Institutions and independent restorers are also donating their stocks of respirators, gloves and protective suits. It’s not the quantity that matters – what’s important is solidarity during this time. Because the material to protect against infection is becoming increasingly scarce
Erma Hermes, technical art historian at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, had not expected her appeal to donate protective equipment to be met with such a positive response worldwide. (RESTAURO article from 28.03.2020) The German Association of Restorers (VDR) supported this initiative, also called for donations and compiled central contact points and a list of required products. As a result, many independent restorers have donated materials to medical practices and clinics to protect themselves from hazardous substances. Institutions are also continuing to play an active role. Andrea Funck, professor at the Stuttgart Academy of Fine Arts, initiated the donation of masks and gloves from the Academy’s restoration courses and laboratory to the local Katharinenhospital. The conservation/restoration/excavation technology course at HTW Berlin donated protective equipment to the Charité, including over 3,000 gloves and protective suits as well as hand soap cartridges, disposable towels, respirators and surgical masks. The State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg also took part and handed out 30 FFP-3 protective masks to volunteers from the Bruchsal food bank. Clemens Bader, occupational health and safety coordinator at the State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg, commented: “I am delighted that we are able to support the good work of the food bank with our masks.” The Dresden State Art Collections (SKD) called on its employees to make donations last week. An SKD spokeswoman announced on Friday that over 6,000 disposable gloves, more than 130 Tyvek protective suits and around 150 FFP-2 and FFP-3 respiratory protection masks had been donated to the Oberlausitzer Bergland Clinic.