Conservation of Wall Painting The Courtauld Institute of Art

Overview

About Conservation of Wall Painting at The Courtauld Institute of Art

Governed by the philosophy of minimal intervention and an interdisciplinary approach, the education seeks to impart a methodology that emphasises investigation and analysis of component materials and techniques, and diagnosis and control of the causes of deterioration. This aids design of a preventive, passive or remedial conservation strategy that is in line with accepted professional practice, and respects the integrity and significance of the object and its context.

Conservation of Wall Painting programme of The Courtauld Institute of Art seeks to provide the student with a strong foundation in all aspects of wall painting conservation. On completion of the programme the student will be able to:

• contribute to the assessment of the significance of the painting and its context;
• examine and assess the original and later materials of both the painting and its support and the implications these have for deterioration and intervention;
• identify relevant factors of deterioration and evaluate the likely effects on the painting of measures proposed for their control;
• contribute to the design and implementation of a programme of conservation which may include: preventative measures; passive measures; emergency and protective interventions; remedial treatments; and design and implement monitoring and maintenance programmes;
• produce full written, graphic and photographic documentation; participate in the development of the profession, for instance through the presentation and publication of papers.

Career:

On graduation, students join a long list of Courtauld alumni who have gone on to have a major impact in the conservation of wall paintings and other aspects of cultural heritage across the world by working for heritage organisations, universities and in private roles.