ICI kolkata
INTACH Conservation Institute, Kolkata centre executes its awareness, reachout and technical skill development initiatives on heritage conservation by conducting seminars and workshops with students and professionals. The Kolkata centre team of expert and experienced conservators design sessions combined with lecture, demonstration and practical hands-on work for participants. Thus, enabling and ensuring proper theory and practical understanding of the critical terms and methods of conservation and restoration of art and material heritage objects.
Facilitating training courses and workshops
The ICI Kolkata has occasionally conducted training and capacity building workshops on:
- Preventive care of art objects
- Preventive conservation of art heritage and household heritage
- Cleaning and scientific examination of easel paintings
- Conservation of paintings on paper
- Conservation and restoration of paintings
In our training workshops we have delivered talks and organised practical hands-on sessions for:
- Understanding the terms conservation and restoration
- Understanding preventive and curative conservation of art objects
- Material technology
- Deteriorating agents and their control
- Factor deterioration of objects
- Documentation
- Technical Examination of objects
- Measuring acidity through PH strips and PH metre
- Making of adhesives (CMC, MC, Starch Paste)
- Minor repair of torn pages, textile (tear mending and lose lining)
- Removal of stains
- Proper handling
- Hinging, mounting and encapsulation
- Display and storage
ICI, Kolkata’s training and capacity building
ICI Kolkata and its expert conservators have been conducting training and capacity building workshops at different organisations and institutions, upskilling personnels and students. Following are some workshops organised and conducted by ICI, Kolkata.
Conservation and Restoration of Oil Paintings
Two-day workshop organised by INTACH Conservation Institute, Kolkata in association with Suresh Amiya Memorial Trust on 18-19 March, 2024. As part of Nabanna Utsav at Kala Bhavana (Institute of Fine Arts) Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan. Facilitators from Kolkata centre held sessions on conservation and restoration relevant to oil painting.
Discussing deteriorating agents and its control, documentation, examination, making of adhesives, minor repair of paintings, proper handling, display and storage etc. As many as 40 participants including students of Kala Bhavana and staff of Kala Bhavana Museum attended the workshop.
Preservation and Conservation of Books and Manuscripts
Two-day lecture sessions for Capacity Building Training Programme was organised in January 2023 for the personnels of Public Library at RRRLF in Salt Lake, Kolkata. Experts from ICI, Kolkata centre delivered lectures and practical sessions on conservation and restoration relevant to books and manuscripts. Terms like material technology, deteriorating agents and their control, measuring acidity through PH strips and PH metre, making of adhesives (CMC, MC, Starch Paste) and minor repair of torn pages were discussed. The two-day session included a visit to the National Library Binding and Conservation sections. The sessions were attended by 40 library professionals from West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Conservation and Restoration of Textile Objects
Two-day workshop in March 2022. Organised by ICI, Kolkata in association with Suresh Amiya Memorial Trust at Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University. Experienced restorers from ICI, Kolkata centre delivered talks combined with practical hands-on sessions on conservation and restoration of textile objects. Discussing material technology, deteriorating agents and their control, documentation, examination, stain removal, minor repair of textile (tear mending and loose lining), proper handling, display, storage, etc. The workshop was attended by 65 participants, a mix of students of Kala Bhavana and staff of the Kala Bhavana Museum in Santiniketan.
Conservation and Restoration of Terracotta Objects
Two-day workshop organised by ICI, Kolkata in association with Suresh Amiya Memorial Trust in March 2020. In the annual Nabanna Utsav held at Kala Bhavan, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan. ICI, Kolkata centre’s experienced restorers delivered sessions on theory and practical methods of conservation and restoration of heritage terracotta objects. Discussion ranged on deteriorating agents and its control, documentation, examination, minor repair, proper handling, display, storage, etc. The 25 participants in the workshop were students of Kala Bhavan and staff of the Kala Bhavan Museum, Santiniketan. The inaugural session of Nabanna Utsav was attended by INTACH State Convener Mr. G.M. Kapur and State Co-convener Ms. Nayantara Palchoudhuri.
Capacity Building Training Programme on Preservation and Conservation of Books and Manuscripts at RRRLF, Kolkata
On 26 May, 2024, a focussed training session on ‘Preservation and Conservation of Books and Manuscripts’ was conducted as part of the Capacity Building Training Programme for Public Library Personnel at RRRLF, Block-DD-34, Sector 1, Salt Lake, Kolkata – 700064. Restoration experts from the INTACH Conservation Institute, Kolkata led the two sessions, delivering insightful lectures and hands-on training. The program brought together 40 library professionals from different states of India.
