Introduction to Hydrogels in Conservation Cleaning

Dates: 22. - 24. July
Tutor: Matthew Cushman
Price: £475

This course presents a survey of hydrogel and gel-like materials for the controlled aqueous treatment of sensitive cultural heritage surfaces. Participants will follow a pre-recorded lecture, which can be attended in Tate on Monday, 21st July or before hand on Zoom (to be arranged). The course will cover the theoretical background and practical aspects of gel formulation and application, participants will gain experience in preparing, comparing and manipulating various gel materials during this 3-day course.

Gel materials in the lecture and practical sessions include:

• Agar and agarose hydrogels
• Low-acyl and high-acyl gellan hydrogels
• Poly(vinyl alcohol)-borax gels
• Nanorestore® Dry and Peggy chemical hydrogels
• Xanthan-Konjac/Agar double-network hydrogels and their analogs
• Curdlan hydrogels

Practical topics include:

• Gel preparation methods
• Casting techniques, including direct casting
• Aqueous chemistry compatibility
• Solvent compatibility
• Additives and residue management
• Gel storage

Although the practical sessions will be directed toward the conservation treatment of works of art on paper, this course is appropriate for conservation professionals of any specialism and experience level.

Matthew Cushman is Conservator in Charge at the Worcester Art Museum (Massachusetts, USA), leading the Museum’s team of conservators. He was previously Conservator of Paintings and Affiliated Assistant Professor at the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation, where he taught fundamentals of painting conservation and the application of scientific principles in conservation practice. His research interests include novel materials for the cleaning of painted surfaces, structural treatment of easel paintings, and the techniques and materials of early American painting.