Professional Conservators of Ireland are pleased to host a 2 day
Varnish Removal Masterclass For Conservators
with Kate Seymour
18.09.25 & 19.09.25 / The Vault Artist Studios / Belfast, Northern Ireland
Kate Seymour
Kate Seymour is an internationally recognized paintings conservator, educator, and advocate for art conservation. With a background in Art History (University of Aberdeen, 1994) and a Master’s in Painting Conservation (University of Northumbria, 1999), Kate has spent over two decades advancing the science and craft of conservation. Based in the Netherlands, she served as Head of Education at SRAL for 25 years, training future conservators and pioneering best practices.
She has lectured extensively at the University of Amsterdam and Maastricht University, specializing in conservation science, techniques, and materials analysis. Kate has supervised countless research projects, always fostering curiosity and innovation in her students.
Her technical expertise spans the structural treatment of canvas and panel paintings, cleaning, retouching, and varnishing. She has led conservation workshops across Europe, India, Mexico, and Russia, and directed major international initiatives supported by the Mellon and Getty Foundations.
In 2024, she launched Art Conservation Education, a platform for hands-on, advanced training in painting conservation. A dedicated leader, Kate currently serves as Chair of ICOM-CC and is a Fellow of the IIC.
Passionate, collaborative, and deeply committed to professional development, Kate continues to shape the global future of art conservation through education, leadership, and practice.
Art Conservation Education / Preserving Heritage, Shaping Tomorrow / Cultivating Expertise, Safeguarding Cultural Treasures.
Email: info@art-conservation-education.com
Website: www.art-conservation-education.com
Varnish Removal Masterclass For Conservators with Kate Seymour
18.09.25 & 19.09.25
Vault Artist Studios Belfast
This 2 day advanced level masterclass is designed to offer professional conservators a comprehensive and practical understanding of historic and modern varnish removal techniques with case studies, practical sessions, and lectures covering:
Historical Varnishes: Composition and removal challenges of North European and Italian varnish systems, with reference to 17th - 19th century practices
Modern Coatings: Synthetic resins, solvent systems, application techniques, and matting agents
Common Challenges: Discoloration, incomplete removal, and ethical considerations
Techniques and Materials: Use of solvents, gel systems (Pemulen), mechanical cleaning, and safe handling
Ethics and Preservation: Balancing restoration aesthetics with long term material stability.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop and learn with hands on experiments, discussions and Q&A. Participants should provide their own apron and solvent mask, all other required materials will be provided along with lunch and refreshments for both days.
Dates: 18.09.25 & 19.09.25 / 9:30am to 5:00pm
Venue: Vault Artist Studios / 39 Corporation Street, Belfast BT1 3BA
Cost: £495 per person