This paper describes the preparation of a 'representative sample' and the investigation a... more This paper describes the preparation of a 'representative sample' and the investigation and refining of the solvent system used to remove graffiti ink from Mark Rothko's Black on Maroon 1958 (Tate T01170), which was vandalised in 2012. The historical, technical and scientific research carried out led to the successful treatment of the painting, which was returned to display at Tate Modern in 2014. A picture lives by companionship, expanding and quickening in the eyes of the sensitive observer. It dies by the same token. It is therefore a risky act to send it out into the world. How often it must be impaired by the eyes of the unfeeling and the cruelty of the impotent who would extend their infliction universally. http://www.tate.org.uk/research/publications/tatepapers/conservingmarkrothkosblackonmaroon1958construction
Roy Lichtenstein’s Whaam! (1963) is an iconic artwork in Tate’s collection (T00897). Over the pas... more Roy Lichtenstein’s Whaam! (1963) is an iconic artwork in Tate’s collection (T00897). Over the past 50 years, the painting has been on almost continuous display and had accrued a layer of deposited soiling, which resulted in the dampening of Lichtenstein’s vibrant colours and the masking of numerous subtleties across the painting surface. This paper outlines the design and execution of an optimal soiling removal strategy for this challenging work; utilising collaborative, practice-based research. The conservation treatment employed was derived through an iterative process that reflected and supported the conservation decision-making process. The research strands included: technical and art historical investigations to determine the materials and construction of Whaam! and to define the aims of the conservation treatment; preparation of accelerated aged and artificially soiled test (mock-up) paint samples based on contemporary equivalent materials and a comparative evaluation of a ran...
This paper describes the preparation of a 'representative sample' and the investigation a... more This paper describes the preparation of a 'representative sample' and the investigation and refining of the solvent system used to remove graffiti ink from Mark Rothko's Black on Maroon 1958 (Tate T01170), which was vandalised in 2012. The historical, technical and scientific research carried out led to the successful treatment of the painting, which was returned to display at Tate Modern in 2014. A picture lives by companionship, expanding and quickening in the eyes of the sensitive observer. It dies by the same token. It is therefore a risky act to send it out into the world. How often it must be impaired by the eyes of the unfeeling and the cruelty of the impotent who would extend their infliction universally. http://www.tate.org.uk/research/publications/tatepapers/conservingmarkrothkosblackonmaroon1958construction
Roy Lichtenstein’s Whaam! (1963) is an iconic artwork in Tate’s collection (T00897). Over the pas... more Roy Lichtenstein’s Whaam! (1963) is an iconic artwork in Tate’s collection (T00897). Over the past 50 years, the painting has been on almost continuous display and had accrued a layer of deposited soiling, which resulted in the dampening of Lichtenstein’s vibrant colours and the masking of numerous subtleties across the painting surface. This paper outlines the design and execution of an optimal soiling removal strategy for this challenging work; utilising collaborative, practice-based research. The conservation treatment employed was derived through an iterative process that reflected and supported the conservation decision-making process. The research strands included: technical and art historical investigations to determine the materials and construction of Whaam! and to define the aims of the conservation treatment; preparation of accelerated aged and artificially soiled test (mock-up) paint samples based on contemporary equivalent materials and a comparative evaluation of a ran...
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Papers by Rachel Barker