A half course denotes a 3.0 credit course. View our Art Conservation courses in the Academic Calendar.
A general survey course dealing with various aspects of conservation and museology. The course deals with professional ethics, control of the factors causing deterioration and with preventive conservation including care in handling, transporting and storing cultural property.
Half course; fall.
This course discusses organic and inorganic materials important in conservation. Topics covered will include the chemical structure, properties, degradation processes, and conservation treatments of the different materials. Scientific principles that are encountered in conservation treatment will also be studied.
Half course; fall.
This course covers the theory and use of the polarizing microscope, which enables the identification of art materials including pigments and fibers. Other investigative techniques that will be discussed include: microchemical tests and fluorescence microscopy. This course comprises both lectures and labs.
Half course; winter.
The first of two internships of three months duration in the conservation department of an approved institution or with an approved conservator. The internships are intended to expose students to a variety of situations in the field. Whenever possible, internships will be arranged to suit the interest and abilities of individual students.
Three months (12 weeks) duration; summer.
The second internship of three months duration in the conservation department of a recognized institution or with an approved conservator. Wherever possible, the second internship will be taken in a situation relevant to the student's area of interest.
Three months (12 weeks) duration; summer.
This course is designed to give an understanding of selected instrumental methods of analysis used in art conservation. Aspects covered include the fundamental principles underlying the techniques, the instrumentation, and the practical applications and limitations. The principles of colour and light will also be covered. There will be lectures and laboratory demonstrations.
Half course; fall.
This course covers theory and practice of digital imaging for flat and 3 D cultural heritage objects, using several techniques: digital photography, infrared, ultraviolet, reflectance transformation imaging, x ray and others. Post capture image manipulation and image storage/retrieval will be stressed as well as studio protocol and artifact handling and safety.
Half course; fall.
Learning materials $150 (2022-2023). A detailed study of the structure and characteristics of archaeological and historic artifacts. Historical and geographical factors affecting the development of artifacts are examined as well as the interrelationship of materials and methods of production. The causes of deterioration of artifacts and methods of preventing further deterioration are evaluated, together with the materials and methods needed to carry out conservation treatments. This course concentrates on artifacts made primarily of metals and stone.
Half course; winter.
Learning materials $150 (2022-2023) This course has the same format as ARTC 811 but with particular emphasis on artifacts made from materials of organic origin, especially wood, leather, bone and ivory.
Half course; fall.
This course has the same format as ARTC 811 but with particular emphasis on artifacts of organic origin, especially textiles.
Not offered 2023-24.
A detailed study of the structure and characteristics of historical fabric supported paintings. The history of materials and techniques, agencies of deterioration, and methods of remedial treatments are examined.
Half course; fall.
Continuing the studies begun in ARTC 821 , this course examines the materials and techniques, deterioration, and conservation of paintings on solid supports. Emphasis will be placed on the study of wood panel paintings.
Not offered 2023-24.
Learning materials $150 (2022-2023) This course has the same format as ARTC 821 with a concentration on contemporary art. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary painting and multi media works.
Half course; winter.
This course will involve theoretical and practical study of various types of technical examination of paintings. Emphasis will be placed on interpreting observed phenomena and exploring their contributions to art historical and conservation study and practice. Examination techniques to be studied will include visible light, radiography, microscopy, and various instrumental analytical and dating techniques. Practical sessions will be held in the laboratories of the Master of Art Conservation Program using historical paintings from the collections of the Agnes Etherington Art Centre. Field trips to other conservation laboratories will also be organized. Field trips. Limited enrolment.
Not offered 2023-24.
Learning materials $75 (2022-2023) A detailed study of the structure and characteristics of paper objects. Historical, geographical, social and economic factors in the development of the technology of paper artifacts are considered. The causes of deterioration of paper objects are described and methods of preventing further deterioration are evaluated, together with materials and methods needed to carry out conservation treatments. This course focuses on archival materials.
Half course; fall.
Learning materials $75 (2022-2023). This course has the same format as ARTC 831 with particular emphasis being placed on prints, drawings and watercolours.
Not offered 2023-24.
This course has the same format as ARTC 831 with emphasis on artifacts of complex structure such as photographs, digital object and new media and focuses on their preservation in an institutional context.
Half course; winter.
Learning materials $250 (2022-2023) Studio and workshop practice in the conservation of artifacts, particularly those made of ceramics and glass. Methods of preventing further deterioration are applied to artifacts and experience is gained in the use of materials for conservation.
Half course; fall.
This course continues the studies begun in ARTC 850 with special emphasis on artifacts made from metals and stone.
Half course; winter.
This course continues the studies begun in ARTC 850 with special emphasis on artifacts made of wood, leather, bone and ivory, and those made of a number of different materials.
Half course; fall.
This course continues the studies begun in ARTC 850 with particular emphasis on artifacts made from materials of organic origin, especially textiles.
Not offered 2023-24.
Learning materials $250 (2022-2023). Laboratory practice in painting conservation treatments; introduction to assessment of condition and condition reports. Theoretical studies of ARTC 821 are applied to practical restoration projects undertaken under faculty supervision.
Half course; fall.
This course continues studies begun in ARTC 861.
Half course; winter.
This course is designed to provide second year students with increasingly more complex problems in the conservation of paintings. Aesthetic, historical and ethical aspects are considered along with practical approaches to the conservation of a variety of unusual painting materials and paintings on solid supports.
Half course; fall.
Continuation of ARTC 863.
Half course; fall term, repeated again in winter term.
Learning materials $250 (2022-2023) Laboratory practice in the handling of the materials of art and conservation. Theoretical studies are applied to practical conservation and preservation projects, which are undertaken with faculty supervision. This course emphasizes the conservation and preservation of archival materials.
Half course; fall.
This course continues the studies begun in ARTC 871 with special emphasis being placed on the restoration and conservation of fine art objects on paper and related materials.
Not offered 2023-24.
This course continues studies begun in ARTC 871 with special emphasis on artifacts of complex structure such as photographs, digital objects and new media and focuses on their preservation in an institutional context.
Half course; winter.
This course provides second year students with increasingly more complex problems in the conservation of paper objects. Aesthetic, historical and ethical aspects are considered along with practical approaches to the conservation of objects of varied structures and materials.
Half course; fall.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to explore specific topics in depth. This course will usually take the form of a closely supervised reading course in an area of the instructor's expertise.
Not offered 2023-24.
Research will be carried out in consultation with and under the guidance of the instructor. Each student will conduct a research project and produce a written report. Students will need to obtain the instructor's permission to pursue research in an area relevant to the field of art conservation. The course will include oral presentations and formal reports.
Full year course; fall, winter, spring and summer.
Instructor: Various