Hi,

This is always a complex situation because if a work is under
copyright protection and not in the public domain then the artist
and/or their heirs have to give permission for ANYTHING that is done
that materially affects the appearnace of an artwork. There have been
some major lawsuits in regards to this, so those of us in conservation
tread carefully and fully consult with the artists / owners of the
copyright of the work before doing any treatments.

I think that the process really benefits from all parties sitting down
(or doing a conference call) to go over what is intended and the
materials that are to be used. Many artists are unaware of the
inherent vices of many materials and having a knowledgable conservator
to suggest alternatives for the longevity of the work would be a
benefit. Since in the first case the aritst wants to improve the work
that is a different circumstance from an artist who wants to do a
repair.

I would say that in the case of the bubble wrap imprints that that one
lies more in the realm of a skilled conservator because we see this
sort of thing fairly often and have options for remedying it that may
be far less aggressive or disruptive than the approach that an artist
make take.

This should be a joint decision first between the curator /
conservator, and then with the artists invovled.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California  USA

On 9/27/06, Jyue Tyan LOW <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dear all
>
> I would like to seek advise on the 2 following cases:
>
> An artist had recently requested to touch up one of his work in our
> possession.
> I had wanted the curator to check with the artist and understand the
> sentiment (for his request) on why he felt that there is a need to touch up
> the work. The artist explained that the cheeks of the character depicted in
> the work should be of a more vibrant gold and now he found the right 'gold'
> (which he was not able to when the work was executed about 10 years ago).
> Thus he would like to touch up the work now that he found the right colour.
> The question is, should our museum (which owns the work) and conservation
> allow the artist to do the touch up?
> Should this decision be a curatorial or conservation responsibility?
>
> ==================================
>
> Another case was of a work, recently acquired with its face damaged with
> bubble wrap imprints. The artist is coming in to 'repair' the work.
> Again, should this be a curatorial or conservation responsibility in
> allowing the artist to do the 'repair'? I supposed the technical inputs can
> come from conservation but in the first place, how as museum professionals
> would you approach such cases?
>
> Would like to seek views from any museum ppl. (preferbably conservators/
> curators) to gather your perspective.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Regards,
> an Asst Registrar
>
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