Spring 2008: Number 56
Renaissance painted cassoni
The V&A holds a large collection of Italian Renaissance cassoni of varying types and periods, including a number of cassone panels.
Highlights in this Issue
A forthcoming technical publication of Renaissance frames at the V&A
Digital image reconstruction may be used for some frames to demonstrate how the original decoration appeared.
Costume cleaning conundrums
In preparation for The Golden Age of Couture, an extremely rare costume by Christian Dior was brought into the Textile Conservation Studio for treatment
Observations on the causes of flaking in East Asian lacquer structures
East Asian lacquer is known to be a strong (flexible though rigid) material featuring firm cohesion and good adhesion between individually applied layers
Other Highlights in this Issue
Mount making for the Medieval & Renaissance exhibition tour
In advance of the opening of the new Medieval and Renaissance galleries in 2009 at the V&A, a selection of medieval and Renaissance treasures are on a six venue tour with five US locations.
Digital killed the analogue star! Care of V&A collection based carrier and machine assisted media
Constant manufacturing developments mean there is a continuous need to upgrade carrier formats and, subsequently, playback equipment to allow accessibility.
Conservation of a ninth-century bowl from Iraq
Due in part to the technological milestones illustrated by the treatment of this bowl, it will feature in the touring exhibition Masterpieces in Ceramics from the V&A, which will travel worldwide during 2008-9.
Resources vs access: meeting the challenge
Objects going on permanent display, in high-profile FuturePlan galleries, may require more interventive conservation than an object going on loan
