2023 Brodsky Series for the Advancement of Library Conservation Workshop

Nancy K. Turner, Conservator of Manuscripts in the Department of Paper Conservation at the J. Paul Getty Museum, will provide a hands-on workshop, titled “Illuminations Magnified in a Different Light: A Workshop in Close Looking”  Antje Bultmann Lemke Seminar Room and the Joan Breier Brodsky ’67, G’68 Conservation Lab. The onsite workshop is limited to 15 people, and advance registration is required by emailing mlwagh@syr.edu.

The starting point for any technical investigation of medieval manuscripts is close looking. This hands-on interactive workshop held onsite at the Special Collections Research Center will introduce participants to the basic techniques for close looking used by conservators, including the use of magnification with a microscope and the deployment of various light sources. These methods help enable researchers to begin to determine an illumination’s material components, layer structure, stages of execution and interventions. Complemented with a slide discussion, the workshop will guide participants in the close study of illuminations and their painting materials, including explorations within the manuscripts at SCRC. Participants will also have an opportunity to prepare some traditional pigments used in illuminations.

Due to limited space available onsite for the workshop, advance registration is required by emailing mlwagh@syr.edu. Lunch will be provided for workshop attendees; if you require an accommodation or have dietary needs, please email mlwagh@syr.edu.