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Vilnius 2024 Symposium on Green Approaches to Cleaning Sensitive Works of Art and Green Cluster for Science and Conservation Research Round Table: Spearheading the Way for Science-based Greener Approaches in Cultural Heritage Conservation. Vilnius, Lithuania, September 4-5​
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​On September 4-5, 2024, in Vilnius, Lithuania, the European Green Capital 2025 hosted a significant event at the National Gallery of Art of the Lithuanian National Art Museum: Symposium on Green Approaches to Cleaning Sensitive Works of Art and Green Cluster for Science and Conservation Research Round Table, which took place at Lithuanian Academy of Science in Vilnius. Both events were organized by the ICOMOS Lithuania National Committee and Ghent University in partnership with the Research Council of Lithuania (Lietuvos Mokslo taryba LMT), the National Contact Point (NCP) Unit, the National Gallery of Art of the Lithuanian National Museum of Art, and the Association of Lithuanian Conservators-Restorers of Lithuania. Researchers, expert conservators, innovators, and policy-makers from Horizon Europe projects GoGreen, GreenArt, and MOXY, united in the Green Cluster for Science and Conservation Research, gathered to discuss the future of sustainable and greener approaches to cleaning and preserving sensitive cultural heritage materials in the face of climate change. The Symposium, chaired by Prof. Klaas Jan van den Berg (University of Amsterdam) and Nina Olsson (ICOMOS Lietuva), provided an exciting, focused forum to share and demonstrate future approaches and new materials for cleaning sensitive works of art, discussed in the keynote lectures by distinguished expert conservation scientists Dr. Bronwyn Ormsby (Tate, London) and Prof. Piero Baglioni (University of Florence, CSGI), experts, and emerging researchers, providing insights into in the definition of green materials and approaches in conservation; challenges cleaning sensitive surfaces and assessment of cleaning effects; non-contact cleaning using plasma-generated atomic oxygen; innovation in physical and chemical gels; novel electrospun tissue for the cleaning of paintings; new bio-originated cleaning formulations for metals; Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of new materials; other topics related to greener materials.
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​​​​​​​​​Keynote lecture by Dr. Bronwyn Ormsby, Tate
Dr. Ana Maria Stan, The European Commission, speaking on European Union policies
fostering research and green transformation in conservation of cultural heritage.
​​​​​​​​​As the Vilnius 2024 symposium concluded, it became apparent that the research and discussions marked a pivotal moment in cultural heritage conservation. The event has provided an in-depth exploration of the urgent need for greener approaches and materials to preserve our shared cultural heritage. From groundbreaking research on sustainable methodologies to thought-provoking discussions on the role of environmental responsibility in conservation practices, the day's sessions have underscored one critical message: the future of cultural heritage preservation must be greener, and it is in our hands. The Symposium has been a rich and diverse platform for discussing the evolving challenges conservators face worldwide and the significant role that science, full-life-cycle thinking, and sustainability must play in their work. This was evident in the presentations and the lively discussions as participants grappled with the pressing need to reduce the environmental impact of museums and conservation practices without compromising the integrity of cultural artifacts. One of the most powerful discussions took place at the end of the day at the expert panel, which included Piero Baglioni, Bronwyn Ormsby, Cecil Krarup Andersen, Alexandre Causse, Francesca Ramaciotti, Tomas Markevicius, Michaela Florescu, Gianluca Pastorelli when the conversation broadened from specific research questions to the broader issues of communication, public engagement, and the societal responsibility preserving cultural heritage in greener and sustainable way. This shift in focus allowed the Symposium to reflect on how science, innovation, and sustainability must be woven into the fabric of the conservation field, not just as a technical consideration but as an ethical imperative. For one long-time practitioner in the field, this final panel discussion was described as "the best discussion I've ever experienced in my 65 years," highlighting the significance of this moment in conservation history.​
Keynote lecture by Prof. Piero Baglioni, CSGI/University of Florence on innovative gel materials for greener conservation (left); Nina Olsson, ICOMOS Lietuva, speaking on philosophical approaches to greener conservation practices (center); Prof. Ilaria Bonaduce, Pisa discusses atomic oxygen technology elicitation study and interviews with the end-users; Michalis Puopuozas, PhD student, TU/e presented his research in plasma physics on atomic oxygen
The Symposium's essential and innovative aspect discussed the pioneering atomic oxygen research for cleaning sensitive surfaces. Ilaria Bonaduce, Tomas Markevicius, Catarina Pires, Michalis Poupouzas, Nan Yang, Kirill Shumikhin, and Cecilia Campi presented this cutting-edge non-contact cleaning method, which uses atomic oxygen to gently remove soot and other contaminants from delicate surfaces without causing damage. This approach represents a significant step forward in conservation, offering a non-contact, highly controlled, effective, and environmentally friendly method. However, as highlighted in their presentations, challenges remain, such as the heat produced during the process, which requires further refinement before it can be widely implemented. The importance of long-term sustainability in conservation was also emphasized by speakers like Catarina Pires, Marta Cremonese, and Nan Yang, who presented their work on mock-ups for testing soot and dirt removal. These mock-ups are crucial for understanding how various cleaning methods affect objects' immediate and long-term condition. Their research helps ensure that new, greener methods are effective and safe for cultural heritage in the long run. Cecilia Campi's research on the long-term effects of cleaning treatments further underscored the need for careful evaluation and ongoing research.
