Author: rdslusky

Categories
Historic Restoration

9 Inspiring Books for Art Historians

Like history, art history goes through recurrent revisions and reviews.

It is a flexible discipline, but exploring the developments in art depends on it—or the very least is enhanced by it.

Art history can be overwhelming. Seemingly stacked with huge movements, artists, styles, and mediums, going through the study might seem challenging. However, with the right book, you can make the study of art history more engaging, more comprehensive, and more attainable.

And here we have rounded up 9 Inspiring Books for Art Historians.

The Painters Secret Geometry:

This book is ideal for both students and practitioners. Many famous artists have used geometric patterns to aid in composition. The book casts new light on well-known works and offers mathematical perspectives. However, it is a very dry reading that can get boring at the beginning.

The Collins Big Book of Art:

This book is a fascinating introduction to the field for those with limited to no knowledge of the subject. It includes everything from cave art to pop art with so much in between, making it a great crash course and a perfect coffee table book. It explores themes throughout the ages and includes a sizable reference section but the layout can seem confusing.

Art: Over 2500 Works from Cave to Contemporary:

This book lists works from cave to contemporary and opens with a section that details a few uncomplicated steps to analyze painting and sculpture this is designed to heighten your appreciation. It compiles the work of over 700 artists. The book features thematic galleries and practical historical overviews. However, the photos could be bigger.

Art: A Brief World History:

This book somehow manages to be both comprehensive and concise covering works from ancient times up to the present with 900 illustrations. It is a great book for passing the time anywhere as it is compact enough to fit in your pocket. It contains brief artist bios and inspires further study but the spawn of pages makes the images hard to see.

History and Art for the Traveler:

History and art for the traveler is a wonderful companion to anyone making a first trip to Europe. It examines the continent’s highly important artistic periods and explains the forces behind them, helping travelers get the most from their visits. It features a helpful list of sites to see in a humorous and engaging writing style.

Big Ideas Simply Explained:

This book takes a look at over 100 works and movements from all corners of history on the globe with the goal of making what could be a dense subject into one that’s approachable, pleasurable, and able to be understood. It includes graphics that enhance the learning experience.

The Art Museum:

The Art Museum was created by a team of specialists in the field. It lists the glorious masterpieces. It’s about a thousand pages long and it’s reasonably priced for its size and scope.

Gardeners Art through the Ages:

This is a comprehensive illustrated tour through the great artistic traditions of the world covering the cultural and geographical background of each you can expect a completely new understanding of the subject. Thanks to this ever-popular addition.

It has a summary at the end of chapters as well as wonderful color images.

The Story of Art:

This book was written over fifty years ago and still is one of the most beloved and best-selling books in the field. It features an exhaustive survey of Western art reaching back to prehistoric times. It has been written by an eminent and widely respected author and this edition has undergone updating it boasts six foldouts.

That’s all about the 9 inspiring books for Art Historians.

Categories
Art Conservation, Conservation of Art

What Does a Art Museum Conservator Do?

Who is Museum Conservator?

Museum conservators are responsible for the handling, preservation, and preventing the deterioration of museum objects such as art or artifacts. They also work to restore them to their original form.

Therefore, it is safe to say that they play an important role in preserving the glory and beauty of centuries-old artifacts and works. This way, they make them look as beautiful as now as they did back when they were made.

What Does he do?

The job of art museum conservator is to preserve the art and as close to its original condition as possible.

However, their work is often categorized by the area they hold expertise in. Some might work to preserve and prepare a collection of documents and books, while others might restore and preserve valuable paintings.

For conservators who handle the objects in museums of natural science, a big part of their job is to create and develop accurate skeletal mounts for fossils and life-sized replicas of specimens.

90% of the part of the job is dedicated to what is called preventative conservation.

They work with controlling the light the temperature and humidity in the galleries so that they can keep these objects around for a long time even when they have controlled environments.

Things still get dusty. And the dust can have all sorts of acids and dirt, require a careful cleaning every week. Besides, there is a need to protect the collection from dust and dirt in the first place.

