Meadows Museum | Scratching the Surface: A History of Paintings Conservation

LUIS MARTÍN LECTURE SERIES IN THE HUMANITIES | “Scratching the Surface: A History of Paintings Conservation” (online/in-person)

This program runs for five Fridays from October 15–November 12.

Claire Barry, Director of Paintings Conservation Emerita, Kimbell Art Museum. This lecture series will use case studies to illuminate the evolution of conservation practices and theory over time. Five topics will be explored: painting materials; examination techniques; structural work; cleaning and varnishing; and compensation of losses. Throughout the series, the important role that collaboration between conservator, curator and conservation scientist plays in decisions in the treatment of paintings will be discussed. The importance of conservation training, proper documentation, and the practice of reversibility in conservation treatment will be examined as individual case studies are explored.