The lively discussion centered around new greener materials and treatment examples by GreenArt, GoGreen, and MOXY researchers, from gels to plasma-generated atomic oxygen, which allows for non-contact cleaning of sensitive cultural heritage materials.
By studying how different treatments affect the longevity of cultural objects, her work helps to ensure that conservation practices are sustainable - not just in terms of environmental impact but also in terms of their ability to preserve the object for future generations. Bronwyn Ormsby's keynote brought everything together, reminding attendees that sustainable conservation is about finding new materials and methods and fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge. She highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary work, bringing together conservators, scientists, artists, and decision-makers to ensure that sustainable practices are developed and adopted on a broader scale. As she discussed the importance of disseminating research findings and receiving feedback from the wider public, it became clear that sustainability in conservation is not just a professional issue - it's a societal one. In conclusion, the Vilnius 2024 symposium has made it abundantly clear that the future of cultural heritage conservation is green. The field is undergoing a significant transformation from developing environmentally friendly materials to adopting greener methodologies. This shift is driven not only by the need to protect our cultural heritage but also by the urgent need to protect the planet.
The Green Cluster Expert Panel, moderated by Tomas Markevicius
The Green Cluster Round Table meeting, moderated by Prof. Piero Baglioni (center).
Prof. Klaas Jan van den Berg is speaking on green innovation in cultural heritage conservation.
The Green Cluster for Science and Conservation Research Round Table was held at the Lithuanian Academy of Science on September 5, 2024, immediately following the SympSymposiume event brought together invited stakeholders from the EU, conservation training programs, museums, NGOs, and regional institutions, representing conservators and scholars from the University of Amsterdam, the University of Florence CSGI, Ghent University, Haute Ecole Arc Conservation-restauration HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, the European Commission, Tate Gallery, ICOMOS Lietuva, National Gallery of Denmark, ARCHE Project, Royal Danish Academy of Arts, Escuela Superior de Conservación y Restauración de Bienes Culturales in Madrid, FeliX Art & Ecomuseum, Vilnius University, and Church Heritage Museum in Vilnius. The discussion focused on advancing sustainable conservation research, exploring opportunities for joint messaging, and identifying ways to support future research in green practices, materials, and technologies for cultural heritage conservation. The round table fostered collaboration among participants, helping to shape the research direction and strengthen the collective effort toward more sustainable conservation practices. In parallel, several hands-on workshops by Giovanna Poggi, Edith Joseph, and Francesca Ramaciotti on greener materials and methods of cleaning works of art took place at Pranas Gudynas Conservation Center at Lithuanian National Museums.
The research and science-driven innovations presented in the Vilnius symposium and challenges discussed at the Green Cluster Round Table have shown that greener conservation methods are both possible and essential. The seminar provided a platform for exciting innovations, insightful discussions, and valuable collaborations that will help guide the conservation community toward a more sustainable future. As the symposium ended, attendees were invited to continue the conversation at the National Gallery, where they could enjoy the museum's collection and reflect on the day's discussions. With so much groundbreaking work in the field, it's clear that the conservation community is moving in the right direction - towards a greener, more sustainable future for cultural heritage.