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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, May 1973-March 1978

ARCH.2003.39, Rendition: 806475

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This image displays a vintage newspaper clipping, likely from a museum publication, mounted on a standard brown paper folder with three metal binder rings along the right edge.

Source and Date:
The clipping is from "The Gazette" and is dated October 5, 1973. The page number "4" is visible in the top left corner.

Headline and Sub-headline:
The main headline reads: "Fogg Conservation Department Heals Blemishes of the Ages".
The sub-headline below it is: "Ancient Art Advances with Scientific Instrumentation".

Content Summary:
The article details the work of the Conservation Department at the Fogg Art Museum. It highlights the department's use of modern scientific tools, such as an "infra-red vidicon viewing system" and a "spectrographic analyser," to examine, diagnose, and restore artworks. The text emphasizes that the goal is not to make pieces appear new, but to preserve them for future generations by carefully treating ailments like rust, decay, and staining.

Key figures mentioned include:

  • Miss Elizabeth Jones, Chief Conservator since 1952, who supervises staff and apprentices.
  • Edward W. Forbes, director of the Fogg from 1909-44, who initiated the field of art conservation at the museum.
  • Mrs. Marjorie Cohn, who heads the Paper Lab.

The article describes the different laboratories within the department:

  • Painting Laboratory: Handles paintings, ranging from simple retouching to complex healing.
  • Paper Laboratory: Works with drawings, prints, and other paper-based materials.
  • Objects Laboratory: Deals with sculpture, vases, and jewelry made from materials like glass, ivory, marble, and gold.
  • Scientific Laboratory: Uses equipment like the spectograph and infra-red spectrophotometer to analyze materials.

The article also touches on the role of apprentices, the importance of understanding the artist's original intent, and the philosophy that "there's no real way of learning without doing the work."

Photographs:
The article includes four black-and-white photographs to illustrate the conservation process:

  1. Top photo: A close-up of a hand using a scalpel to carefully clean a medieval painting. The caption reads: "A scalpel's edge cleans a medieval painting."
  2. Bottom left photo: An apprentice using a scalpel to clean a painting attributed to the painter Whistler. The caption reads: "An apprentice cleans a Whistler painting."
  3. Bottom middle photo: Shows a workspace in "The Painting Lab," with a large painting on an easel and various conservation tools. The caption reads: "The Painting Lab treats works from the University and from around the country."
  4. Bottom right photo: Elizabeth Jones is shown looking through a binocular microscope while examining fine work. The caption reads: "Elizabeth Jones uses a binocular microscope for fine work."

Overall Impression:
The clipping presents the Fogg Conservation Department as a pioneering and scientifically advanced institution, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to preserve cultural heritage. The tone is informative and celebratory of the meticulous, scholarly work involved in art conservation. The physical mounting on the folder suggests it was preserved as a record or for reference.

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The image is a newspaper article from "The Gazette" dated October 5, 1973, with the header "Fogg Conservation Department Heals Blemishes of the Ages: Ancient Art Advances with Scientific Instrumentation." The article discusses the work of the Fogg Conservation Department at the Fogg Art Museum, focusing on how scientific methods and instruments are used to restore and preserve ancient art.

The article includes several photographs:

  1. A close-up of a hand using a scalpel to work on a medieval painting.
  2. An apprentice cleaning a Whistler painting using a cloth.
  3. A person using a binocular microscope for fine work.
  4. A person examining a painting in a studio.
  5. A painting on an easel with cleaning tools placed nearby.

The text in the article explains that conservators examine every painting and drawing purchased by the museum and those sent on loan, using a variety of scientific tools and methods. It also mentions the different laboratories, such as the Painting Laboratory, Paper Laboratory, and Objects Laboratory, which each handle specific types of art objects. The Scientific Laboratory, under construction, will house advanced analytical equipment to identify and analyze organic and inorganic compounds.

The article highlights the precision and scientific approach to art conservation, noting that conservators can identify minute particles of paint to determine its composition and authenticity. It also mentions the role of specialists in understanding the smell of different types of artwork, as part of the sensory analysis in their conservation process. The article provides insight into the evolving nature of art conservation, emphasizing the importance of scientific tools in identifying alterations or forgeries and in the overall preservation of artworks.

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This image is a newspaper clipping from "The Gazette," dated October 5, 1973, featuring an article titled "Fogg Conservation Department Heals Blemishes of the Ages: Ancient Art Advances with Scientific Instrumentation." The article discusses the work of the Fogg Art Museum's conservation department, which uses modern scientific techniques to restore and preserve ancient artworks.

The article is accompanied by several black-and-white photographs:

  1. A close-up image of a hand using a scalpel to clean a medieval painting.
  2. A photograph of an apprentice cleaning a Whistler painting.
  3. A photo of Elizabeth Jones using a binocular microscope for fine work.
  4. An image of the Painting Lab treating works from the University and from around the country.

