In October 2019, I worked in the staff offices of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) assisting Dr. Sanneke Stigter on her ongoing Interviews in Conservation Research project and continuing personal research into documentation practices developed within the field of Contemporary Art Conservation.

UvA offers several levels of training in conservation. A “minor” for students completing their Bachelor degree, a Master’s degree, and a Post-Master’s training program recently renamed “Advanced Professional Program” (APP). The first two years of the Master’s program are largely focused on concepts and ethics, and provide foundational training in examination, documentation, and scientific analysis. The courses are held at the atelierhebrouw located in the same building as the RIjksmuseum’s conservation studios and scientific laboratories. At the conclusion of the Master’s, graduates are not considered conservators until they complete the APP.

Dr. Sanneke Stigter is the Assistant Professor in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage at the University of Amsterdam. In 2007, she set up the specialisation in Contemporary Art and has directed it ever since. Sanneke reports to Ella Hendriks, full Professor and Chair of the section Conservation and Restoration of Moveable Cultural Heritage at the Faculty of Humanities (Department of Arts & Culture).