Bronze Patination for Conservators Workshop

Getty held a workshop on the patination of bronze sculpture developed in collaboration with Andrew Baxter (Bronze et al, Ltd.), an expert in patination and metalworking with over three decades of experience working with foundries, artists, and conservators.

Getty Museum’s sculpture collections were the backdrop for this three-day workshop, which provided conservators with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to better understand chemical patinas and their application and to effectively communicate with artists and fabricators about patination when necessary.

Patination of bronze and other copper alloys requires technical skills and familiarity with a wide range of materials and their interactions. The workshop demonstrated the large variety of colors and effects that can be produced even with a limited number of solutions and pigments.

Focusing on temperature, solution concentration, and layering, participants developed a foundational understanding of some of the most common patinas used in modern and contemporary sculpture, which in turn helped to inform technical examination and treatment of collections. Conceived with conservators in mind, the workshop also provided an overview of treatment strategies ranging from localized repairs to complete repatination.

The workshop was co-organized by the Getty Conservation Institute and the Getty Museum’s Decorative Arts Conservation Department.

The curriculum was the result of the combined expertise of Getty and the instructors. It was delivered through lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises. The Getty’s sculpture collection provided case studies for discussion.

Hands-on exercises involved the use of a propane torch and patination chemicals, such as ferric nitrate and cupric nitrate, and pigments.

During the workshop participants were introduced to:

• History of Bronze Patination
• Foundry Practices
• Hot and Cold Patination Techniques
• Coatings and the Degradation of Patinas
• Considerations for Indoor and Outdoor Display
• Approaches to Treatment and Maintenance
• Case Studies

The workshop was held in person over three days in Los Angeles, California. Teaching materials were available through an online learning platform during and after the workshop.

Andrew Baxter, Principal, Bronze et al., Ltd., Port Charlotte, Florida

Julie Wolfe, Conservator, Decorative Arts Conservation Department, Getty Museum

Robert Price, Associate Conservator, Decorative Arts Conservation Department, Getty Museum

The workshop was facilitated by GCI Senior Project Specialist Flavia Perugini, with Robert Price and Julie Wolfe being pivotal in its organization and as key instructors along with Andrew Baxter.

Space for this workshop was limited to twelve conservators specializing in the care of bronze sculpture.

Priority was given to applicants working with bronze sculpture. Candidates ideally had three to five years of experience with these materials and were in a position to share the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop with the conservation community.

The workshop language was English.

The workshop fee was USD $320 (three hundred twenty US dollars). The fee included tuition, workshop materials, daily morning and afternoon tea/coffee breaks, and daily lunches.

Participants were responsible for round-trip transportation costs to Los Angeles, California, lodging, any applicable visa fees, and all other travel and incidental expenses.

While applicants were encouraged to apply for funding from their employer or other institutions, the workshop organizers may have provided financial assistance to a limited number of participants in financial need. Participants who required financial assistance indicated this on their online application.

For further questions, please contact gcisculpt@getty.edu.