The key topics in the sessions included: Fundamentals of conservation and restoration, identification of deteriorating agents, use of pH strips and meters to measure paper acidity, preparation of adhesives like CMC, MC and starch paste and basic book and manuscript repair techniques including stitching and binding.
This capacity building training programme on preservation and conservation of books and manuscripts plays a crucial role in equipping library professionals with practical skills and technical knowledge essential for the long-term preservation of India’s documentary heritage.
Preservation and Conservation Training (Binding, Preventive & Curative) for Public Library Personnel – RRRLF, Kolkata
On 30 December, 2024, session on ‘Preservation and Conservation of Books and Manuscripts’ was held as part of the Capacity Building Training Programme for Public Library Personnel at RRRLF, Block-DD-34, Sector 1, Salt Lake, Kolkata – 700064. Library professionals from different Indian states participated in this programme. Conservation and restoration experts from the INTACH Conservation Institute, Kolkata,led detailed lectures and interactive practical sessions on binding, preventive and curative methods of books and manuscripts.
Key training topics included: Conservation techniques for book and manuscripts, restoration fundamentals, material technology, identification and control of deteriorating agents, measuring acidity using pH strips and meters and minor repair methods for torn pages.
The Preservation and Conservation of Books and Manuscripts workshop has been developed to boost professional skills in binding, preventive care, and curative preservation — crucial for safeguarding India’s library and archival collections.
Internship Programme on Conservation of Art Materials by ICI Centre at Hastings, Kolkata
INTACH Conservation Institute (ICI), Kolkata organised the Conservation of Art Materials internship programme from 12 May-12 Nov 2024, for students of Museology, Rabindra Bharati University at its centre on 4C, Chapel Road, Hastings. The sessions were developed and conducted by ICI Kolkata’s expert restorers and six museology students participated in this programme.
The six-month internship programme covered key topics like: Practical sessions on conservation techniques of old art and archival materials. Understanding and dealing with fumigation process of art objects, preventive conservation, curative conservation, restoration, handling, transportation, display and storage of the art material objects.
For the students, the Conservation of Art Materials internship programme was a good learning experience of theory and practical skills in a professional space to pursue a career in protecting the heritage culture of India.
Threading History: The Elokeshi Kantha Restoration
On 25 April 2025, Mr. Subash Chandra Baral, Senior Restorer at INTACH Conservation Institute, Kolkata presented an engrossing session on restoration of heritage fabrics with special focus on the iconic Elokeshi Kantha. The Birla Academy of Art and Culture hosted a lecture on ‘The Elokeshi Kantha: Mapping the Influences of Public Elements on Kantha Textile,’ dedicated to the intersection of textile art and scientific preservation. The event highlighted the project conceived and presented by Ms. Sambrita Chakraborty.
Mr. Baral provided a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the delicate world of textile conservation. Centred on his experience of restoring the Elokeshi Kantha from the Birla Academy’s collection, Mr. Baral captivated the audience by explaining the intricate process involved. From identifying the vulnerabilities of aged, fragile fibres, the complex hand-executed techniques used to stabilize the fabric without compromising its original integrity; how scientific conservation ensures these cultural fabrics survive for future generations to study and admire.
The Elokeshi Kantha is a masterpiece of storytelling through needlework that was featured in Birla Academy’s ‘A Story to Tell’ exhibition. By mapping the ‘public elements’ and social influences found within the Kantha embroidery, this project breathes new life into traditional patterns.
The Art of Preservation: INTACH Masterclass on Restoration and Conservation
On 28 June 2025, the INTACH Conservation Institute, Kolkata centre and Bingsha Shatabdi presented an illuminating session titled, “Restoration of Artefacts and Reading Materials” by Mr. Subash Baral. The talk was dedicated to the meticulous science of restoration and safeguarding our heritage.
INTACH Calcutta Chapter Co-Convenor Mrs. Kanchana Mukhopadhyay gave the opening speech. Hosted by Bingsha Shatabdi, the session was led by Mr. Baral, senior restorer at ICI, Kolkata, who presented a comprehensive overview on restoration of artefacts and reading materials. With years of expertise in handling delicate historical objects, Mr. Baral provided a unique presentation on the behind-the-scenes of professional heritage preservation.
From manuscripts to metal, the presentation covered a diverse overview of specialized conservation techniques and processes required for a wide array of materials. Attendees gained insights into the unique challenges and restorative methods used for:
– Reading Materials: Books, ancient manuscripts, and fragile paper documents.
– Fine Arts: Paintings and intricate fabric-based works.
– Archaeological Finds: Terracotta, ceramics, and metal artifacts.
– Organic Objects: Woodwork and historic furniture.
