Lunch & Learn: Conserving "Striking Iron"
Join Head of Conservation Christian de Brer for a presentation on the role of the Fowler Museum’s Conservation Department in treating forged iron objects featured in the 2018 exhibition Striking Iron, with a focus on stabilizing and treating the objects for display, travel, and long-term storage.
Monday, May 10, 12–12:30 p.m.
Free
Striking Iron: The Art of African Blacksmiths was a significant exhibition for the Fowler Museum, earning honors and accolades as one of the best exhibitions of 2018. After its successful international tour and return, conservation of the forged iron objects continues, including work on a substantial donation to the museum by artist and exhibition co-curator Tom Joyce.
Join Head of Conservation Christian de Brer for a presentation on the role of the Fowler Museum’s Conservation Department in preparing for the exhibition and donation, with a focus on stabilizing and treating the objects for display, travel, and long-term storage. De Brer will also address unique issues related to works in iron, such as weight, corrosion, and past use.
Christian de Brer has overseen conservation-related activities at the Fowler Museum since 2011. A graduate of the UCLA/Getty Interdepartmental Program in the Conservation of Archaeological and Ethnographic Materials, he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree in the Conservation of Material Culture at UCLA and investigating ancient West Mexican ceramics. De Brer’s areas of focus include characterization of materials and stabilization treatments for objects from non-Western cultures, as well as mitigation of display and storeroom environments for preventative collections care.
Image: Artist unidentified (Dogon peoples, Mali), Bellows, early to mid-20th century; iron, wood, leather; Fowler Museum at UCLA, X73.630; Gift of Mr. W. Thomas Davis
