We always enjoy reading up on the most interesting conservation case studies in the profession and we know you do too, which is why we’ve rounded up our favourites of the year so far in this blog post. Which one's your favourite?
Conserving Michelangelo's 'Epifania'
A career highlight for any conservator of art on paper, this project documents a first time treated masterpiece by Michelangelo by the lucky conservators at The British Museum, and it’s a fascinating read.
“Having one of the only two surviving Michelangelo cartoons (a 1:1 scale preparatory drawing) by this master craftsman of Renaissance art. It was made in around 1550–53 for his biographer and fellow artist, Ascanio Condivi, to use as a design for a painting. Known as the Epifania it measures just over 2.3 metres in height by 1.7 metres in width. Michelangelo is rumoured to have burned drawings during his lifetime, to guard his working methods and to ensure only perfect images survived, so it is a very rare and precious work.” - The British Museum.
Read more here.
Queen Caroline’s Bed is Back on Display
This conservation project has been a slow burner at Hampton Court Palace following a reduced team and finances. However, with time comes perspective and a chance to slow things down and showcase the conservation process to the wider public. An interesting project that could inspire others and usual protocols.
Read more here.
Puzzling Pieces from The Tang Dynasty
Poor packing and shipping can be devastating to works of art and sculptures but on the up side, because of such damage to a pair of polo players, we’re treated to a fantastic video and photo diary of how such damage can be repaired at The Conservation Centre.
Take a look at how Senior Conservator of Objects and Frames, Josh McCauley pieced the puzzle back together here.
Voices from the Past at The University of Delaware
This project highlights the importance of consulting with peers and scholars with a specialism in the culture of the object you are conserving before starting. Simply cleaning an item could potentially remove the significance of the item.
Find out more about this project here.
A Shattered Shade at The Cincinnati Art Museum
Another popular project that we shared on our LinkedIN page was a tricky puzzle indeed. Reconstructing a shattered century glass lamp shade by Tiffany & Co was no easy task, but Objects Conservator, Kelly Rectenwald stepped up to the task.
See how it went here.
Comments