Chief: Professor Michail Devjatov

The workshop was founded in 1971. Since its beginning it has been it has been known as the best finest school of painting restoration in Russia.

The workshop offers certifications in:

Preservation and restoration of oil and classic russian tempera painting (6 years with a choice of specialization after first two years of training);

History and theory of restoration, the engineering and technology of painting, the icons of old russian art;

Biology, chemistry, and physics relating to art, photographic processes;

Courses on painting and the studies of figures under the auspices of the Russian Academy of Art;

Technical reproduction classic art works, with an emphasis on the study of the methods and styles of the original artists.

Informal (free-of-charge) daytime classes and other shorter courses (lasting up to 1 year) are available.

Chief: Professor Yury Bobrov

Yuri Bobrov, Doctor in Art History (Ph.D.), Professor of the Conservation Department of Saint Petersburg`s Academy of Arts (formerly known as the Repin Art Institute), member of ICOM CC. 1972, Master's degree in Art History (The Repin Art Institute of the Russian Academy of Art) 1978, Ph.D. in History of Icon Conservation 1998, Doctor`s degree in Theory of Conservation Research Areas, practical conservation and restoration of icons and paintings, expertise of Art Works (icons and russian art), history of Medieval Russian Art. Publications, History of Conservation of Medieval Russian Painting. (Leningrad, Khudoznik RSFSR, 1987); Iconography of Orthodoxe Icon Painting  (Saint Petersburg, Axioma, 1995); Theory of Conservation of Artistic Heritage and Its Contradictions (Saint Petersburg, The Repin Art Institute, 1997) etc.

This workshop trains experts in the preservation and restoration old and/or historic russian iconic paintings and polychromatic (multicolored) scupltures and figurines. Over the years this workshop has been responsible for some of the most important cultural works in many of the best and largest museums in the country.

The workshop is called upon to repair the basic media or underlying foundation of paintings, restore natural or original colors to faded layers, analyze the historical authenticity of works as well as perform complete restorations. All work is carried out by the students of the workshop under the direct supervision of instructors. Their work is done under the oversight of the Restoration Council that consists of many of the best restorers in St. Petersburg.

A typical formal training program lasts 6 years during which the students are taught to master various methods and techniques of restoration. Their study begins with a solid foundation in art history and culture along with the technical aspects of how the old works were created. Students start out by performing basic preparation and restoration tasks and soon advance to more complex work. The study covers a wide variety of topics that are needed to receive the official certification of a professional restorer. Students are required to fully document their work during all stages of a restoration with a complete textual and photographic record. These are produced in parallel while the restoration is taking place. Simultaneously, laboratory research is conducted that adds to the body of physical and chemical knowledge relating to the work.

Upon successful completion of the training program the graduate receives a diploma certifying their status as an Artist/Restorer with a professional certificate from the Russian Ministry of Culture.

Chief:  A. Aljoshin

This workshop trains experts on the preservation and restoration of oil paintings. It is best known for its work with oil paintings and has been engaged by many of the country's best museums. Like the other workshops, work is carried out by students under the supervision and guidance of experienced instructors and under the oversight of the Restoration Council.

The full study program lasts 6 years during which a student will be taught to master various methods and techniques of oil painting restoration.

Upon successful completion of the training program the graduate receives a diploma certifying their status as an Artist/Restorer with a professional certificate from the Russian Ministry of Culture.

The general sylabus of training for art students focuses on the realistic style of painting under the program which is authorized by the Russian Academy of Art.

The program consists of work in still life, prograits, nudes, images of the interior of the institute halls and antique reliefs found in the halls of the museum of sculpture. When weather permits, primarily in June and July, students go outdoors to create works 'a la prima' or as it is more commonly known, plein air. These outdoor works consists of portraits, still lifes and sketches.

The study of figures include a portrait, an image of a nude, and anatomic figures. During the again, when the weather permits, typically in June and July, these studies are taken outdoors.

The art of copying is performed by students in the 3rd and 6th study level. Depending on the chosen subject (an old Russian work or painting), the student may produce an icon or perhaps an oil painting. The student may choose a work from either the Russian State Museuem, The Hermitage, or in the halls of the Academy itself. Occasionally, a student may decide to produce a copy of one of the works which is currently under restoration. All phases in the production of a copy are conducted under the supervision of the instructors of the restoration faculty.