Indiana State Museum-Conservation and Mending of Low-fired Ceramics Workshop

Workshop

Saturday, November 8, 2014–Sunday, November 9, 2014
Indiana State Museum
650 West Washington St.
indianapolis, IN 46219
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Description

Many curation facilities have found themselves in a position of caring for collections of low-fired (typically archaeologically recovered) ceramic vessels or vessel portions that are essentially falling apart.  The lifespan has long expired on the adhesives utilized decades ago and important vessels have been reduced to large sherds loosely joined together – if at all – by shriveled and discolored strips of adhesive.   Conservation and archaeology staff at the Indiana State Museum have joined together in delivering this workshop to address ‘best practice’ solutions in addressing this important collections care issue.    

In this workshop, students will learn the “secret” but simple techniques utilized by conservators to reconstruct low-fired ceramics. Additionally, there will be discussion on remedial treatments, such as identification and removal of previous adhesive mends that are failing, or inappropriate.

Each student will break, consolidate, mend and pour a fill on a modern terracotta flower pot. The pot, tools and supplies will be provided for use during the workshop. At the conclusion of the workshop, students will keep their finished pot, references, and supply lists. Topics covered will include:

*How to make their own B-72 solutions in different percentages (…and why)

*When and how to consolidate sherds

*How to make joins

*How to create structural fills including finishing techniques

*How to remove old, failing joins.    

$125.00/person
Transportation, food and lodging not included. –Maximum of 12 students
Participants are encouraged to bring a vessel portion from their own collections. 

To register contact: Michele Greenan mgreenan@indianamuseum.org or 317-233-8971