The text explains the various ailments that artworks suffer due to age and the different methods used by the conservation department to address these issues. It mentions the use of advanced scientific equipment such as infra-red vidicon viewing systems and spectrographic analyzers. The article also highlights the expertise of the conservators and the importance of their work in preserving the integrity and beauty of art pieces.

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The image shows a newspaper article from October 5, 1973, titled "Fogg Conservation Department Heals Blemishes of the Ages." The article discusses the advancements in art conservation at the Fogg Art Museum, where ancient artworks are restored using scientific instrumentation.

The article features several photographs of conservators at work, including one of Elizabeth Jones, who is seen using a binocular microscope to examine a painting. Another image shows a conservator cleaning a medieval painting with a scalpel, while another depicts a conservator using a microscope to analyze a painting.

The article highlights the importance of scientific techniques in art conservation, noting that the Fogg Art Museum's conservators use X-rays, infrared, and ultraviolet examinations to determine the extent of restoration needed for a painting. The article also mentions the use of a binocular microscope during the cleaning of an oil painting to ensure that the work is done with precision.

Overall, the article emphasizes the role of scientific instrumentation in preserving and restoring ancient artworks, showcasing the Fogg Art Museum's commitment to art conservation and the expertise of its conservators.

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This image is a scanned page from a newspaper or magazine featuring an article about the Fogg Conservation Department. The article discusses how the Fogg Art Museum uses scientific instrumentation to heal and preserve ancient art. The article includes a photo of a conservator working on a painting, as well as images of the Paper and Scientific Laboratories. The article highlights the importance of conservation techniques and the use of scientific methods to identify and treat art objects. The article also mentions the challenges and rewards of working in the field of art conservation.

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The image is a scanned page from a publication titled "Fogg Conservation Department Heals Blemishes of the Ages", dated October 5, 1973, and published in "The Gazette." The page is divided into two main sections: a textual article on the left and a visual layout on the right, featuring photographs and captions.

Left Side: Textual Article

The article is titled "Ancient Art Advances with Scientific Instrumentation" and discusses the work of the Fogg Conservation Department at Harvard University. Key points from the text include:

  1. Restoration Challenges: The article highlights the challenges of restoring ancient artworks that have aged over centuries. It mentions issues such as rust, decay, blisters, bronze disease, and other forms of deterioration.

  2. Modern Techniques: The Fogg Conservation Department utilizes advanced scientific instrumentation, including an infrared viewing system, to examine artworks without causing damage. This technology allows conservators to assess the condition of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other objects.

  3. Expertise and Collaboration: The department serves as a resource for museums, public institutions, and private collectors. It employs skilled practitioners who repair and restore artworks, often using specialized tools and techniques.

  4. Laboratory Work: The Fogg Laboratory handles drawings, prints, and objects made from materials like glass, jewelry, marble, gold, and wood. The Paper Laboratory focuses on works made from paper and vellum.

  5. Scientific Tools: The Construction Laboratory houses equipment such as a spectrophotometer, which helps identify organic and inorganic materials. This equipment is crucial for understanding the composition of artworks and developing appropriate restoration methods.

  6. Apprenticeship Program: The department offers an apprenticeship program, attracting applicants from around the world. The program is described as highly competitive, with many more applicants than available positions.

  7. Case Studies: The article includes examples of restoration work, such as cleaning a medieval painting and examining a Whistler painting. It also mentions the restoration of an eighteenth-century Indian drawing.

Right Side: Visual Layout

The right side of the page features three photographs with captions, illustrating the conservation work being discussed in the article:

  1. Top Photograph:

    • Caption: "A sculptor's edge cleans a medieval painting."
    • Description: The image shows a conservator using a small, pointed tool to carefully clean the surface of a medieval painting. The tool appears to be a specialized instrument designed for delicate restoration work.
  2. Middle Photograph:

    • Caption: "An apprentice cleans a Whistler painting."
    • Description: This image depicts an apprentice working on a painting attributed to James McNeill Whistler. The apprentice is using a tool to clean the surface of the artwork, demonstrating the hands-on nature of the conservation process.
  3. Bottom Photograph:

    • Caption: "Elizabeth Jones uses a binocular microscope for fine work."
    • Description: The image shows a conservator, identified as Elizabeth Jones, using a binocular microscope to examine an artwork in detail. This highlights the precision and scientific approach required in conservation work.

Overall Theme

The page emphasizes the intersection of art conservation and scientific advancement. It showcases how the Fogg Conservation Department employs modern tools and techniques to preserve and restore ancient artworks, ensuring their longevity and accessibility for future generations. The combination of textual explanation and visual evidence underscores the department's expertise and innovative methods.

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The image depicts a newspaper clipping from The Gazette, dated October 5, 1973, featuring an article titled "Fogg Conservation Department Heals Blemishes of the Ages" with the subtitle "Ancient Art Advances with Scientific Instrumentation." The article is presented in black and white, with a large photograph at the top showcasing a conservator's work. Below the photo are three smaller images illustrating different techniques used by the conservators.

