RemoteFlorenceUkraine*
Conservators and restorers
Paintings, icons, gilding and wooden supports. Paired with a Ukrainian colleague over video.
Firenze per l'Ucraina · Pilot Programme 2026
The Bakhmut Icons
Five nineteenth-century icons, rescued from a city in ruins, restored in Ukraine with Florentine expertise.
- Icons in the pilot
- 5
- Bakhmut collections evacuated
- c. 70%
- Where they are restored
- Khmelnytskyi
- Each icon treated by
- Ukraine + Florence
The city
Bakhmut
Photograph to follow
Bakhmut, once home to some 70,000 people, was reduced to rubble before falling to Russian forces in May 2023. Its residents fled, but museum staff managed to evacuate an estimated 70% of its collections, preserving the memory of a city now in ruins. The works are held in relative safety in Ukraine, many in need of conservation.
During his September visit on behalf of the MMG Foundation, its President, Luke Olbrich, saw displaced collections in secure underground facilities and all of the work ahead.
In partnership with the Ukraine Cultural Heritage Fund (UCHF), the Foundation is beginning with a small pilot to conserve five nineteenth-century icons from Bakhmut. We are working with colleagues at the Khmelnytskyi Regional Art Museum, a project partner where the icons will be restored. It is a practical first step towards connecting heritage conservation organisations and professionals across Europe and beyond with their Ukrainian colleagues.
The pilot
How it will work
In Ukraine
Ukrainian restorer
Treats the icons at the Khmelnytskyi Regional Art Museum. The objects stay in Ukraine.
Video and shared imaging
In Florence
Florentine specialist
A conservator from the Bastioni community, advising on every stage.
The Foundation supports the conservation materials and professional time. Both conservators are engaged and compensated for their work.
- Examine conditionTogether they study each icon under raking light, UV fluorescence and high-resolution macro photography, mapping flaking paint, lifting gilding and losses.
- Agree treatmentThey agree each step jointly, from consolidating paint and gesso to cleaning, filling losses and retouching, with test areas documented first.
- Follow progressEach stage is photographed under the same lighting and reviewed live over video. We begin with five works and build from the experience.
Who is involved
Partners
Associazione BastioniFlorence's independent community of professional conservators
Ukraine Cultural Heritage Fund (UCHF)Co-founded by Ukraine's Ministry of Culture and ALIPH
Khmelnytskyi Regional Art MuseumProject partner, where the icons are restored
After the pilot
Exploring future support programmes
The war has depleted Ukraine's conservation community through conscription, exile and injury.
Our needs
Needed now
Under construction
We are mapping the gaps with our partners in Ukraine.
A list of specific needs, each with its own way to give, will appear here soon. In the meantime, you can still lend a hand below.
Get involved
Lend a hand: be a fellow mud angel into 2027
The solidarity that once came to Florence can now help sustain our colleagues in Ukraine. Send your name, email, organisation or specialism, availability and a few words about how you would like to help. We will follow up personally.
"I'm willing to volunteer my time to lend a hand."
These are the skills we need now. Pick one, tell us where you can work, and we will be in touch personally.
Remote
Translators
Ukrainian to Italian or English, for treatment reports and video calls.
RemoteFlorence
Imaging and documentation
Technical photography and setting up the video link for remote examination.
Florence
Packing, shipping and customs
Fine-art handling, crating, transport, insurance and paperwork.
RemoteFlorence
Introductions and fundraising
Connect us with museums, studios, suppliers and foundations.
Florence
Studio space and secure storage
Workspaces in Florence for possible treatment and safekeeping.
* Work in Ukraine only once secure working conditions can be assured.
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Lend a hand
Or write to Luke Olbrich at info@mirceamariagerardfoundation.com