Art 508

ART AND CONSERVATION: AN INQUIRY INTO HISTORY, METHODS AND MATERIALS
(ARTH 508)

DESCRIPTION

ARTH 508 is a Spring semester course taught by the conservation staff of Williamstown Art Conservation Center for the Williams College Graduate Program in the History of Art.  Enrollment is limited to 12, with graduate students receiving priority.  Williams College undergrads and auditors must obtain permission from the Director of the Graduate Program to attend. The course is designed to acquaint students with observation and examination techniques for works of art, artifacts and decorative art objects, give them an understanding of the history of artist materials and methods, and familiarize them with the ethics and procedures of conservation. It is not a conservation training course, but is structured to provide a broader awareness for those who are planning careers involving work with cultural objects. Class format includes slide presentations, lectures, gallery talks, hands-on opportunities, technical examinations and group discussions.