The article discusses the work of the Fogg Art Museum's skilled practitioners, who use scientific instruments to examine and treat paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other works of art. The conservators examine every painting and drawing purchased by the Museum as well as every art object that is sent out on loan. In addition, the staff works for other museums and public institutions who turn to the Fogg for expert restoration work.

The article highlights the use of scientific instruments such as X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet examinations, and the process of retouching paintings to remove certain kinds of fine work on an oil painting. The conservators may well use a binocular microscope during a clean-up.

The article also mentions the use of a scientific tool called a "laser" to give the examiner an ad-hoc view of the painting. This tool allows the conservator to see the painting in a way that is not possible with the naked eye.

Overall, the article provides insight into the work of the Fogg Conservation Department and its use of scientific instruments to preserve and conserve ancient art.

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The image presents a newspaper clipping from The Gazette, dated October 5, 1973, featuring an article titled "Fogg Conservation Department Heals Blemishes of the Ages" and subtitled "Ancient Art Advances with Scientific Instrumentation." The article is accompanied by three photographs showcasing the conservation process.

Article Summary:

The article discusses the Fogg Conservation Department's efforts to preserve ancient art using scientific instrumentation. It highlights the department's use of advanced techniques, such as X-rays, infra-red, and ultra-violet light, to examine and restore artworks. The article also mentions the department's collaboration with other museums and public institutions to share knowledge and expertise.

Photographs:

The three photographs depict different stages of the conservation process:

  1. A scalpel's edge cleans a medieval painting.
  2. An apprentice cleans a Whistler painting.
  3. A painting lab treats works from the University and from around the country.

These images provide a visual representation of the conservation process, highlighting the attention to detail and care taken by the conservators.

Overall:

The newspaper clipping provides insight into the Fogg Conservation Department's innovative approach to preserving ancient art. By combining traditional techniques with modern scientific instrumentation, the department is able to restore artworks to their former glory, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

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The image depicts a newspaper clipping from "The Gazette" dated October 5, 1973, featuring an article titled "Fogg Conservation Department Heals Blemishes of the Ages." The article is accompanied by three black-and-white photographs showcasing the conservation process.

  • Article Title and Date
    • The title "Fogg Conservation Department Heals Blemishes of the Ages" is prominently displayed at the top of the page.
    • The date "October 5, 1973" is printed in the upper-left corner.
  • Article Content
    • The article discusses the work of the Fogg Conservation Department in restoring and conserving artworks.
    • It highlights the use of scientific instrumentation and techniques to analyze and treat damaged or deteriorated artworks.
    • The article mentions the department's expertise in handling a wide range of materials, including paintings, sculptures, and other objects.
  • Photographs
    • Three black-and-white photographs are included in the article, illustrating different aspects of the conservation process.
    • The first photograph shows a conservator using a scalpel to clean a painting.
    • The second photograph depicts a conservator examining a painting under a microscope.
    • The third photograph shows a conservator working on a large painting, possibly a mural or a canvas.
  • Newspaper Clipping
    • The article is clipped from a newspaper, with visible holes on the right side indicating that it was once bound or stapled.
    • The clipping is placed on a gray background, suggesting that it may be part of a larger collection or archive.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the work of the Fogg Conservation Department in the early 1970s, highlighting their expertise and techniques in restoring and conserving artworks.

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The image presents a newspaper clipping from "The Gazette" dated October 5, 1973, featuring an article titled "Fogg Conservation Department Heals Blemishes of the Ages" with the subtitle "Ancient Art Advances with Scientific Instrumentation." The article is accompanied by four black-and-white photographs.

Newspaper Clipping Details:

  • Date: October 5, 1973
  • Publication: The Gazette
  • Title: Fogg Conservation Department Heals Blemishes of the Ages
  • Subtitle: Ancient Art Advances with Scientific Instrumentation

Photographs:

  • Top Photograph: A close-up of a hand holding a tool, possibly a scalpel or similar instrument, poised over a painting or artwork.
  • Bottom-Left Photograph: A person working on a painting, with the artwork placed on an easel or table.
  • Bottom-Center Photograph: A person examining a painting, with the artwork placed on a table or easel.
  • Bottom-Right Photograph: A person working on a painting, with the artwork placed on a table.

Article Content:

The article discusses the Fogg Conservation Department's efforts to preserve and restore ancient art using scientific instrumentation. It highlights the department's use of advanced techniques, such as infrared reflectography and X-ray examination, to analyze and treat artworks. The article also features quotes from conservators and curators, who discuss the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the challenges of working with delicate and valuable artworks.

Overall:

The image provides a glimpse into the work of the Fogg Conservation Department in the 1970s, showcasing their use of scientific techniques to preserve and restore ancient art. The article and photographs offer a fascinating look at the intersection of art, science, and conservation.