ISCMP Projects
The working group titled ‘ISCMP Working Group on Wall Painting Conservation Principles’ will work on updates, revisions and additions to the ICOMOS PRINCIPLES FOR THE PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION/RESTORATION OF WALL PAINTINGS, which were initially ratified by ICOMOS in 2003. These principles will be refreshed to align with evolving theory and practice in the preservation of mural paintings, and will emphasize the need to approach conservation with a thorough, methodological process. Our review will focus on the Principles’ relevance and ethical foundation, and aims to reflect voices and practice of wall painting conservation globally. With changing approaches and technologies over the past 20 years, it’s crucial to revisit these principles to ensure that they reflect current standards.
Clear terminology is crucial for understanding documentation, reports, and contributions in mural painting conservation. Despite some local and regional efforts, no universally accepted glossary exists. Up to the present day, there has been no official mural painting conservation glossary that is universally accepted by ICOMOS or any other international organization. There have been some local and regional attempts, but there is no accepted corpus that wall painting conservators can refer to.
Professionals need to have a common language to make clear what we are talking about. This glossary is not only for experts (conservators, architects, monument care professionals) but also for interested laypeople (journalists, etc.).
The ISCMP Glossary Working Group aims to fill this gap by creating a comprehensive glossary using a wiki platform, inviting the international community to contribute. Once it is ready, participants can submit images of deterioration patterns and painting techniques to build a visual database. After five years, the wiki will be opened for final review before being presented to ICOMOS as the official glossary.
Propose a Project
The projects proposed to ISCMP must align with the stated Aims and Activities of the Committee found in the By-Laws, which are as follows:
Aims:
- Promote international and interdisciplinary co-operation in mural painting conservation;
- Gather, study and disseminate knowledge and information in mural painting conservation;
- Promote cooperative work with the other scientific committees of ICOMOS;
- Promote the consideration of community values and significance of mural painting in their conservation
Activities:
- Research approaches for the protection and conservation of mural painting;
- Stimulate interest in mural painting, its value(s), its conservation, and the related fields;
- Advocate for at-risk mural painting
- Gather and share diverse professional experience and expertise;
- Develop mural painting conservation guidance in cooperation with other ICOMOS Scientific and National Committees, taking cultural diversity and sensitivities into account;
- Assist new Associate Members and Emerging Professionals in developing their specialization and competence in mural painting conservation.
Each proposed project needs to complete the following form and email it to muralpainting@icomos.org for consideration.
ISCMP Project Proposal Form (English)
