The Stained Glass Group is holding a conference on ‘Working with the Evidence: Researching, Recording, Retaining, Removing Evidence of Earlier Intervention’. The conference will take place 17–18 September 2015, following the Annual General Meeting of the group. The keynote speaker will be Marie Stumpff, who will give a lecture on the Boppard panels in the Burrell Collection, and papers are still being accepted.
Christ before Pilate panel, from the Life of Christ and the Virgin window, Burrell Collection.
Almost all stained-glass panels bear evidence of alteration, restoration and earlier intervention. The careful observation, recording and interpretation through research of these layers of history is integral to the work of the conservator. The implications of these observations for future treatment and preventive conservation can often, however, be far from straightforward. Understanding the composition and nature of potentially damaging additions is essential to the evaluation of a conservation methodology, while explaining the historical context of alteration and repair can be the key to public enjoyment of a much-restored window. Papers exploring these technical, historical and ethical challenges in stained-glass conservation are invited. This event will provide participants with the opportunity not only to explore the Burrell Collection before it closes for a four-year renovation, but to look around after hours and enjoy a meal in the museum.
Proposals for twenty-minute papers (no more than 300 words, including title and name of corresponding author), should be sent electronically to Laura Tempest, assistant secretary of the Stained Glass Group, no later than 29 May 2015.
Costs and other details are being finalized; please email Laura Tempest to express an interest, offer a paper, or receive more information nearer the time.
