Principles, Practice, and Ethics in Conservation of Cultural Heritage

(Same as Art History M272B.) Introduction to preservation of cultural heritage materials, including what should be preserved and why, as well as who should be involved in decision-making process. Use of several examples of issues and problems involved in preservation of works of art, from L.A. Murals to Sistine Chapel, from ancient wall paintings to Statue of Liberty. Discussion of issues of preservation and restoration of these cultural heritage materials both in museum and outdoor environment contexts. Materials and techniques used to make cultural heritage materials, in relation to preservation efforts needed to prevent decay and loss. Introduction to examples of conservation issues related to sites, buildings, monuments, and collections. Ethical and contextual aspects with reference to changing values in conservation of cultural materials, illustrating how cultural materials may have been treated differently according to those values.

S/U or letter grading.