Modern Paints Uncovered Symposium 2006

From May 16 through 19, 2006, Tate Modern in London hosted "Modern Paints Uncovered," a symposium co-organized by Tate, the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, and the Getty Conservation Institute. The symposium was the first ever to focus exclusively on conservation issues surrounding modern paints and marked a milestone for the organizing institutions—principal partners in the collaborative modern paints research project.

Symposium presentation topics varied widely, from recent advances in analytical techniques and protocols to experimentation with novel practical treatments. A number of presentations focused on research into the effects of cleaning acrylic emulsion paints, the most widely used synthetic paint since the early 1960s. A dedicated poster session was held on the final day.

A series of supplemental tours to the Winsor & Newton paint factory, the L. Cornelissen & Son paint shop, and the Russell and Chapple canvas suppliers offered participants additional information on artist’s materials, paint formulations, and manufacturing techniques. Wrapping up the symposium was a series of public events including a panel discussion among artists, curators, and conservators on how each considers the surface of a painting or painted object, and a discussion between British pop artist Sir Peter Blake and newscaster and Tate trustee Jon Snow.

With more than two hundred and fifty participants from over thirty-five countries in attendance, including conservation scientists, conservators, paint formulators and manufacturers, art historians, museum curators, and artists, "Modern Paints Uncovered" provided a unique forum for discussing the latest analytical, scientific, practical, and historical research. This sharing of information and ensuing dialogue generated ideas that will help shape future scientific research. The symposium proceedings are available in the Resources section.