The local cleaning of composite artefacts made from tarnished silver or gilded silver attached to organic components (wood, leather...) is now possible with the new electrolytic pencil developed by the Conservation Research Unit at the University of Applied Sciences Arc (UR-Arc CR of HE-Arc), Neuchâtel; in partnership with the EDANA laboratory in the Engineering division of HE-Arc and the FabLab, Neuchâtel (www. fablab-neuch.ch/pleco). The pencil, called “Pleco” after the aquarium cleaning fish, is made from a 3-electrode cell in a nozzle enclosed by a micro-porous foam pad which is applied to the surface being cleaned. Its ergonomic design is complemented by an original fabrication process based on a kit assembly method and fast prototyping technologies developed in Fablabs (small-scale networked workshops located in many countries which provide tools to enable any end-user to build projects). A further innovation is the constant renewal of the electrolyte through the pad to ensure a safe and efficient treatment. The course participants will be trained to fabricate the components of the Pleco, assemble their own Pleco and properly use it for locally cleaning tarnished silver and gilded silver using electrolytic processes. They will also acquire a self-fabricated Pleco by the end of the workshop. All information for the repair and replacement of a defective Pleco component at the Fablab nearest to the participant will also be provided. This course is offered in English. !!!! Application: please apply directly (http://conservation-restauration.he-arc.ch/sites/default/files/file/COR/FormationContinue/_continuingeducation_applicationform.pdf) !!!!