It requires a lot of education and training, whether it’s painting or printmaking, or learning sculpture.

For example, even a person from a fine arts background needs to undergo some sort of training in chemistry.

The artwork is analyzed so that they can know how things are made chemically; how they aged and then they have to design treatment strategies that are based on this chemical analysis.

Categories
Museology Uncategorized

Top 5 Best Books on Museology – Must Read!!

Whether you are a restorer, a curator, or any other museum professional, museum care can feel sometimes intimidating. You have to handle a lot of responsibilities—from protecting the objects to managing the exhibition and everything in between.

While you can reach out to your peers or seniors for guidance, picking a book from top 5 books on museology by a museum expert who thoughtfully presents and explains the concepts and guidance on museum care is a great help. Resources like these can help you realize that museum care doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming when done right.

Fortunately, books on museology , these have been written by experts to help understand and address all important aspects of museum care such as restoration, marketing, and conservation.

Below are our recommendations of the best books on museology you should own.

What Makes a Great Exhibition? By Paula Marincola

Let’s admit it.

Museums are changing from a house of rare art into audience-friendly institutions that often showcase items to draw crowds. However, in midst of this transformation, there is an unanswered question pops out—What makes a great exhibition?

Here comes this book that compiled the views of museum experts, including the world’s leading curators and art historians.

The book “What Makes a Great Exhibition?” probes into the challenges being faced by American and European art. The distinguished experts put forward their views on diverse topics. Some of the interesting topics that have been addressed by the contributors are “ethnically-focused exhibitions” and “exhibition and exhibition-maker”.

What Makes a Great Exhibition? is really a thought-provoking piece on the practice of curatorial work and the mission of modern museums.

Shop The Book from HERE!

The Conservation and Restoration of Paintings by John Clifton:

This is a detailed guidebook to the interesting aspects of conservation and restoration of paintings. The book talks about the issues of confusing and multilayered problems.

The author has also explained basic techniques, materials used in both the original paintings and in restoration, chemical formulas, and the tools and methods of storage and handling. He has also advised on how to avoid the common pitfalls. The book includes chapters on the Restorer and the Studio; Construction of Paintings; Technique of Painting; Renovation and Repair; and a bibliography, glossary, and index.

Plus, the chapters are made more engaging and understandable with illustrations on techniques and the assembly of the components.

Shop The Book from HERE!

Museum Marketing and Strategy by Philip Kotler, Neil G. Kotler, and Wendy I. Kotler:

Revised and updated, this book is a useful resource when it comes to museum marketing and strategy.

It explains a tried and tested framework for examining marketing and strategic goals associated with the museum’s mission, opportunities, challenges, and resources.

The book includes a complete range of marketing techniques and covers the most current information on branding, positioning, and e-marketing.

Besides, it outlines the issues associated with the museum community and provides solutions such as the definition of the exchange process between a consumer value and a museum’s offerings; differentiating a museum and communicating its unique value in a competitive marketplace; finding, creating, and retaining consumers and converting visitors to members and members to volunteers; and achieving financial stability.

The book guides you on how to develop a consumer-centered museum. A must-have for new museums or the one that wants to draw more visitors!

Shop The Book HERE!

The Curator’s Handbook by Adrian George:

This is the essential resource for the curators and curatorial students, covering every stage of the process of organizing an exhibition, regardless of the venue, from initial idea to final installation.

It explains curatorial work from its origins in the 17th century onward and highlights the roles of the modern curator. Its chapters cover the tracing of the various stages of the exhibition process and present information in a lucid, informative language through helpful illustrations and tables.

Some of the important topics covered by this book are creating the concept to writing contracts and loan requests; aligning budgets and schedules; creating exhibition catalogs and interpretation materials; designing gallery spaces; working with art handlers, lenders, and artists; organizing private exhibitions or shows; and documenting a show.

Shop The Book From HERE!

Conservation Treatment Methodology by Barbara Appelbaum:

It is important to know how to interact with an object before you start handling and treating it.

