Photodocumentation is an important step in the conservation treatment of an object in a museum. In graduate school, conservators must learn techniques to take accurate, color-corrected images of the objects they are treating. These images are helpful for understanding any changes an object may acquire throughout time, and better evaluate what may have caused those changes.
For this particular object, Ceiling Light by Victor Gruen, conservator Kate Wight Tyler is taking ābefore treatmentā photographs so that we can have an accurate record of the condition of the object before it undergoes conservation treatment. This is especially important for this object because it is about to be loaned to Milwaukee Art Museum for their upcoming exhibition Serious Play: Design in Midcentury America.
Travelling and exhibiting an object brings about a lot of risk. It is essential that we keep track of any damage an object may acquire during this time so we can better protect objects in the future. Because this object is a hanging light, it is even more complicated to move and install. The rotating components that give the āmobileā like appearance will need to be stabilized for packing and travel. Conservators work with electricians, art handlers, art packers and shippers to develop safe methods for transporting and installing collection objects.
Posted by Kate Wight TylerĀ andĀ Melissa King
