Decorative Arts—Conservation Workshop
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art was awarded a Conservation Project Support Grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for the conservation of two nineteenth-century American sofas: a Neoclassical sofa and Renaissance Revival settee. The grant, valued at nearly $58,000, has allowed for these significant pieces to be included in the newly renovated American galleries, which will open in the spring of 2009.
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19th-Century American Sofa Conservation Workshop
Thursday, May 1, 2008
9:30 am — 3 pm
Atkins Auditorium and Gallery 220
Free; tickets are required
| 9:30-10 a.m. | Robert Mussey of Robert Mussey Associates of Boston and Catherine Futter, Helen Jane & R. Hugh "Pat" Uhlmann Curator of Decorative Arts, will present an overview of art historical background on the sofa and settee and the conservation treatment conducted |
| 10 a.m.-Noon | Robert Mussey and Museum Conservator Joe Rogers will present contemporary museum methods of upholstery conservation, including methods of non-invasive reupholstery, such as those employed for the Nelson-Atkins’ sofa and settee. Robert Mussey will also review a series of treatments done over the years at Robert Mussey Associates; objects discussed will draw from many styles and periods of furniture. |
| Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1-2 p.m. | Workshop continues (including time for Questions & Answers) |
| 2-3 p.m. | Robert Mussey will conduct a training session demonstrating the proper handling and maintenance of fine furniture. |
Refining and Reviving Elegance: 19th-Century American Furniture
Thursday, May 1, 2008
6 — 8:30 pm
Atkins Auditorium
| 6-7 p.m. | Peter Kenny, Curator, American Decorative Arts and Administrator of the American Wing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, will place the Nelson-Atkins sofa and settee in the context of other examples of Neoclassical and Renaissance Revival furniture in 19th-century America and the thriving industry of New York furniture manufactures. |
| 7-8 p.m. | Robert Mussey will present the conservation treatment of the sofa and settee. |
| 8-8:30 p.m. | Questions & Answers |