Exhibition presented by Carole Jeanneret
from the "Open Book" workshop
24 Rue de Lausanne in Fribourg
"The mission of the conservator/restorer: what if your books could last another 100 years?"
From June 3 to 27, 2026 at L'Atelier, Place Notre-Dame 16 in Fribourg
The profession of conservator/restorer
The profession of conservator-restorer of works on paper and books
The conservator-restorer of paper works and books is dedicated to the preservation of written and graphic heritage: from ancient manuscripts to photographic prints, from engravings to bound books. Their role is to stabilize, repair, and transmit these material witnesses of our history while respecting their original integrity.
Before any intervention, the conservator-restorer conducts a precise assessment of the object's condition: the nature of the supports, inks, pigments, glues, and bindings. Each material reacts differently to time, light, humidity, and handling. The conservator-restorer therefore selects appropriate and reversible treatments, prioritizing the durability and traceability of their work.
This profession combines artisanal know-how, scientific knowledge, and an aesthetic sense. Between microscopes and magnifying glasses, solvents and Japanese paper, it is meticulous work where every gesture counts.
Finally, conservation-restoration is not limited to the workshop: it also includes a role in raising awareness and educating the public. The professional advises institutions, collectors, and the public on the ideal conservation conditions, so that works of art continue to bear witness to our collective memory.
Professional ethics and approach
Conservators and restorers of works on paper and books practice their profession in accordance with a professional code of ethics recognized internationally. They rely in particular on the ECCO (European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers' Organisations) Code of Ethics and the ICOM (International Council of Museums) Code of Ethics, which define the principles of respecting the integrity of the works, caution in interventions, reversibility, and systematic documentation.
These texts are freely accessible online: the ECCO code can be downloaded from the websites of professional associations of conservators and restorers, and the ICOM code of ethics is available on the ICOM website or via the conservation-restoration pages of the French Ministry of Culture. Their choices are guided by the long-term interest of the works, and not by immediate aesthetic or commercial considerations. They respect the confidentiality of owners, collaborate with other heritage professionals, and inform the public about best conservation practices, in order to pass this heritage on to future generations.
If you would like to read the ICOMOS Charter, here is the link to download it: https://www.icomos.org/images/DOCUMENTS/Charters/arch_f.pdf
The training
The Bern University of the Arts (HKB), a member of the Swiss Conservation-Restoration Campus, excels in training conservators-restorers specializing in books, graphic arts, and photographs. This Bachelor's and Master's program combines scientific theory, art history, and practical skills to preserve paper heritage from deterioration, while adhering to international ethical standards such as those of ECCO.
Students learn to diagnose works of art, apply reversible treatments (cleaning, consolidation, restoration), and manage preventive conservation for museums, libraries, and private collections. Collaborating with institutions such as the Kunstmuseum Bern, the HKB trains professionals capable of working on ancient manuscripts and modern printed works, combining technology with a sensitivity to heritage. This training, recognized throughout Switzerland, guarantees lasting expertise to protect written and graphic heritage.
For any other information about the school, here is the link to their website:
https://www.hkb.bfh.ch/fr/etudes/bachelor/conservation/
Other institutions, such as the Haute école Arc Conservation-Restauration (HE-Arc CR) in Neuchâtel, a key member of the Swiss Conservation-Restoration Campus, offer outstanding training in conservation-restoration, covering archaeological objects, glass, textiles, paintings, and many other heritage materials. This Bachelor's and Master's program emphasizes scientific and ethical approaches, training professionals capable of working on fragile works for museums, public, and private collections.