A future for the past
I am Rani and I am the founder and conservator-restorer of De Keramiek Kliniek​
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From a young age, I have had a strong fascination for art, history, and archaeology. During a gap year, I studied at the Scuola Leonardo Da Vinci in the historic heart of Rome, where I developed a deep interest in the preservation of cultural heritage.
This passion led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Archaeology at Ghent University, where I participated in excavations in both Belgium and abroad. During these excavations and hands-on experiences, my passion for material culture and preserving this heritage grew, motivating me to focus my career on the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage.
After my studies in archaeology, I began my education in Conservation-Restoration at the University of Antwerp, where I specialized in ceramics. This specialization provided me with not only a solid foundation in working with ceramics but also in restoring related materials such as glass, plaster, and stone.
My interest in innovative techniques combined with traditional restoration methods formed the basis of my master's thesis, where I explored the use of 3D technology for restoration purposes. This thesis was awarded the thesis prize for conservation-restoration. I presented my thesis research at various international conferences in Portugal, Cyprus, and New Zealand.
In addition to my academic training, I have gained a lot of practical experience through volunteer work and student jobs in the cultural sector. I did internships at renowned institutions such as the Museum of Art & History (Brussels) and the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA, Brussels), where I further specialized in the restoration of glass.
My interest in innovative techniques has also led me to various training courses in the field of ceramics and 3D technology, bridging the gap between traditional crafts and modern technologies .
Today I work with equal passion for museums, individuals, antique dealers and heritage institutions to restore and preserve objects. My motto, 'A Future for the Past', reflects my ongoing commitment to researching, preserving and revealing our shared heritage.
“I am more grateful than ever to be surrounded by and play a role in safeguarding our rich cultural heritage. Each piece conserved and restored is a step towards preserving our past for the generations to come.”
Studies and internships
Academic year Scuola Leonardo Da Vinci, Rome
Bachelor of Archeology Ghent University
Bachelor of Conservation-Restoration University of Antwerp
Ceramics Education Academy of Fine Arts Liedekerke/Ghent
Master Conservation-Restoration University of Antwerp
Master internship ceramics studio Museum Art & History Brussels
Structural post-master internship glass and ceramics restoration studio KIK-IRPA
2014 - 2015
2015 - 2019
2018 - 2021
2019 - 2021
2021 - 2022
2021 - 2022
2022 - 2023
Awards
Thesis Prize Conservation-Restoration 2022:
Use of 3D technology to create a removable filling in archaeological pottery:
Case study of an Attic skyphos.
Full CV and reference list available upon request