8th International Architectural Finishes Research Conference
An international conference on finishes of built heritage, organized by the Low Countries
Proceedings AFRC8 Amsterdam 29 May-1st June 2024
The conference is over. You can find the proceedings, the documents of lectures and papers published as part of this conference, online.
From May 29 through 1 June 2024, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) will host the Architectural Finishes Research Conference in Amsterdam. They do so in collaboration with renowned partners on this subject in the Low Countries: the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA), SRAL ‒ The Conservation Institute, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and University of Amsterdam (UvA).
The general aim of the conference is to provide an international platform for professional researchers specialized in finishes of built heritage. Whilst exchanging new developments in the interpretation, preservation, documentation and management of historical finishes, common grounds are sought which lead to mutual understanding between the various participants. Thus creating a professional and strong cohesive global Architectural Paint and Finishes Research community.
More information
Specialists in the field of historic Architectural Finishes Research (AFR) will gather from around the world from 29 May to 1 June for the eighth international AFR conference. This four-day international event will take place in Amsterdam as well as online. The organizing partners hope to provide the perspective of the Low Countries on research of historical finishes in built heritage. Based on various themes, the similarities and differences between Low Countries AFR practice and the rest of the world will be explored. Topics to be considered include: do we speak the same AFR language concerning the topics of this conference? What can we learn from our differences, and can we find commonality to work on standardizing the practice of AFR into a more organized profession?
Historic finishes researchers from around the world will present their research findings and exchange ideas on a variety of subjects. Themes are the usage of standards, innovative techniques and skills, health and climate awareness, lessons learned from past projects, trans-cultural influences, and the specific perspective of the Low Countries in relation to AFR.
The organizing partners invite everyone invested in the preservation and study of historic architectural finishes to take part in this international event, share the latest research, learn from each other, and help build a strong, global AFR community.
Upcoming KIK-IRPA events
The Archduchess Isabella (1566-1633). Artistic Agency between Madrid and the Southern Netherlands
The twenty-third Art History Seminar of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) is organised in collaboration with the research project AGENART at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM). It will take place on 12th-13th September 2024 at the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage and at the Instituto Cervantes, both in Brussels, highlighting various fascinating aspects of the artistic patronage of the remarkable woman who was the Archduchess Isabella, who lived in Madrid and Brussels between 1566 and 1633.