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Research – Conservation Research
Introduction | Projects | Glossary
Introduction
Amanda Pagliarino, Conservator (Objects),
undertaking cleaning tests on Giambologna's
The Flagellation of Christ
Photograph: Matthew Kassay, QAG
What is Conservation?
The role of conservation is primarily to preserve or to return art works to their most authentic state. This involves carrying out restoration treatments, providing specialist advice, undertaking preventive conservation work and preparing art works for display and travel.
Art conservation laboratories have been described as a cross between an art studio and a forensic laboratory. Work combines knowledge from both the arts and sciences, and conservators usually specialise in one field. The Queensland Art Gallery currently employs specialists in the conservation of paintings, works on paper, sculpture and frames.
Conservators are also responsible for contributing to research associated with the art works in the Collection. Information may be required about an art work’s condition, authenticity, age and method of construction or, in the case of contemporary art works, expected lifespan.
Queensland Art Gallery conservation staff have undertaken a wide range of conservation research projects. These projects often involve the use of tools for examining and analysing art works at a level of depth and detail which is beyond the ordinary capabilities of the human eye. Tools include visible light photography, X-radiography, infra-red reflectography, ultra-violet photography, paint cross-section analysis, ultra-violet fluorescence and polarising microscopy.
Conservation projects
To discover more about the kind of work performed by Queensland Art Gallery's conservation staff,
explore two conservation projects through the links below:
Master of Frankfurt: the Examination of a Panel
A Long Life: Restoration of the See Poy Portraits
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