeological ceramics. These two courses offer a rare opportunity for participants to be trained in both disciplines by experienced field archaeologists and conservators while working with original archaeological artifacts.

These courses are aimed at two types of student: those planning to become professional restorers or archaeological specialists of ceramics, and those planning to manage archaeological material at excavations or museums. For those planning on a career as a ceramic restorer or specialist, this is a good introduction to the field that will require further education. For those planning to manage archaeological material, it is a good overview of the field that offers insight and experience on how to manage, document and safely store archaeological ceramic material.

Students of the following subjects would find this program useful: archaeology, anthropology, art history, art restoration, field history, management of cultural heritage, museum studies, classical studies and history of technology.

Students participating in this program are required to take part in all courses and field projects in the program.

Field Projects associated with this Program:

  • Analysis and conservation of classical and medieval pottery from the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio dell’ Abruzzo – Department Of National Heritage and Cultural Activities of the Abruzzo Region

  • Analysis and conservation of classical and medieval pottery from the excavation of the Roman city of Carsulae

  • Excavation of the Roman city of Carsulae

sgps Research2.jpg

Analysis of Archaeological Ceramics

Course 1
Instructor Prof. Elena Lorenzetti
SG 203A (3 Units)

Led by a practicing field archaeologist expert in Roman ceramics, this course forms the first half of the program. The lecture classes give an overview of traditional ceramic technology and its evolution going from its beginning to the 19th Century. It examines both materials and production methods used over time in the Western world. Classes also study historical typologies of architectural ceramics and pottery that are found in Italian archaeological sites. In the afternoon workshop, students analyze archaeological artifacts from local excavations (6th C. BC – 20th C. AD) and learn to perform the following tasks: identifying and sorting ceramic sherds, performing typology analysis of “diagnostic” sherds, including analytical drawings and diagrams, and cataloging and documenting ceramic sherds.

SGPS-2011-07-Ceramics-Workshop-13.jpg

Restoration of Archaeological Ceramics

Course 2
Instructor Profs. Domizia Colonnello and Alice Rivalta
SG 203B (3 Units)

The second two weeks of the program are taught by an experienced restorer, a graduate of the ISCR restoration school, who specializes in ceramics restoration and conservation. In the lectures and workshop students learn the theory and practice of restoring archaeological pottery, working on archaeological materials on loan from the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio dell’ Abruzzo – Department Of National Heritage and Cultural Activities of the Abruzzo Region. Under the close supervision of their instructor, students clean, restore and document the pottery. In the workshop students learn the following skills: various methods of cleaning ceramic sherds, the reassembly of pottery from surviving sherds, in-filling gaps left in the pottery after reassembly, the aesthetic treatment of the infilling for display and how to document the restoration procedure.

Past Archaeological Ceramic Restoration Projects by SGPS:

Ceramics Button.jpg

2018 Workshops

Analysis and Restoration

Gallery: 2023 Analysis and restoration of Archaeological ceramics

II09B0~1.JPG

Gallery:2013 Ceramics Restoration Workshop

Grave Goods from Norcia (Coranoni)

Program C : Historical Book Binding, Structure and Preservation of Books

/

San Gemini Preservation Studies 2025
Session 1: June 2 – June 27 (4 weeks)
Location: San Gemini, Italy

Program Information

This program aims to teach the craft of traditional bookbinding, preservation and preventive conservation approach and methods, along with an overview of the history of book making.  This course views books as material structures holding cultural memories and as telling cultural objects in themselves. The program is organized in two courses, both of which involve classroom lectures and practical workshops.

The program is aimed at two types of students: those planning to become book conservators, and those requiring better knowledge about the care of books and bound material in libraries, archives or museums. For those planning a career as book conservators, this is a sound introduction and foundation for further education. Those planning to manage book collections or archives will acquire skills in analyzing the nature of bound material, understanding the state of conservation, and best practices in handling, storage and conservation of library and archival materials.

Students of the following subjects will find this program useful: book binding, book conservation and restoration, library science, library management, archival sciences, management of rare book collections, bookbinding, book design, anthropology and history of technology.

Students participating in this program are required to take part in both (SG204A and SG204B) courses and field projects in the program. This program is designed to be complementary to the Paper Restoration Program in Session 2; students looking for a complete introduction to the field of book restoration should consider taking both programs.

