How Paintings Make Their Way to Exhibition: A Journey through Conservation

The Journey of Paintings to the Exhibit

Preparing artworks for exhibition in a setting like the Missouri History Museum involves a meticulous, multi-step process managed by the conservation department. The new core gallery titled *Collected* features eleven selected paintings, each of which undergoes an extensive journey before it is ready for public display. Here’s a closer look at what it takes for these pieces to make their debut in the gallery.

Initial Assessment

All artworks chosen for the *Collected* gallery commence their journey with a meticulous review by a conservator. This essential first step includes determining the specific treatment each painting requires. Since specialized art conservation is an intricate discipline, a dedicated contracts conservator was tasked to provide comprehensive treatment proposals in June 2022.

Condition and Treatment

Upon evaluation, it was revealed that all eleven paintings needed various degrees of treatment—ranging from repairs of the canvas to restoration of the frames. Specifically, nine paintings called for protective glazing—an important step in enhancing the longevity and preservation of artworks. Additionally, four pieces required frame modifications known as build-outs to accommodate the newly added glazing material. Glazing involves placing a sheet of acrylic over framed artworks, serving as a protective barrier against dust and environmental damage. With the glazing requiring a spacer to maintain distance between the acrylic and the artwork itself, adequate adjustments in the frame dimensions had to be made to ensure a snug fit.

Funding and Materials

In order to support this ambitious conservation project, the objects conservator successfully applied for a grant from the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, specifically the Tru Vue Conservation and Exhibition grant. This funding was pivotal, providing not just the Tru Vue Optium Museum Acrylic necessary for glazing, but also financial support for collaborating with a professional framer for the frame build-outs. The selection of Museum Optium Acrylic is significant due to its impressive protective capabilities, offering 99% UV protection, shatter resistance, and anti-reflection properties.

Transportation and Repair

The paintings underwent transportation to the conservator’s facility in March 2023. Here, each canvas received careful repair and stabilization, while the frames were treated and cleaned thoroughly. Notably, two artworks were without frames prior to conservation, requiring the curator of fine and decorative arts to collaborate closely with the conservator to ensure new frames were both aesthetically pleasing and appropriate for the artworks’ historical context.

Installation Steps

After the completion of the treatment, museum staff retrieved the paintings in February 2024 and brought them back to the Library & Research Center. The next phase involved executing additional steps recommended by the paintings conservator. Measured assessments for glazing were conducted, followed by the order of custom-cut acrylic pieces. Once these acrylic sheets were delivered, a local framer carefully undertook the installation. Many of the *Collected* paintings received their new glazing and spacers, with their canvases snugly returned to their respective frames, marking significant progress toward exhibition readiness.

Complex Build-Out Projects

The four artworks requiring build-outs were particularly complex. After installing the glazing and spacers, precise measurements were taken again for the added depth necessary for proper installation of the paintings. The build-outs were crafted from high-quality hardwood, painted to match the frames, and affixed to the back of each frame. With all modifications complete, the works were ready for display, awaiting their moment in the limelight.

Final Preparations for Exhibition

Following extensive labor and commitment, these eleven paintings stand poised to captivate audiences in the *Collected* gallery. Visitors are encouraged to come and appreciate the artistry and the diligent efforts behind the scenes that contribute to a fulfilling museum experience.

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The Essence of Art Preservation

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