Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of Exhibition Conservators when lending an artwork?
What is the primary goal of Exhibition Conservators when lending an artwork?
- To return an artwork in the same condition that it was lent (correct)
- To document and research the artwork's history
- To restore the artwork to its original condition
- To exhibit the artwork for a longer period
What is included in the process of conservation?
What is included in the process of conservation?
- Examination, documentation, research, preservation, and restoration of artworks (correct)
- Examination, documentation, and research of artworks only
- Only examination and restoration of artworks
- Only preservation and restoration of artworks
Why do conservators take photographs of the artwork?
Why do conservators take photographs of the artwork?
- To create a visual record of the artwork's condition
- To provide evidence to support the findings of the condition report (correct)
- To document the artwork's history
- To exhibit the photographs alongside the artwork
What is the purpose of a condition report?
What is the purpose of a condition report?
What is meant by 'preventive conservation'?
What is meant by 'preventive conservation'?
What do conservators look for when inspecting a painting on canvas?
What do conservators look for when inspecting a painting on canvas?
What is the purpose of integrated pest management in conservation?
What is the purpose of integrated pest management in conservation?
What do conservators check at the end of an exhibition?
What do conservators check at the end of an exhibition?
Why is it important to ensure appropriate environmental conditions for artworks?
Why is it important to ensure appropriate environmental conditions for artworks?
What is the primary purpose of art handlers wearing gloves when handling artworks?
What is the primary purpose of art handlers wearing gloves when handling artworks?
How are light-sensitive materials, such as prints and photographs, typically stored and transported?
How are light-sensitive materials, such as prints and photographs, typically stored and transported?
What is the purpose of the hinged lid on a solander box?
What is the purpose of the hinged lid on a solander box?
How are larger flat works, such as paintings, typically stored?
How are larger flat works, such as paintings, typically stored?
What type of storage solutions are required for large or complex sculptural works?
What type of storage solutions are required for large or complex sculptural works?
Study Notes
Conservation of Artworks
- Conservation involves examination, documentation, research, preservation, and restoration of artworks.
Guiding Principles for Exhibition Conservators
- Return an artwork in the same condition as it was lent.
- Prevent deterioration or damage to artworks through preventive conservation.
Preventive Conservation Measures
- Ensure appropriate environmental conditions.
- Establish handling and maintenance procedures for: • Storage • Exhibition • Packing • Transport • Use
- Implement integrated pest management.
- Plan for emergencies.
- Reformat or duplicate material when necessary.
Condition Report
- Conducted before an artwork travels and upon its arrival at the gallery.
- Involves a close inspection of the work's physical condition.
- Documents: • Surface marks • Accretions • Scratches • Larger structural damage (e.g., dents, warping)
- Notes any movement in the canvas caused by environmental changes.
- Photographs are taken as evidence to support the report's findings.
Post-Exhibition Condition Check
- Compare the artwork's condition to the incoming condition report.
- Document any changes that occurred during the exhibition.
Handling and Installation
- Art handlers, specially trained to handle artworks, assist with installation in galleries
- They move artworks one at a time, often using trolleys or A-frames, to minimize handling and reduce risk of damage
- When hanging, suspending or mounting works, handlers carry them from their strongest points, using clean hands or gloves (cotton or nitrile) depending on the artwork's materials
- Gloves are worn to minimize transfer of dirt and oils
Storage
- Only a fraction of the NGV Collection is on display at any given time, with most works spending most of their time in storage
- The NGV has various storage areas and facilities designed to house the Collection, with systems for collection storage and management
- Light-sensitive materials like prints, drawings, and photographs are stored in solander boxes, which provide a darkened, airtight, and pH-neutral microclimate
- Within solander boxes, works are stacked horizontally in acid-free mounts
- Larger flat works are stored in:
- Sliding racks (vertical screens with guide rails)
- Rigid timber slots in crates called tills
- Fashion and textiles items are stored:
- Flat, wrapped or cushioned in archival boxes
- In drawers
- In custom storage units or supports
- Large or complex sculptural works require custom-made storage solutions
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Description
Learn about the process of caring for cultural material, including artworks, through examination, documentation, research, preservation, and restoration. Understand the guiding principles for Exhibition Conservators to prevent deterioration or damage to artworks.
