A career in Wall Painting Conservation

Summary

This video explores the fascinating world of wall painting conservation, featuring experts like Sam Whitaker, a wall painting conservator, and Elia, a student intern. They discuss their journeys into the field, the unique challenges of preserving large-scale murals, and the intricate techniques involved in stabilizing and conserving these historic works. The video highlights the importance of hands-on experience, knowledge of art history and science, and the rewarding nature of working with materials that connect directly to history. Aspiring conservators are encouraged to gain experience and explore various conservation specializations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wall painting conservation is a rare and unique opportunity for conservators to work on important and historic artworks.
• 😀 Conservators combine their interests in fine art, architecture, art history, and science to pursue a career in wall painting conservation.
• 😀 A key aspect of wall painting conservation is the tactile experience of interacting directly with historic works of art, which is considered very rewarding.
• 😀 To pursue a career in conservation, it's important to study and develop both theoretical knowledge and a deep visual understanding of art.
• 😀 Traveling to sites with wall paintings is often necessary as conservators must work on location to properly treat and preserve these works.
• 😀 The process of stabilizing wall paintings includes applying layers of tissue, water, and adhesives to consolidate and preserve the pigment and plaster.
• 😀 Wall painting conservation often requires knowledge of specific materials, such as unusual plaster types, which may require specialized treatment methods.
• 😀 Wall painting conservators may come across unique traces of the artist, such as brush hairs or fingerprints, which offer direct links to the creators of the work.
• 😀 It's crucial for conservators to design treatment plans that are appropriate for the specific materials of each wall painting.
• 😀 Practical experience in conservation is vital, and individuals can gain this through internships, work placements, and visiting historic properties to observe conservators at work.
• 😀 The Institute for Conservation (ICON) is a valuable resource for aspiring conservators, providing insights into various specializations and materials within the field.

Q & A

What makes wall painting conservation a unique field in art conservation?

Wall painting conservation is unique because it combines art, architecture, history, and the tactile experience of interacting directly with large-scale, often historically significant artworks. Conservators work on rare and important pieces of art in their original architectural context, which adds to the challenge and reward.

What motivated Sam Whitaker to pursue a career in wall painting conservation?

Sam Whitaker was motivated by a combination of his interest in fine art, architecture, and the history of art. His passion for travel and the opportunity to visit sites where wall paintings are found also played a significant role in his career choice.

What advice does Sam Whitaker give to those considering a career in conservation?

Sam advises aspiring conservators to look at as much artwork as possible, developing both their eye for art and their theoretical knowledge. He also recommends combining a love of art with an academic background in art history or science.

How did Elia get introduced to wall painting conservation?

Elia was introduced to wall painting conservation during a trip to Florence, where he saw conservators working on wall paintings. His curiosity led him to read a book on the subject, which further sparked his interest and guided his academic and career path.

What specific conservation task is Elia currently working on during his internship?

Elia is currently working on stabilizing paintings on the northwest wall by applying a layer of lens tissue, using water to wet it, and then removing dirt and debris. He is consolidating the paint layer with adhesive to bind the pigment particles together.

What is the significance of the materials used in wall painting conservation?

The materials used in wall painting conservation, such as gypsum plaster, require a specialized approach due to their unique properties. Each painting's materials must be carefully considered to ensure appropriate treatment, and different types of plaster may call for different methods of conservation.

Why is the scale of wall paintings an important factor in their conservation?

The vast scale of wall paintings makes their conservation challenging because they are often integrated into architectural contexts, meaning the conservator must address both the physical artwork and its relationship to the surrounding structure.

What is the most rewarding aspect of wall painting conservation for Sam Whitaker?

For Sam Whitaker, the most rewarding aspect of wall painting conservation is the opportunity to engage with historic, important art in a direct, tactile way, allowing for a deeper connection with the work and its creator.

How does the history of the artwork influence conservation decisions?

The history of the artwork, including its material composition, the era it was created, and its original location, heavily influences the conservation approach. Each piece has unique needs that must be carefully considered to ensure the preservation of both the artwork and its historical context.

What are some of the different stages involved in wall painting conservation?

Wall painting conservation involves several stages: investigation, inspection, practical treatment, and extensive documentation. Each stage is critical for understanding the artwork's needs and ensuring its proper preservation.