Our paper conservation program consists of a series of object-based seminars in the second and third years of study. In The Conservation Treatment of Prints and Drawings I, the materials and techniques of works of art on paper are reviewed with attention given to those characteristics, which are vulnerable to inappropriate conservation treatments. Basic conservation treatments are introduced, such as, surface cleaning, washing, drying, tear repair, and flattening, with emphasis on examination and documentation. Concurrently, students are encouraged to take Readings in Paper Conservation, where seminal texts in paper conservation are discussed according to a series of topics ranging from the history of paper restoration, ethics and aesthetics, to current and outmoded treatment procedures. In The Conservation Treatment of Prints and Drawings II, students undertake more complex treatments. Each student is expected to complete several partial exercises and at least three full conservation treatments per semester, including all testing, research, treatment, and documentation in preparation for the Internship placement process.
After the practical courses are completed, students participate in advanced projects that can involve modern materials, books and manuscripts, photographic materials, or other specialized study in conservation departments located in surrounding cultural institutions.
