Call for Papers for the BAPCR Conference
BAPCR Conference: Friday 9th October 2026, The British Library, London
Deadline for abstract submissions: Friday 27th February 2026
The BAPCR (British Association of Paintings Conservator-Restorers) is pleased to announce the call for papers for their forthcoming conference in October 2026: Forging Ahead: Metals in Paintings
Metals are among the most prolific elements on Earth. Since its prehistoric discovery, the use of metal ore has had a profound impact on societal development, as humans learned to exploit their physical properties for implements and artefacts. Precious metals have facilitated trade in coinage and currency. Metalworking has evolved to adapt metals to meet the needs of society, facilitating technology in weaponry and tools for farming. Metals used in jewellery and decorative functional objects reflect value and status. In what ways do they appear in paintings? How has our understanding of metals developed both culturally by the craftspeople that worked with them, and in the field of modern material science? Is the presence of metals in paintings a result of their existence as common inorganic materials and their intentional use by artists for their diverse properties?
This conference aims to explore current research into metals in paintings, whether it be elemental and chemical, aesthetic and structural, depictive and decorative. It will bring together science and technical analysis, art history and contemporary artistic practice, broadening our understanding of the way metals are present in paintings and enhancing our appreciation of the cultural and art historical relevance of these materials, which are both ubiquitous and precious.
We invite abstracts on all subjects related to metals in paintings conservation as well as wider disciplines such as frames, books, paper and sculpture, provided that it contains a connection with a painted element: proposed papers might address early examples of the use of metals, the depiction of metal in painting, the application of metallic pigments, artists’ use of mixed media, technical investigations, the presence of metals on degradation phenomena and the preservation of paintings, and the use of metals in practical treatments.
It is envisaged that a series of 15-minute talks will supplement longer 25-minute talks, to provide opportunities to present short case studies. Submissions for both formats are therefore encouraged. Contributors will be required to present in person, in London.
Submission Details: Please submit abstracts of 400 words or less, for consideration by the Selection Panel, to the BAPCR secretary, Gemma Collins (BAPCRsecretary@gmail.com), by Friday 27th February 2026. Please specify the intended talk length (either 15 or 25 minutes). Include the title, author’s name(s), professional titles, affiliations, and an author biography of no more than 250 words. In the case of multiple authors, please list all authors and include an email address for each, indicating the corresponding author. Only one submission by the same primary author will be considered. Please note that the BAPCR will publish a post-print of submitted papers; speakers will be asked to produce first drafts by January 2027.