printing instructionsCore Curriculum
In a two-year cycle, students are required to take the core courses, Materials of Art and Archaeology and Technology and Structure of Works of Art, which introduce the science and the technology of all materials of art and archaeology. In the series, Materials of Art and Archaeology, chemical principles of works of art and conservation materials are covered in the lecture. In the lab, students gain experience in various analytical techniques including x-ray radiography, x-ray diffraction, FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, and x-ray fluorescence. These topics can be augmented by advanced courses in analytical techniques, material and conservation science. Techniques of manufacture and historic methods of conservation and restoration form the basis of Technology and Structure of Works of Art lecture. In the lab section, students gain a greater understanding of how art is fabricated by creating works using historical techniques.
Specialized Curriculum
After completing the core courses, students at the Conservation Center can specialize in the conservation of paper, paintings, photographs, textiles, objects, and the built environment. Formal courses are offered in each of these areas. Students are encouraged to take courses in other disciplines. In addition to regularly offered courses, students, working with the faculty, can investigate areas of particular interest through independent study projects, where they are usually working in conservation labs in area museums. For example, independent study projects have included the analysis of Donald Judd sculptures at the Guggenheim Museum, an investigation of inks used by Andy Warhol at the Museum of Modern Art, the installation of the tapestry exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, analysis of finishes used on photographs at the Museum of Modern Art, the treatment of Pomo ear ornaments at the National Museum of the American Indian, and the treatment of a 15th century Spanish altarpiece at the Cloisters.
The following is a synopsis of opportunities available for students in the individual areas.
Objects Conservation
Students wishing to specialize in the conservation of objects have a
variety of learning opportunities at the Conservation Center. Students enroll
in the introductory seminar, which covers examination, handling, ethics, and
basic treatment practices. Students can then enroll in courses offered on archaeological
and ethnographic materials, polychrome sculpture, stone, metal, glass, and modern
materials. Both organic and inorganic materials are covered. Objects majors
are encouraged to take courses in textile conservation, paper conservation,
and paintings conservation.
Paper Conservation
Our paper conservation program consists of a series of object-based seminars
in the second and third years of study. In The Conservation of Prints and Drawings,
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, they 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 Problems in Paper Conservation,
students undertake more complex treatments. Each student is expected to complete
several partial exercises and at least three full conservation treatments, including
all testing, research, treatment, and documentation per semester in preparation
for their Internship portfolio and interviews.
After the practical courses are completed, students participate in advanced
projects involving modern materials, books and manuscripts, photographic materials,
or other specialized study in conservation departments located in surrounding
cultural institutions.
Photograph Conservation
Like paper, there are two introductory courses in the conservation of photographs.
Through lectures and laboratory work, these courses provide an introduction
the history, fabrication, and technical developments of the major photographic
processes on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The causes and prevention
of deterioration mechanisms in the various imaging systems are examined. Handling,
storage, and exhibition techniques are also covered. At the advanced level,
students begin learning conservation treatment practices.
Textile Conservation
Students interested in textile conservation may take an introductory course
offered by specialists in the field at The Cooper Hewitt Museum. In this course,
the essential elements of ethics, preservation, handling, storage, and treatment
are reviewed. For more advanced coursework, students may apply to carry out
independent study projects at institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of
Art, or with private conservators.
Students are also encouraged to consider appropriate courses in Fashion and
Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice at The Fashion Institute of
Technology: see www.fitnyc.edu.
Paintings Conservation
Through the Kress Program, student specializing in paintings conservation treat
old master paintings belonging to the Samuel H. Kress Collections. Mainly dating
from the Renaissance period, these artworks expose the student to a wide variety
of challenging conservation problems. At the advanced level, courses are taught
both at the Conservation Center and in the paintings lab of the Metropolitan
Museum of Art. In addition, we offer a class in the structural treatment of
paintings, which concentrates on the problems of 19th century canvas paintings.
