On Monday, 18 May, and Wednesday, 20 May 2026, the Historical Library of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation hosted a hands-on workshop for students of the Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art at the University of West Attica, within the framework of the course “Conservation of Works of Art on Paper.” The workshop was led by Professors Vasiliki Kokla and Anna Karatzani, in collaboration with Dr. Manto Sotiropoulou. During the workshop, students had the opportunity to examine material from the Foundation’s old and rare collections using multispectral imaging techniques. The aim was to study and analyze manuscript and printed inks, as well as pigments on paper and parchment substrates.
Using portable digital microscopes operating in the visible, ultraviolet, and infrared spectra, the students examined illuminated initials and miniatures, handwritten marginal annotations, and printed inks found in manuscript codices, incunabula, and early printed books. The analysis focused on identifying and studying the pigments and inks used in the production of these works. In addition, the students examined and documented the material using both reflected and transmitted light photography in order to record the distinctive material and codicological characteristics of each object, including paper watermarks and the structural features of parchment manufacture. A total of six items from the incunabula, manuscript, and Konstantinos Laskaridis collections were selected for study during the workshop.
