February 15 4 p.m. the restoration materials and equipment bought for the campaign “Ukraine’s culture has nothing to defend itself with” are taken out of the Restoration Center of the National Museum of Lithuania. The list of tools needed by Ukrainian museum workers was prepared by the museum together with Ukrainian partners. These tools will be delivered to the National History Museum of Ukraine, from where they will travel to other museums in the country. 

“It is symbolic that our support for Ukraine goes out exactly on such a day – on the eve of February 16. It is not only a reminder of how important it is to protect and nurture independence, but also an encouragement to support those who are still fighting for their freedom,” said Rūta Kačkutė, general director of the National Museum of Lithuania. 

Almost 200 units of restoration equipment and materials were bought for the money donated during the campaign. Since we work with very valuable cultural objects, restoration materials must meet certain requirements: they must not harm the exhibit, be stable and mobile 

The bulk of the shipment to Ukraine consists of various chemicals and art restoration tools used in conservation and restoration processes: from special detergents and cleaners (surface-active substances, soaps, erasers, solvents), various glues (protein-based glues, epoxy glue, glass glue, etc.)  protective coatings – waxes, varnishes, which are used to cover the exhibit after restoration. Special paper from Japan of various thicknesses and shades were also purchased, which is used in the restoration of various paper-based exhibits. 

A microscope with a camera, magnifying glasses are also brought to Ukraine so that a restorer or a researcher can inspect the exhibits, see the subtle details, the arrangement of paint layers, and microdamage. Equipment for measuring the acidity of paper, wood, and textile exhibits (pH-meter) with an electrode was purchased, and the cleaning, storage and calibration solutions needed to maintain this equipment were purchased. Ukrainians are also given a small-capacity reduced-pressure chamber for fixing exhibits, a steam scalpel and cautery used in certain restoration processes, as well as ultrasonic baths in which small, mostly metal, objects can be gently cleaned. And ultraviolet lamps are especially necessary when viewing paintings before restoration. 

All these materials and equipment will assist in the conservation and restoration of paper, wood, paintings, archaeological finds, textiles, historical metal and ceramics. 

During the support campaign “Ukrainian culture has nothing to defend itself with”, the people of Lithuania donated about 10,000. euros. The support initiative was supported by 100 museums of the country, united by the Association of Lithuanian Museums. The initiative was organized by the Lithuanian National Museum, LRT and the “Stronger Together”, the partners of the campaign are the Association of Lithuanian Museums and the Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO.