andproudly present
2005 Distinguished Scientist
Dr. Suzanne Quillen Lomax
National Gallery of Art
Washington, DC
Using Scientific Techniques to Preserve
National Arts Treasures
Monday, October 10, 2005
7:30 p.m.
LakeView Museum of Arts and Sciences
Auditorium
reception follows in the Museum Lobby
FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC
Summary
Scientists have been associated with museum conservation for many years. Only recently, however, have art curators and conservators begun to appreciate the contributions that scientists can make in the preservation and restoration of art objects. At present, about a dozen museums in the United States have conservation science departments. Art conservators frequently require specific information about the component materials of a painting or object prior to treatment. Non-destructive techniques are essential and can reveal specific details about initial materials, previous damage and repairs, underlying preliminary work as well as provide information to make authentic restoration or detect forgeries. This presentation will include before & after pictures of restored artwork from the National Collection.
Biography
Suzanne Quillen Lomax received her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1984 from the University of Maryland. Dr. Lomax has been in the Scientific Research Department of the National Gallery of Art since 1986, investigating the identification and aging behavior of artists’ materials. Her areas of interest include the identification of synthetic organic pigments and modern paint binders. In addition, she has performed extensive analyses on traditional 15th and 16th century artists’ paint binders.
With Generous Support from
Hotel Pere Marquette
Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences
Innovative Project Grant (ACS Local Section Activities Committee)
Learn more about Conservation of
Artwork Using Scientific Techniques
Publicity:
Lesson Plans for Educators
For more information, contact Dr. Vicki Finkenstadt (309-681-6469, FINKENVL@NCAUR.USDA.GOV