Field Projects Associated with this Program

  • Historic Archives of the Dioceses of Terni, Narni and Amelia

  • San Gemini Historic Archives Restoration Project

  • San Gemini Historic Archives Digitization Project

web19-pc.jpg

Introduction to the History and Craft of Book Bindings

Course 1
Instructor Prof. Gloria Conti
SG 204A (3 Units)

This course introduces students to the history and evolution of Western book-making, from the codex, a completely handmade object, to modern, highly industrialized book-making processes. The course also introduces students to the craft of traditional book making: the materials, the tools, the sewing structures and the assembly process of the various elements. In the workshop students craft four book facsimiles based on historical bookbinding methods: 1) the unsupported sewing structure (Islamic style); 2) the Western medieval style binding; 3) the limp parchment binding; and 4) the modern case binding.

sgps-sgap-conserv-14.jpg

Introduction to the Preservation and Preventive Conservation of Books

Course 2
Instructor Prof. Francesco Maria Rizzo
SG 204B (3 Units)

This second course focuses on the preservation and preventive conservation of bound material from libraries and archives. It gives an overview of the field including the various agents and processes of deterioration, the methods of preventive conservation (such as handling best practices and environmental controls) and collection care (such as dusting and box-making). In the workshop students implement conservative, non-invasive measures on original material from the Diocese Archives of the City of Terni (containing documents dating back to the 14th century). This work includes: analyzing the state of conservation of bound material and the storage conditions and procedures, producing conservation assessment records for individual items, creating custom protective containers for the archival material and other preventive measures.

Past Book Binding Workshops:

Program D : Paper Restoration in Artworks and Archival Documents

/

San Gemini Preservation Studies 2025
Session 2: July 14 – August 8 (4 weeks)
Location: San Gemini, Italy

Program Information

This program aims to introduce students to the field of paper restoration and conservation in artworks and archival documents. The program involves both lectures in the classroom and practical workshops that impart theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field. The program is made up of two courses.

Students of the following subjects would find this program useful: book and paper conservation and restoration, art restoration, library science, library management, archival sciences, management of rare book collections, bookbinding, anthropology and history of technology.

Students participating in this program are required to take part in all courses and field projects in the program.

This program compliments Program C, Book Binding, in Session 1; students should consider taking both programs.

Field Projects Associated with this Program

  • Historic Archives of the Dioceses of Terni, Narni and Amelia

  • San Gemini Historic Archives Restoration

  • San Gemini Historic Archives Digitization

web19-pd.jpg

Paper Media and Restoration Methods for Artworks

Course 1
Instructor Melania Zanetti
SG 206A (3 Units)

This lecture and workshop course on the restoration of paper media aims to give an overview of the field, including instruction on the nature and history of paper, the traditional methods of paper making, the different artistic techniques, the processes of deterioration over time, and the various methods of handling and mounting, conservation and restoration of artworks on paper. Students learn the following: the material nature and the various typologies of paper (both traditional and new), the artistic techniques, the various agents and processes of deterioration and how they impact both paper and drawing media and the various methods of conservation and restoration to counteract them.

SGPS-2011-07-Paper-Workshop-09.jpg

Handwritten and Printed Archival Materials Restoration Methods

Course 2
Instructor Melania Zanetti
SG 206B (3 Units)

The second course is a lecture and workshop where students focus on archival documents and original manuscript material from local historic archives (16th to 19th centuries), and learn their evolution in history. The following subjects are also treated or practiced: decoration of paper, dry cleaning, gentle or local washing, mending tears in paper, infilling loses, lining weak paper structures, deacidification, flattening, simple sewing and proper long-term conservation of archival materials. Students learn the following: the material nature and the various typologies of inks, writing, printing processes, the structure of archival bindings, the various agents and processes of deterioration of paper documents and how they impact both paper and bindings or cases and the various methods of conservation and restoration to counteract them.

Photo Galleries: Paper Restoration

2019 Thumbnail.jpg

2019 Paper Restoration Workshop

THE FILZA’S TALE

A Sfilza’ Tale - 2018

Program E : Traditional Painting Materials, Methods and Restoration Issues

/

San Gemini Preservation Studies 2025
Session 2: July 14 – August 8 (4 weeks)
Location: San Gemini, Italy

Program Information

This program aims to provide important background knowledge and skills in the field of traditional painting techniques and materials both in a theoretical and practical manner. It is aimed at people studying art restoration and conservation, art history, painting, anthropology and museum studies. The program includes three courses.

Students participating in this program are required to take part in all three courses in the program.

Note: The traditional painting workshop, unlike other workshops in our program, does not involve any formal material restoration work, nevertheless all the knowledge and experience learned in this workshop is fundamental for anyone planning to become a paintings restorer. The other two courses in this program deal extensively with various aspects of restoration.

SGPS-2011-07-Painting-W.-13.jpg

Traditional Materials, Methods of Painting and Art Restoration Issues

Course 1
Instructor Prof. Fabiola Vitali
SG 208A (2 Units)

This lecture course examines the materials and techniques used in Italian painting during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, including how and why materials weather and age over time and what different approaches there are to their conservation and restoration.

 
antonello_prima-restauro-corrected.jpg

Restoration: Theory, Ethics and Issues

Course 3
Instructor Prof. Max Cardillo
SG207 (2 units)

Going beyond the material aspects of restoration, these lecture/discussion classes examine the various social goals, motivations, approaches, and ethical and philosophical issues that guide the complex process of preserving our cultural heritage. The philosophical differences between the Italian restoration approach and the techniques used in the Anglo-Saxon world are part of this course.