The session aimed at educating the public and collectors on how to prevent the decay of historical assets through proper scientific intervention. By bridging the gap between technical expertise and a common person, INTACH Conservation Institute continues to ensure that the material legacy of our ancestors remains intact for future generations.
Schooling Young Conservators: Art Restoration Seminar at La Martinere for Boys
On 19 August, 2025, the La Martiniere for Boys School, Kolkata, turned into a hub for heritage and innovation. At the invitation of the school’s Art Department faculty, Ms. Romi Majumder and Mr. Dipendranath Pal, an exclusive seminar was held by INTACH Conservation Institute (ICI), Kolkata focusing on the potential of art preservation and its career opportunities for students. ICI’s Senior Restorer Mr. Subash Baral conducted the day-long session with the young boys in full attention. The seminar saw enthusiastic participation from approximately 40 students, all curious and eager to learn about something outside their curriculum. The session discussed basic aesthetics, diving deep into the technical and ethical world of art conservation. At this introductory level, the students got a comprehensive overview on the basics of restoration of art objects and how to preserve their personal heritage collection for future. Some of the key learnings for the youngsters:
– Principles of restoration and understanding the delicate balance between repairing damage and maintaining the artist’s original intent
– Introduction to scientific techniques involving the chemical and physical substances and methods used to stabilize aging art objects
– Practical tips on preventive conservation, how students can protect their personal art collections from environmental decay, light damage and humidity from the early stage
In a time dominated by digital and artificial intelligence, heritage preservation is being increasingly valued globally. Creating an all-time high demand for skilled conservators.
Professional Development: Training to Safeguard Public Libraries
On 29 August, 2025, the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF, Block-DD-34, Sector 1) in Salt Lake hosted a training workshop on ‘Preservation and Conservation for Public Libraries’. This specialized session was a cornerstone of the larger Capacity Building Training Programme designed for library personnel across the nation. The program drew 40 dedicated library professionals from different states across India, all converging at the RRRLF Kolkata headquarters to upgrade their skills in conservation and restoration.
Facilitators from the INTACH Conservation Institute (ICI), Kolkata, conducted the intensive training session.
The participants learned about techniques of:
– Acidity Testing – how to measure the pH levels of paper using both pH strips and digital pH meters
– Minor Repairs – on techniques of mending torn pages
– Distinguishing between preventive measures to stop decay and the active repair of damaged materials by defining conservation vs. restoration
– Understanding material technology of the chemical composition of paper, ink, and binding materials used in historical and modern collections
– Identifying and controlling the deteriorating agents and environmental threats such as humidity, pests, light exposure, and pollution
The training workshop bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that India’s public library records are protected for generations to come. In the hands-on technical session, participants moved beyond the lecture to engage practically with conservation tools.
Preserving Textile Heritage: INTACH at 52nd IASC National Conference
In September 2025, Mr. Subash Chandra Baral, senior restorer INTACH Conservation Institute (ICI) Kolkata participated in the Indian Association for the Study of Conservation of Cultural Property (IASC) 52nd National Conference in Guwahati, Assam. The two-day conference brought together experts from India to present on the theme, ‘Conservation of Cultural Heritage with an Emphasis on Textiles’.
Mr. Baral presented a significant case study on the restoration of Elokeshi Kantha – a historically significant, rare masterpiece of storytelling through embroidery. The presentation was based on his research and practical experience of restoration of this masterpiece from Birla Academy of Art and Culture’s antique collection. The heritage textile’s age, delicate fibre composition and needlework posed distinct challenges for the senior restorer and his team. Mr. Baral delved on the challenges and treatment intricacies of working on the Elokeshi Kantha project and textile conservation.
The 52nd National Conference on ‘Conservation of Cultural Heritage with an Emphasis on Textiles’ was organized by IASC New Delhi in collaboration with the Directorate of Museums, Assam on 23-25 September. It was held at the Kanaklal Baruah Auditorium and Conservation Laboratory at the Assam State Museum.
INTACH Kolkata restoration training by Mr. Rajesh Giri who did an internship at ICI Kolkata center. View PDF
ICI Kolkata Conservation Team
Name |
Details |
| Mr. Subash Chandra Baral | Senior Restorer |
| Mr. Arindam Debnath | Restorer |
| Ms. Malati Dey Sahoo | Accountant |
Contact Person/s |
Details |
| Mr. G.M. Kapur | Advisor |
| Ms. Kanchana Mukhopadhyay | Coordinator |
Contact us Write to us or Call/text to join INTACH Conservation Institute, Kolkata’s art and material heritage conservation workshop or trainee programmes for students / novice / professional conservationists, restorers
