Paintings Conservation
Despite best efforts to minimize risk through proper storage, handling, and exhibition, paintings may periodically require treatment to address new damage, inherent conditions, or problematic previous restorations. While the actual treatments and restorations are the unique responsibility of the paintings conservators, the work proceeds in close consultation with curators, conservation scientists, and, whenever possible, artists. As knowledge of a painting’s material components enhances understanding of the work and impacts treatment decisions, conservators also work closely with these same colleagues to conduct research on the materials and techniques used in a painting’s creation.
The paintings conservators at the Menil Collection are responsible for the care and long-term preservation of the paintings in the collection. The collection includes more than 900 paintings, dating from the thirteenth century to the present day. These works also encompass a variety of media and materials. Menil conservators also care for the frescoes in the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum and the paintings in the Rothko Chapel.
