Description
The project aims to protect and preserve Czech cultural heritage by the restoration and safeguarding of selected paintings and furniture in the Archbishop’s Castle in Kroměříž, the UNESCO cultural heritage. In the context of Czech monuments, the Archbishop’s Castle in Kroměříž is remarkable for its original furniture from the archbishop’s collections and the highly valuable collections of paintings. The furniture installed in the historical rooms of the castle and dating to the period between the 16th and the 19th century is the example of master craftsmanship. With regards to their current critical emergency conditions, the long-term preservation of more than 500 quality paintings the restoration represents an extremely financially and technically demanding challenge. Thanks to the project 36 paintings and 28 pieces of historic furniture will be restored and equipment to protect the collections against negative environmental conditions (including climate stable frames for fourteen of the most valuable panel paintings) will be purchased. The project will contribute to a higher rate of visitors and growth of cultural tourism. It will also enhance bilateral cooperation with the project partners Olomouc Art Museum, National Heritage Institute and Norsk Institutt for Kulturminneforskning. The partners will share their experience in the field of restoration and the display of works culminating in a joint conference with distribution of created publication.
Summary of project results
The Archbishop´s Chateau Kroměříž belongs to significant Czech monuments for its preserved furniture from the archiepiscopal collections as well as for a unique collection of paintings. The project was focused on restoration and protection of selected, very precious paintings and pieces of furniture in the Archbishop’s Chateau in Kroměříž that were in emergency conditions or in danger. The project’s aim was fulfilled in two ways: by the restoration itself and by protection of panel paintings with the help of frames of stable climate that eliminate negative effects of changing climatic conditions of the chateau The restoration of the furniture (29 items) and paintings (53 items) located at the guided tour, acquisition of the frames of stable climate for secure preservation of panel paintings, and acquisition of a showcase of stable climate for presentation of delicate items created an environment that didn’t destroy the genius loci of the Baroque chateau, provided a secure and long-term preservation of valuable collections and has contributed to higher number of visitors and the development of the cultural tourism. Financing from the EEA funds is thus a unique opportunity to restore and secure the most endangered items and keep their historical and artistic authenticity.
Summary of bilateral results
The project was implemented in cooperation with three partners - the National Monument Institute, the Museum of Art Olomouc - Archdiocesan Museum in Olomouc and the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research. The Czech partners of the project have already participated in the preparation phase of the project -selection of list of items designated for restoration and the determination of the parameters of the devices that were subsequently acquired from the project. During the implementation, they participated in the preparation and the process of the procurement procedures, they took part during on-site monitoring and evaluation, or purchased equipment. Their co-operation was also necessary when uninstalling and re-installing the collection items before and after restoration. Without the cooperation with these partners, the realization of the project would not be possible. Cooperation with a Norwegian partner (NIKU) was foster during the implementation phase of the project. Two study trips were realized – one to the Czech republic and one to Norway. The main aim of both trips was to share restoration methods of historical items with particular emphasis on carrying out exploration and restoration works of art, ways of their storage, protection and presentation.