SGPS-2011-07-Painting-W.-11.jpg

Traditional Painting Workshop

Course 2
Instructor Prof. Sofia Oliveti
SG 208B (2 Units)

Students create a series of paintings using traditional materials and methods as prescribed by Cennino Cennini in The Craftsman’s Handbook, written in 1398. The focus of this course is on materials and techniques, it is not an “art” class. Students work with the following techniques: renaissance fresco, sgraffito, tempera painting on wood boards, gilding, and oil painting on canvas.

 

Past Traditional Painting Methods Workshops:

 

Program F : Carsulae Roman Baths Project (Architectural & Structural Survey)

/

San Gemini Preservation Studies 2024
Session 2: July 15 – August 9 (4 weeks) THIS PROGRAM WILL NOT TAKE PLACE IN 2024
Location: San Gemini, Carsulae, Italy

Program Information

Due to ongoing work at the excavation, this program will not take place in 2024

One goal of the project is to record and analyze the building structures that have emerged at the excavation of the Public Bath in the ancient Roman city of Carsulae both from a structural and architectonic point of view. The second goal is to study the bath excavation site in relation to the entire present-day archaeological park and plan a new access for visitors.

Primarily a research work program, this project will not consist of a set of structured lectures and most field activities will be focused on the research, design, and the documentation process. There will be a series of lectures and visits focused on specific subjects that are relevant to the research work being done. The work will not involve any archaeological excavation, although the student-researchers will have access to the archaeological excavation to observe and document the structures.

This project is open to a small group of graduate student-researchers that have the specific skills necessary for the research. Preference is given to students that can read Italian and who are interested in incorporating the summer research into longer-term work, such as thesis research.

Requirement for Student Researchers (7 Students)

  • 2  architecture students with good drawing and cad skills, including AutoCAD and Rhino

  • 2  students (architecture or art History) familiar with in Roman Architectural History that can  read and do research from Italian sources

  • 1 Student familiar with handling point clouds and interface to AutoCAD

  • 1 Student familiar with Photo modeling software preferably Photoscan , ReCap or 3DF Zephyr  (drone operation would be a plus)

  • 1 Student familiar with GIS and archaeological data bases

  • Work will be structured 5 days a week  from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM with a 2 hour lunch break.

Note: Notre Dame University Students should contact Prof. Steven Semes

Research Activities Season 2019

Core: Academic staff

Max Cardillo, Architect SGPS
Steve Semes, Architect Head of Graduate Historic Preservation program at UND
Andrew Wilkinson, Archeologist SGPS

Consulting Academic Staff:

Nikolas Vakalis, Conservator SGPS
Jane Whitehead, Archeologist Director of Excavation AVPSSG
Elisabeth Collantoni, Archaelogist UR
Marco Corradi, Engineer UP
Sandro Corradi, Engineer Head of Terni City Planning

Collaborating organizations

AVPSSG: Associazione per la Valorizazione del Patrimonio Storico San Gemini
SGPS: San Gemini Preservation Studies (part of IIRPS)
IIRPS: International Institute for Restoration and Preservation Studies
UR: University of Rochester
UND: University of Notre Dame
SAU: Soprintendenza Archeologica  dell’Umbria
POCT: Planning Office of City of Terni
UP: Universita degi Studi di Perugia facolta di Ingegneria Civile

Outline of Research Work

1) Documentation

Study and document the existing conditions of the archaeological site and the building elements that have so far been revealed by the excavation. Study and evaluate different surveying and imaging technologies to document and present the structures in the archaeological site (Participants: SGPS, UND, UP):

a) Traditional architectural drawing methods

b) 3D laser scanning (already scanned in 2016)

c) 3D photo modeling (already done in 2016, but probably new update will be done in 2018)

d) produce plans, sections and elevations of the site

e) produce 3D model of existing site

2) Structural and Typology Study

Structural analysis of the ruins in order to make various hypothetical reconstructions of the original architecture of the baths (Participants: SGPS, UND, UP):

a) structural analysis of the existing building structures

b) typological study of roman bath buildings ( by period and Region)

c) hypothetical reconstructions of building structures

d) 3D virtual models of the hipothetical reconstructions

3) Planning Study

Planning study for the Carsulae Archaeological Park. (Participants: SGPS, UND, UP, UR, POCT):

a) planning and architectural study of possible ways to present the bath excavation site to the public :

  • Design of temporary viewing platform to be built in 2018 – 2019 period

  • Design for long term arrangement of a viewing path

b) planning study on of the entire Carsulae Archaeological Park in order to create a better  experience for visitors.

  • new entrance

  • logical entry and visitor paths

Preliminary Publication of 2018 Research Work

The following is a preliminary publication of the research work done so far by the San Gemini Preservation Studies program in July 2018, studying the archaeological site of the public baths in the ancient Roman city of Carsuale.  We are publishing this ongoing study in order to engage in the discussion the many people involved and interested in this project. The project still needs elaboration and completion. In the summer of 2019 we plan to continue work on this study.

Introduction

Visitation Platform

Bath Complex – Reconstruction

Bath Complex – Survey

Bath Complex – Wall Types 1

Bath Complex – Wall Types 2

Master Plan – Carsulae

Master Plan: Via Flaminia – San Gemini / Acquasparta