Restoring and Preserving Contemporary Art

Conference

Restoring and Preserving Contemporary Art

Conferences and seminars by Véronique Sorano and Silvia Brunetti
Sponsored by Institut français du Liban

Day 1: Wednesday, October 29th: Conference at 5:00 PM
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The series opens with a distinguished introduction to the preservation of contemporary art: from wood and glass to installations and mixed media, amongst others. Led by Véronique Sorano, followed by a discussion with Silvia Brunetti, this session sets the stage for understanding the many challenges of preserving today’s art.

Day 2: Thursday, October 30th: Conference at 11:00 AM
- Seminar (by registration) from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

LanguageEnglish
To register for this seminar, please send an email to [email protected]

Discover the field of paper restoration as Silvia Brunetti presents case studies and important takeaways from her many years of experience working with public collections in France. Students, artists, and professionals in restoration are all encouraged to attend the afternoon seminar.

Day 3: Friday, October 31st: Conference at 2:00 PM
- Seminar (by registration) from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

LanguageEnglish
To register for this seminar, please send an email to [email protected]

The final day brings together painting and paper restoration through practical case presentations and an open Q&A. A unique opportunity to engage directly with the experts and discuss concrete restoration practices.

 

On October 29, 30, and 31, 2025 the Sursock Museum hosts a special series of lectures and seminars dedicated to the restoration and preservation of contemporary art in both public and private collections.

Led by Véronique Sorano, former Head of the Department of Conservation-Restoration of Modern and Contemporary Artworks at the Centre Pompidou, and Silvia Brunetti, a leading paper restorer for public collections in France, the programme offers a rare insight into the challenges of preserving contemporary materials and artistic practices.

From museum collections to private holdings, Sorano and Brunetti will present case studies, including examples from the Centre Pompidou and the Musée Gustave Moreau; highlighting innovative restoration methods, the costs and norms of conservation, and practical ways to care for artworks with limited resources.The seminars welcome artists, conservators, gallerists, framers, art students, and collectors eager to understand and apply best practices for the care of contemporary works.
 

Biographies:
Véronique Sorano
A former student of École du Louvre and a graduate of IFROA-INP (National Heritage Institute), Véronique Sorano has worked on landmark projects such as the Apollo Gallery at the Louvre, the Hall of Mirrors at the Château de Versailles, and the Aurora Pavilion in Sceaux. Specializing in the restoration of contemporary art, she also served on the Louvre Restoration Commission, the scientific council of the C2RMF, and the board of directors of the National Heritage Institute (INP).

Silvia Brunetti
Silvia Brunetti, who spent over forty years restoring works of paper for French public institutions, brings a distinctive perspective shaped by decades of hands-on experience. She has meticulously preserved her professional archives and generously donated them to the C2RMF, contributing to the study and transmission of restoration practices.

This program is made possible thanks to the support of Institut français du Liban.