The Ian Potter Art Conservation Centre was established in 1990 by Melbourne University to properly care for its vast collections of cultural material, combining a conservation service with teaching and research facilities. The Centre specialises in the care, conservation and scientific analysis of works of art on paper, paintings and frames including private individuals and educational organisations, government bodies, commercial and regional galleries, small museums and historical societies.

The Centre has its own fully equipped scientific laboratory located within The Ian Potter Museum of Art and resources within The University including the Baillieu Library, the School of Fine Arts, Classical Studies and Archaeology and its extensive collection of art historical publications and visual material, and the Schools of Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Physics as well as the expertise of academic staff within these departments. The combination of such extensive and specialised resources allow conservation staff at The Centre to offer the highest quality and superior expertise to their clients.

Research, Publication and Analysis

Research undertaken by The Centre includes the use of infrared imaging in the study of artists techniques; an examination of ethical and philosophical conservation issues raised by the work of contemporary artists; the development of conservation policies and protocols for the treatment and conservation of indigenous Australian collections; and historical research into artists' suppliers in Australia.

In 1999 The Ian Potter Art Conservation Centre in collaboration with Lauraine Diggins Fine Art initiated a program into the study of art fraud in Australian art. Emphasis continues to be placed on the compilation of a number of reference databases to assist with provenance studies of art work. These databases include information on the materials and techniques used by Australian artists; artists' signatures; details of art works purported to be fraudulent and of those with dubious provenance; as well as on works known to be authentic.

In 1999, the Melbourne Journal of Technical Studies in Art was published by The Ian Potter Art Conservation Centre for the first time. The Journal is a unique reference in Australia, publishing valuable first generation research in technical and conservation studies in Australia. It provides access to important research being carried out in conservation, art history and scientific analysis of artworks. The aim of the Journal is to present material that does not fit readily into other publications. Volume 1 of the Journal is "Frames"; Volume 2 is currently under way and will focus on the theme of "Underdrawing". (Please note: Volume 1 is currently available for purchase from the Reception Desk at The Ian Potter Museum of Art or contact staff at The Ian Potter Art Conservation Centre.)

Training and Education

Each year The Centre offers a Postgraduate Internship program to recent graduates in paintings and paper conservation. It is a one year program that provides interns with extensive training in conservation to broaden and develop practical and research skills. Interns divide their time between practical work, professional development, collections management and research. Supervision of this work is provided by senior conservation staff.

In collaboration with the School of Fine Arts, Classical Studies and Archaeology at The University of Melbourne, The Ian Potter Art Conservation Centre offers the Graduate Certificate in Art Conservation Studies to both Australian and international students. This one month intensive course provides an introduction to theoretical and practical aspects of the conservation of works of art. Emphasis is placed upon best international standards of the care of art works, with particular emphasis on the needs of the collections in Australia, the Pacific and South-East Asia. Contact The Centre for further information on course content, admission requirements, course dates and fee costs.

Services

Preventative conservation advice and treatment for works of art on paper, paintings and frames

Scientific and technical analysis of works of art

Materials' analysis

Cultural heritage management training

Policy development, including development of conservation policies and protocols for the treatment and conservation of indigenous material

Training and Education.

Research, Publication and Analysis.