How does a better understanding and appreciation of the properties of materials change their treatment, interpretation, and preservation?
This meeting investigated the impact of material studies – or studies of materials – on the conservation profession, including the emergence of innovative treatments, new ways of “looking” and “seeing,” shifts in decision-making and desired outcomes, and changes in collection care strategies. It also explored the impact of trending “materiality” studies on related disciplines including archaeology, museum and curatorial fields, and art history among others. Topics included: cutting-edge imaging and analysis techniques of materials, new materials having conservation applications, revelations about the meaning and significance of materials within an artist’s work, and improved methods of authentication.