Artist Intent and the Interview in Practice

One challenge in conserving contemporary works, with their ephemeral nature and use of unprecedented materials, is defining artist intent. Interviews are conducted with living artists to pinpoint this issue. However, artist intent is sometimes too intangible a concept to be defined in this manner.  I argue that the focus of the interview should shift to more concrete facts about materials and processes, and in doing so, information regarding intent can be gained subsequently. An interview with Robert Gober is discussed in this poster as an example.   

                          

                        

Communicating Conservation: Conserving Iconoclasm

In this poster I articulate what considerations a conservator must take into account before conserving an object affected by iconoclasm. Considerations include the motivations behind such attacks, as well as how these motivations change the value of the work of art. I use a case study on the use of iconoclasm by the Suffragettes and the conservation of the paintings involved to demonstrate the decisions made during the conservation of iconoclasm.

This post refers to coursework done for ARCLG141 (2015-16), one of the core courses of the UCL MA  Principles of Conservation.

As part of their assessed work for this course, students were asked to design and produce a poster communicating specific aspects of conservation. We hope you enjoy our work! Comments are most welcome. 

To Treat or Not to Treat? The role of the conservator in the illicit trade of antiquities

This poster addresses the ethical conflict faced by archaeological conservators in dealing with illicit objects. The issue is explored through the case study of the Crosby Garrett helmet. While there is still no comprehensive set of guidelines, the poster discusses future steps to amend codes and work towards restricting the illicit trade of antiquities.

This post refers to coursework done for ARCLG141 (2015-16), one of the core courses of the UCL MA  Principles of Conservation.

As part of their assessed work for this course, students were asked to design and produce a poster communicating specific aspects of conservation. We hope you enjoy our work! Comments are most welcome. 

Conservation in Conflict Areas: the Imprisoned Apollo of Gaza

Conservation of archaeological history in conflict-ridden Gaza is an extreme challenge. What happens in cases where the finding is extremely rare and vital in understanding the region’s history, such as the Apollo of Gaza? This poster answers five main questions on the Apollo of Gaza, thus highlighting the importance of this monumental discovery and the importance of conserving it, if possible.

This post refers to coursework done for ARCLG141 (2015-16), one of the core courses of the UCL MA  Principles of Conservation.

As part of their assessed work for this course, students were asked to design and produce a poster communicating specific aspects of conservation. We hope you enjoy our work! Comments are most welcome. 

Conservators Think Before You Touch!

The aim of this poster is to emphasize the complexity of authenticity in relation to heritage objects and monuments. It demonstrates a dynamic range of historic objects that conservators will be faced with during their careers. It emphasizes that heritage objects are not singular (all about artistic creativity) but are charged with layers of tangible and intangible meanings which are connected to the history and traditions of various communities.

This post refers to coursework done for ARCLG141 (2015-16), one of the core courses of the UCL MA  Principles of Conservation. As part of their assessed work for this course, students were asked to design and produce a poster communicating specific aspects of conservation. We hope you enjoy our work! Comments are most welcome.



Human Remains in British Museums

This poster demonstrates the laws and ethical guidelines that exist in the United Kingdom for the care and handling of human remains.  The Human Tissue Act enforces the regulations for handling human remains less than 100 years old, including the requirement for institutions to possess a license for the remains in their collections. Additionally, the Guidance for the Care of Human Remains in Museums sets out the ethical standards that apply to all human remains, no matter their age.

This post refers to coursework done for ARCLG141 (2015-16), one of the core courses of the UCL MA  Principles of Conservation. As part of their assessed work for this course, students were asked to design and produce a poster communicating specific aspects of conservation. We hope you enjoy our work! Comments are most welcome.

The Legitimacy of Intentional Destruction of a Japanese Colonial Building for the Conservation of Gyeongbokgung Palace

This poster highlights the necessity of embracing different cultural and historical perspectives to view colonial buildings from a current point of view.

This post refers to coursework done for ARCLG141 (2015-16), one of the core courses of the UCL MA  Principles of Conservation. As part of their assessed work for this course, students were asked to design and produce a poster communicating specific aspects of conservation. We hope you enjoy our work! Comments are most welcome. 

Moving the Immovable: Relocating the Abu Simbel Temples

Moving immovable cultural heritage is no longer an impossibility or, with the rise of modern development, a rarity. The Abu Simbel temples were relocated to save them from the waters of the growing Aswan Dam, and were a landmark case in the movement of the monumental. Though necessary, such a displacement raises unique conservation concerns for the physical and intangible integrity of the site which had to be addressed during the process.

This post refers to coursework done for ARCLG141 (2015-16), one of the core courses of the UCL MA  Principles of Conservation.

As part of their assessed work for this course, students were asked to design and produce a poster communicating specific aspects of conservation. We hope you enjoy our work! Comments are most welcome. 

Conserving Political Graffiti

This poster presents an overview of the importance of conserving graffiti that has political significance.  Case studies of graffiti in Pompeii and recent graffiti created by punks and the artist Banksy are briefly discussed.  These are intended to illustrate the importance of political discourse in graffiti throughout history.  The necessity of determining conservation treatment that is dependent on context is also emphasised.

Authenticity and Conservation Decision-making: Implications of Different Perceptions and Connotations

Authenticity and Conservation Decision-making: Implications of Different Perceptions and Connotations

The poster aims to inform people of the complexity of the implications of authenticity and conservation decision-making, and to encourage people to consider the complexities involved in the assessment process. By using an assumed case, the idea that no criteria can be valid for all contexts is introduced. Some possible perceptions and connotations of authenticity (in the assumed case) are also discussed. Specific discussions about the definition of authenticity, its importance, and its assessment are given to illustrate diverse implications.

This post refers to coursework done for ARCLG141 (2015-16), one of the core courses of the UCL MA  Principles of Conservation. As part of their assessed work for this course, students were asked to design and produce a poster communicating specific aspects of conservation. We hope you enjoy our work! Comments are most welcome.