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Fine art conservation in the conservation unit of the National Library, Canberra

WORK PROGRAMME FOR THE PAINTING INTERNSHIP 1982,UNDERTAKEN
IN THE CONSERVATION UNIT OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY, CANBERRA
The program included five major areas:
1. Treatment projects
2. Conservative management
3. Storage projects
4. General assistance with conservation projects
5. Visits to other institutions, meetings and conferences.
1. TREATMENT PROJECTS
Four paintings in category 1, requiring urgent conservation
treatment.
The paintings are part of the National Library's Historical
Collection, and reflect differing historical and aesthetic
significance. Technically, the major conservation problems
present in these four paintings represent conditions often
found in aged, neglected and previously restored works of
art. The diversity of treatment procedures required
presented an ideal opportunity for study assessment and
practical application of contemporary conservation methods.
2. CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT
18 miniatures on ivory, held as components of various
collections within the National Library.
A complete survey of the condition of all the miniatures
was undertaken. Treatment proposals were compiled, proposed
and completed.
Detailed reports on all aspects of the conservation work
undertaken on both the paintings and the miniatures is
1
presented with this dissertation.
3. STORAGE PROJECTS
This work centred on the stabilisation of over twenty
paintings, involving reframing techniques, the making of
new stretchers, and correct storage within the Library
compactors. Supervision of the display and hanging of
exhibitions was also undertaken, along with packaging of
material for external exhibitions.
4. GENERAL ASSISTANCE WITH CONSERVATION PROJECTS
This work involved many aspects, from photography, object
survey, consultation with visitors, general laboratory
maintenance, ordering and I.C.C.M. Bulletin production.
During the interim period between painting Conservator
appointments, I was able to maintain the ongoing programme,
treating several category 1 works.
5. VISITS TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS, MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES
During the internship, I visited and later worked for, four
months in the Fine Art Conservation Laboratory, of the
Australian War Museum, where I have been appointed as
Assistant Conservator. Visits to other institutions have
included the National Gallery Conservation units, the
National Archives in Mitchell, and the Gallery of N.S.W.,
Sydney.
Meetings attended have included I.C.C.M. functions, the
Museums of Australia Association meetings (I am a member of
that organisation), and the October 1982 Museums Association
2
Conference held in the National Library, Canberra. I
intend visiting Conservation Laboratories in South Africa
during my coming visit in December 1982.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219050
Date January 1982
CreatorsI'ons, Anne Helena, n/a
PublisherUniversity of Canberra. Applied Science
Source SetsAustraliasian Digital Theses Program
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Rights), Copyright Anne Helena I'ons

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