Survey reveals pandemic's impact on Italian restorers

Milan-based restoration firm Oltremodo Studio, founded by Marianna Cappellina and Christian Tortaro, launched a survey to assess how the Covid-19 lockdown affected restorers and conservators of cultural heritage across Italy. Over 130 colleagues responded. During the March 2020 lockdown, many artworks in private labs were left unfinished and unmonitored; only 2% of respondents completed work early or modified projects due to urgency. Nearly 70% of self-employed restorers received no instructions from owners or protection authorities, and over half never checked on works in their labs. Among conservators employed by institutions, 20% could inspect works sporadically and 15% constantly monitored environmental parameters. The survey revealed disparities between ministerial, local, and private entities. In the 'phase 2' reopening, 65% of private restorers have works in labs awaiting resumption, while 35% were working in museums or external sites. Security systems in labs are generally high, but the abandonment of premises raises conservation and insurance concerns. Major fine arts insurers are discussing new protocols via webinars. Cappellina aims to map regional situations and compare with other European countries to inform future solutions. The survey remains open for anonymous responses.