THE ART OF THE CONSERVATOR

In this book, experts directly involved in the conservation of eleven important works of art made of different materials – including metals, wood, glass, ceramics and textiles – describes the often nerve-racking problems they faced, and the methods they used to overcome them.

For as long as artworks have been created, humans and nature have seemingly conspired to destroy them. Because of age or abuse, all art objects eventually need to be reparied, restored, or conserved. These three techniques may seem confusingly similar to lay readers, but they differ greatly in purpose and method. In his introduction, Oddy clarifies these terms and describes various methods of repair, restoration, and conservation, explaining the rationale behind them. He also discusses such common causes of damage as pests, atmospheric conditions, and vandalism and the treatment needed to remedy the damage. Subsequent chapters by British and Italian conservators give the case histories of various objects--vases, statues, frescoes, an iron helmet, silver bowls, a drawing on paper, a painting, and a tapestry--with photographs and diagrams documenting each stage in their conservation. Recommended for specialized libraries in the arts and museum studies, as well as public libraries.
- Margarete Gross, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.