About Me

About Me

My name is Tania Sophie Burns, and I am an Art Conservator–Restorer.
I hold a five-year single-cycle Master’s Degree in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage from Suor Orsola Benincasa University of Naples, where I graduated 110/110 cum laude.

I specialize in the conservation of easel paintings, integrating scientific analysis, ethical principles, and hands-on restoration skills. My training includes extensive laboratory work, diagnostic imaging, and the complete treatment of historic artworks.

I also completed an Erasmus program in Seville, which strengthened my adaptability, cultural awareness, and international outlook in the conservation field.

Areas of Expertise

• Conservation and restoration of easel paintings on canvas and wood

• Scientific diagnostics: UV fluorescence (UVF), infrared reflectography (IRR), XRF, FT-IR

• Microscopy and cross-section analysis

• Condition assessment and mapping of deterioration phenomena

• pH-controlled cleaning systems

• Solvent, aqueous, and gel-based cleaning methodologies

• Structural treatments (mending, strip-lining, support stabilization)

• Consolidation of lifting and delaminating paint layers

• Filling and chromatic reintegration

• Application and removal of reversible varnishes

Thesis Project

For my Master’s thesis, I carried out the complete conservation and restoration of a 19th-century landscape attributed to Alfonso Simonetti, from initial condition assessment to final presentation. 

The project integrated scientific diagnostics, material identification, ethical decision-making, and full technical documentation, providing hands-on experience in all phases of a professional conservation intervention. 

Documentation & Methodology

• Condition reporting according to professional conservation standards

• Photographic documentation (before, during, and after treatment)

• Technical recording of materials, methods, and treatment phases

• Documentation of diagnostic results and analytical data

• Ethical decision-making and respect for the historical integrity of the artwork

• Clear and systematic workflow documentation throughout the conservation process

Languages

• Italian – native

• English – professional working proficiency (B2/C1)

• Spanish – upper-intermediate (B2/C1)