RIA's inaugural contents restoration class was held just before Memorial Day at Complete Restoration Services, Inc. in Glen Burnie, Md. Twenty-seven students invested two days in learning restoration theory and how to apply it in selecting the appropriate techniques for specific situations.

"The goal of this course is not to show you how to clean things, but to enable you to think like a restorer" was the opening remark of Martin King, CR, ASA, who serves as an RIA technical advisor and the course instructor. He presented a wide range of procedures that are available to the restorer, and said the key lies in selecting "the least aggressive procedure that does the job."

He provided an inside view of different textiles and identified the problems they present for restoration. Class members learned how to inspect upholstered furniture, where to look for fading, what types of stains are usually found in specific areas, and how to tell if shrinkage has occurred. He reviewed a full range of cleaning methods—from least to most aggressive—that are appropriate for furniture and other objects. "Understanding cleaning principles allows you to develop combinations that are much more effective than a one-process approach." he said.

He reviewed the properties of different solvents so that restorers can use them properly and explained how wrong solvents damage otherwise stable surfaces. He discussed how to evaluate different metals, how to handle art works on canvas and paper, how to remove fire residues from books and how to evaluate computer damage. Time was spent identifying different ceramics, finishes and art forms to illustrate King's assertion that the basis for restoration is accurate identification. "Learn to see what you are looking at," was a frequent reminder.

A portion of the class included a discussion of the different types of blasting media available and a demonstration of soda blasting by Greg Turpin of Complete Restoration Services. Jesse Turpin, CEO of Complete, explained the differences in various blasting media, including sand, sponge and dry ice. He showed the sensitivity of soda blasting by using that medium to remove smoke from a decorated ceramic bowl.

The excellent response to this first presentation suggests that a second Contents Restoration class will be scheduled for later this year.—PLH