All you need to shop this book by Barbara Appelbaum.

The book has listed all the visual examination and documentation to help you choose the right method and materials for treating the objects. The author has also guided on all the different things you should have for successful conservation.

You will also find out why one approach might not work for every object even if it is made from the same material or by the same artist. The book also highlights the importance of going through the material science of the object as well as its historical and cultural significance and sentimental value while “treating” it.

Shop The Book From HERE!

So these are the books on museology to help you hone your skills as a museum professional. Which one is your favorite?

Categories
Art Conservation, Conservation of Art Historic Restoration

Best Books on Art Conservation and Restoration

Perhaps you are a beginner who has just stepped into the profession of art conservation.

Or maybe you are an experienced professional looking for the right materials to protect your delicate museum collections.

Or maybe, just maybe, you are seeking the best solutions to handle the restoration process of those old paintings.

Reading the books on art conservation and restoration is one of the practical yet cost-effective ways to address such concerns.

Thousands of books are equipped with reflections and advice on art care and conservation. But finding one that’s insightful, practical, and interesting—and a good one to read—can be overwhelming.

Here is a rundown of some valuable books on art care to help you hone your skills as a curator, museum manager, archivist, or independent collector.

Top 6 Books on Art Conservation and Restoration That Must Read ( INFOGRAPHIC)

(Infographic) – Best Books on art Conservation & Restoration

Historical and Philosophical Issues in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage:

This book is a part of a series called READINGS IN CONSERVATION BY THE GETTY CONSERVATION INSTITUTE. It guides you on the approaches of art conservation. The book has put a lot of important subjects into perspectives such as modern conservation theory, the original intent of the artist on how to approach historic restorations, the concept of patina, and the science in art conservation.

Above all, this book has been published by the GETTY CONSERVATION INSTITUTE that is a reliable authority in art care and conservation.

Conservation Treatment Methodology by Barbara Appelbaum:

Conservation Treatment Methodology

If you want to know how to approach an object before you actually start treating and handling it, this book by Barbara Appelbaum is a great help.

The book guides you through the visual examination and documentation that has to be done to help you choose the best method and materials for cleaning for adhering to infilling for painting. The author has listed all the different things you need to consider when it comes to conservation.

You will understand why one methodology is not great for every object even if it is made from the same material or made by the same artist. You will understand why it is important to go through the material science of the object as well as its historical and cultural significance and sentimental value while “treating” it.

Organic Chemistry of Museum Objects

In this book, the authors provide the fundamentals of the composition analysis and properties of the organic materials that you will find in museum collections. Besides, the book covers a full section on the various analytical methods being used in conservation like chromatography. The contents are more focused on conservation and museum materials.

The book has covered the fundamental chemistry of the materials such as paper, wood, natural, fibers, and skin products, as well as that of the comparatively minor components incorporated as media, varnishes, dyes, paint, and adhesives.

This book is a valuable purchase for all the professional and student conservators, museum professionals, curators, organic chemists, and restorers.

However, to make the most of the ideas given in the books, one should have a base in chemistry and any sort of chemistry textbook can help you with that.

The Story of Art:

This eminent book is the brainchild of Sir Ernst Gombrich (1909-2001) who is known for his expertise. He has authored several books that have been translated into more than twenty languages and many of them are classics.

His books are models of art-historical writing and stand for his deep and abiding concerns with the standards and values of cultural heritage.

However, it is important to have a basic understanding of art history so you can better approach your objects.

Conservation and Restoration of Ceramics:

This book has everything that you need to know about ceramics conservations and restoration. In fact, this is a must-have for someone who wants to master ceramics conservations and restoration.

The book covers everything like ceramic technology, deterioration, cleaning filling, consolidation, retouching, preventative measures, and how to set up a lab.

The book starts with a discussion of the basics of the ceramic medium, information which of the utmost importance when choosing treatments or considering preventive conservation steps.

Details on techniques are given in a series of chapters covering the restoration and conservation processes, but the highlight is on the fundamentals involves in the choice of materials and methods. The nature and properties of materials are fully discussed and instructions are given on the facilities and tools required.

