UT Austin School of Architecture eNews
10/22/09
COLLABORATION WITH THE LANDMARKS PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
During the fall 2009 semester, students in Senior Lecturer Fran Gale’s Materials Conservation: Field Methods course are learning about the university’s collection of public art. The Field Methods course provides an introduction to architectural materials conservation, focusing on on-site examination and testing of historic building. In past years, students have studied the materials of historic buildings on the UT campus, learning about the deterioration mechanisms that affect them. This year, collaboration with the UT Austin Landmarks Public Art Program has expanded course content to include outdoor sculpture.
Landmarks, the premier public art program of the university, launched its program to the public in 2008, with the installation of twenty-eight major mid- to late-twentieth century sculptures on loan from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The works include “Veduggio Glimpse” by Anthony Caro, which is located just east of the Goldsmith Hall courtyard. As part of their agreement with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Landmarks works with local conservators to conduct periodic inspections of the sculptures and provide routine care and maintenance. Catherine Williams of Silver Lining Art Conservation, LLC, provides consulting services for the Landmarks public art collection.
The Landmarks program is participating in three Field Methods sessions during the fall semester. In an introductory session, Landmarks Coordinator Nicole Vlado and Catherine Williams discussed the Landmarks Program and Metropolitan Museum of Art collection. In addition to providing a history of the Landmarks program, Vlado discussed acquisition and installation of sculpture and the importance of understanding the artist’s intent. Catherine Williams discussed the materials of the collection and the processes that were used in creating them. During a walking tour, the class discussed existing conditions of several pieces, including Willard Boepple’s “Eleanor at 7:15,” located in the courtyard between Batts and Mezes Halls and Joel Perlman’s “Square Tilt” installed in the Perry-Castaneda Library plaza.
In their next session, Vlado and Williams provided an overview of the Landmarks maintenance program and discussed the materials and techniques used by art conservators. During a field session, students assessed conditions of Peter Reginato’s “Kingfish,” and Catherine Williams directed the students in small-scale maintenance cleaning tests.
A final session will focus on the development of conservation plans for outdoor sculpture. Vlado and Williams will discuss the interventions that are sometimes required and the importance of obtaining input from the artist and the owner. Topics will include conservation ethics, preventative maintenance, and practical matters such as scheduling and project budgets. Students will learn about protective treatments and assist in applying them.
Collaboration with Landmarks provides an opportunity for Field Methods students to learn about stewardship of outdoor sculpture, as well as historic buildings. Several students also are participating in the Landmarks Preservation Guild, a group of volunteer interns who assist in inspecting and maintaining works of art in the Landmarks collection. Landmarks Preservation interns contribute one to two hours per week and receive a certificate of completion after two successful semesters. For more information about the Landmarks Preservation Guild, visit the Landmarks web site.