From masterpieces to makeup: eco-friendly art conservation gentle enough for human skin

Green art conservation methods developed by EU-funded researchers are setting new standards and proving useful far beyond museums, from cosmetics to agriculture.

By Michaela Nesvarova

Professor Piero Baglioni vividly recalls the moment that set him on a lifelong path of art conservation. It was 1966, and the young Italian chemistry student witnessed firsthand an event that would change the course of his career.

On 4 November, his home city, Florence, experienced a devastating flood...