The 32nd International Colloquium of the Corpus Vitrearum will take place in Krakow from 6 to 9 July 2026, overlapping with the 13th International Forum for the Conservation and Technology of Historic Stained Glass of the Corpus Vitrearum from 8 to 10 July 2026 in Krakow.

1) 32nd International Colloquium of the Corpus Vitrearum
RESEARCH ON STAINED GLASS: HISTORY AND METHODS

The Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi was founded in 1952. In the year before the 75th anniversary of the inauguration of this international undertaking – whose aims currently encompass the study of stained-glass heritage of all epochs, and which operates under the name of the international Corpus Vitrearum – we would like to reflect on its past and present, thus forming a basis for the development of future projects.
The International Colloquium and Forum of the Corpus Vitrearum, to be held in Krakow in 2026, will consider the history of stained-glass research and the path that had led up to the establishment of the international Corpus Vitrearum, as well as the various aspects of the organisation’s past. It will offer an opportunity to look back on people who set up the national committees of the Corpus Vitrearum and their contributions to the study of stained glass, both internationally, and nationally or locally.
From the very beginning of its existence, the Corpus Vitrearum has provided exceptional opportunities for conducting research within a broad network of specialists, and it is also this aspect that we should like to consider, against the background of the changing political, social and technical conditions of pursuing scholarly research in Europe and America across this long time span.
From its very origins, too, the Corpus Vitrearum has been at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, bringing together art historians, conservators, and archivists. It is therefore worthwhile to explore the consequences of such a modus operandi – both in the past and today. All of the above leads to questions about research methods. We would like to examine these more theoretical problems by asking about the historical development of stained-glass research methods, about new methods and new research attitudes, as well as about the importance of traditional approaches to analysing stained glass in the contemporary study of art history.
We would like to reflect on the problem of the reception of results of stained-glass research, and the role played in this regard by the published volumes of the Corpus Vitrearum catalogue series, and on the position of stained glass in the art-historical ‘canon’ of particular epochs.

We invite you to send proposals for papers under the following headings:
1. The history of research on stained glass: research centres, scholars, and publications
2. The history of the Corpus Vitrearum: main figures, activities, and achievements
3. Methods of stained-glass research:
a. changing methods of stained-glass research from a historical perspective
b. the interdisciplinary approach in stained-glass research (art history, conservation, liturgical studies, visual studies, and mediality)
c. new methodological perspectives in stained-glass studies
d. re-interpretations: the place of traditional methods in the contemporary practice of stained-glass research
e. the place of stained glass in the research on art of particular epochs.

2) 13th Forum for the Conservation and Technology of Historic Stained Glass
HISTORICAL TECHNIQUES AND APPROACHES TO THE CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION OF STAINED GLASS

We cordially invite submissions of papers dedicated to the conservation and restoration of stained glass, with a particular emphasis on historical research methods and techniques as well as the development of conservation theory. The aim of the colloquium is to create a platform for discussing the impact of historical research methods on the advancement of knowledge about stained glass art, and on contemporary conservation and restoration practices.
We also propose a reflection on the evolution of conservation and restoration theories for stained glass and their significance for current and future efforts to protect this unique cultural heritage. The colloquium aims to bring together specialists from various fields to analyse collectively the challenges and opportunities related to the preservation of stained glass.

Topics for Submission:
1. Historical Techniques in Stained Glass Restoration:
- Case studies addressing the challenges of past restoration practices and their impact on stained glass preservation.
- Analytical studies of historical materials used in stained glass and their application in modern conservation practices.
2. Methodological Approaches to Stained Glass Research:
- The evolution of research methodologies and techniques in the field of stained glass conservation.
- Historical accounts of technological advancements and breakthroughs that have shaped the discipline of stained glass conservation.
3. Prominent Figures and Studios in Stained Glass Conservation:
- Exploration of the contributions of leading conservators and renowned studios to the field of stained glass restoration and preservation.
4. The Evolution of Conservation Ideology and Philosophical Approaches:
- Examination of historical shifts in the philosophy of stained glass conservation and restoration across different periods.
- Ideological discussions surrounding the preservation of past treatments as integral to the history of the artwork versus the need for renewal.
- Reflection on how changing cultural, social, and technological contexts have influenced conservation philosophies and practices.

We are open to contributions in the form of scientific papers, presentations of case studies, reports on practical experiences, or posters on the above general theme. We especially welcome contributions that bring interdisciplinary perspectives and stimulate discussion.

Please submit your presentation abstract of 300-500 words by 15 May 2025. There will also be an opportunity to present research findings in poster sessions. For a poster presentation, please submit your abstract of 200-300 words by the same deadline.

Please send your abstract proposing an oral presentation or a poster in English, French or German to: cvpuj.edu.pl