Artists and Their Materials

This course will examine a range of works in different media, from wall and easel paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints, to manuscripts and metalwork and even buildings. It will investigate their materials and production techniques, and consider whether this materiality could have contributed to the original function of the work. It will also explore how over time different factors, both natural and human, can have an impact on the current state of an object, and students will be introduced to key scientific techniques and other sources of evidence that can help in reconstructing original appearance and function.

Consideration will also be given to issues of display, and the often controversial implications of restoration and/or conservation will be discussed.