Professional Conservators of Ireland are pleased to host a 2 day

Tear Mending Masterclass For Conservators

with Kate Seymour & Louise Wijnberg

11.06.26 & 12.06.26 / Vault Artist Studios / Belfast, Northern Ireland

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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.

‍Art Conservation Education / Preserving Heritage, Shaping Tomorrow / Cultivating Expertise, Safeguarding Cultural Treasures. www.art-conservation-education.com

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Louise Wijnberg

Louise Wijnberg (PhD) is an independent Painting Conservator of Modern Art, Art Historian, Lecturer and Technical Researcher. She has been sharing her expertise in tear mending techniques for over 20 years and since 2018 running Art & Conservation (A&C). She did her studies in painting conservation at the Sorbonne (MST), Paris, PhD 1987.

From 1986 to 2018 she worked as Painting Conservator at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. For 32 years she was involved with the Conservation Programs of Malevich, Barnett Newman’s Cathedra, Colour Field Paintings and Johns and Pollock, De Stijl, the Conservation of works by Cobra Artists and Wall Paintings of Karel Appel. Artists and related subjects on which she published.

Since 1987 she has been involved with teaching in other Conservation Programs in the Netherlands and abroad and member of Research Commissions of RCE. (Artist Interviews, Dry Cleaning, Water sensitivity of Modern Oil Paintings). She is a guest-lecturer at the University of Amsterdam. From 2021 onward she has been a researcher on the painting materials and techniques of Karel Appel (Karel Appel Foundation).

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A group of five women, including a woman with curly hair wearing a purple top, are working on a craft project together at a table in a workshop or classroom. They are surrounded by workshop tools and materials.

Tear Mending Masterclass

with Kate Seymour & Louise Wijnberg

18.09.25 & 19.09.25

Vault Artist Studios | Belfast, Northern Ireland

This 2 day advanced level masterclass is designed to offer professional conservators a comprehensive and practical understanding of tear repair techniques for canvas and textiles, with a focus on:

  • Bonding: adhesive selection

  • Bridges: thread & adhesive selection

  • Patches: textile & adhesive selection

  • Inserts: preparation, textile & adhesive selection

  • Ethics and Preservation: Balancing restoration aesthetics with long term material stability.

Participants will gain both theoretical understanding and practical experience, enabling them to approach tear repair with confidence and precision.

The workshop provides an opportunity to develop specialized skills, engage in hands-on problem-solving, and explore best practices in the conservation of delicate textiles and canvas supports, strengthening professional expertise and critical decision-making.

Participants will have the opportunity to develop and learn with hands on experiments, discussions and Q&A. All required materials will be provided along with lunch and refreshments for both days. A desired equipment list will be provided by email before the start of the course.

Dates: 11.06.26 & 12.06.26 | 9:30am to 5:00pm

Venue: Vault Artist Studios

39 Corporation Street, Belfast BT1 3BA

Investment: £625 | £540 *

* discounted rate available to ICON, ICRI & BAPCR members. To book using the discounted rate please email info@pcoi.co.ukfor more details.

If you are booking through a professional organisation and require an invoice, please email info@pcoi.co.uk

Book Here