Fig. 1. Logo of ARCOVE, the Association for the Restoration-Conservation of Stained Glass in Spain (Logo designed by Peke Toyas)
A positive piece of news in these dark times is this month’s launch of ARCOVE, the Association for the Restoration-Conservation of Stained Glass in Spain (Fig.1).
After a year and a half of hard work, the President of ARCOVE, Fernando Cortes Pizano, along with the Board, are pleased officially introduce this new organisation to the wider stained glass community. Their intention is to create bridges and links of support and collaboration with the various associations and institutions across the field of stained glass and Conservation, both in Spain and abroad.
The project is born of enthusiasm for learning and concern for the conservation of our stained glass heritage. The idea for ARCOVE was sown in October 2018, during a course on conservation and restoration of stained glass windows, which was held at the School of Historical Heritage of Nájera (Fig. 2), and finally germinated in June 2019. This month, ARCOVE have launched their website, outlining their inclusive vision and objectives.
ARCOVE has diverse and varied objectives, but its core aims are to generate a greater awareness of Spain’s important stained glass heritage, and promote its documentation and study, as well as improvements in the quality of restoration work. To achieve this, they will be working towards the creation of official higher education studies in this field and professional recognition of ARCOVE. Through these activities, they hope to improve the preservation and understanding of this magnificent heritage for future generations.
Fig. 2. Students from the 5-day course on Conservation and Restoration of Stained Glass, held at the School of Historical Heritage of Nájera (La Rioja, Spain). (Image courtesy by Mikel Delika)
ARCOVE aims to be a space for dialogue, support and professional collaboration, learning, exchange and dissemination of ideas and knowledge, always based on tolerance and mutual respect. They are keen to welcome all people who are dedicated to the conservation, restoration and study of stained glass, whether professionals or amateurs, at any stage in their career.
ARCOVE are keen to gain the support of the wider stained glass community, to help them achieve their aims. You are invited to visit their website, www.arcove.org and to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.