This book also covers the old restoration materials and methods, the ethics of ceramics, assessment and display treatments, and emergency processes.

The Elements of Archaeological Conservation

The book covers everything it goes into archaeological environments and the various agents of decay in them.

This is downright essential as different materials will behave differently in wet areas than they would in dry areas. The book throws light on the reaction triggered by oxygen, and salt acidity of the soil. It also educates on the properties of each separate material and their properties, structure, and deterioration in the ground and post-excavation.

Although the book was first published in 1990, a lot of information is still relevant and valuable.

So these are some best books on museum care and restoration. Shop them now to learn from the renowned museum professionals!!!

Categories
Art Conservation, Conservation of Art Barbara Appelbaum Books Colllections Care

(INFOGRAPHIC) Best Books for Conservators and Museum Professionals by Barbara Appelbaum

Museum Care Books For Conservators and Museum Professionals

If you run a museum, you already know that regardless of how valuable collection your collection is, it is challenging to maintain and manage your museum. After all, you have to take care of the objects that are highly prone to deterioration as well as theft and damage. Then, showcasing your items appropriately to the visitors is the next challenge to deal with.

Museum care is a highly demanding field. It is a skill that can always be improved. Reading up on new methods will make you smarter and efficient at managing and preserving your museum collection.

Museum care books for conservators and museum professionals can help. It is one of the best and feasible ways to learn museum management and collection. In a field like museum care where past knowledge is excessively valuable, books prove to be a godsend.

Barbara Appelbaum is a renowned author of specialist books on museum care and management.

Counted among one of the eminent objects conservators in the USA, she has handled several notable projects such as George Washington’s leather portfolio, a Marcel Duchamp urinal, and a Marilyn Monroe dress.

Below, you will find the books for conservators and museum professionals written by Barbara Appelbaum. These books have been highly recommended by experts and readers alike. Here we finish up the list of three-just published books on museum and collection care that you should keep an eye out for.

Whether you are looking for preserving tips, wondering how to protect your museum collection from various environments, or you want to learn about conservation treatment methodology, there is something for everyone on this list.

Book I :

Preserve, Protect, and Defend: A Practical Guide to the Care of Collections

This book is a useful source for all museum professionals, whether you are curators, registrars, managers, administrators, or pest control expert.

In fact, it is also a great piece of info for someone with a private collection.

The book covers a wide range of topics such as:

  • Conservation assessments
  • Practical advice for examining collections and buildings to uncover collection safety issues
  • Routine collection safety practices
  • Preparing for the unexpected, including wind and water penetration, fire and smoke, and infestations;
  • Controlling the museum environment including temperature and relative humidity, light and lighting, and air quality.

This book also offers an insight into the world of museums and their staff. It presents the information in an easy language. This is a must-have book for everyone taking care of the collection as well as the buildings that house them. Ideal for museums of all sizes, libraries, and private collections!

Book II :

Conservation Treatment Methodology

Another wonderful book on museum care by Barbara Appelbaum!

It tells about a systematic approach to decision-making for conservation treatments. The book covers the methods that are applicable to all cultural property, independent of object type or material, and its use will enable conservators to be more confident in their treatment decisions.

Moreover, the book features several examples with illustrations to emphasize the equal importance of the physical and cultural aspects of objects for decision-making.

The book also explains how the history of an object and the meaning that it holds for its owner or custodian contribute to determining its treatment.

It is an important book for historic preservation specialists, restorers, conservators, and students. The book is written in a simple language, making it equally useful for art historians and museum personnel who work with conservators.

Book III :

Guide to Environmental Protection of Collections

This book is a must-have for anyone who cares for or about collections of historical artifacts, collections of art, or any other kind of cultural material or for natural history collections.

The lessons are presented in a simple language so that even a person with no technical background can easily understand the things.

So these are some Books for Conservators and Museum Professionals written by Barbara Appelbaum. Click here to shop now!