A fascinating project to preserve and display the iconic 1648 Dutch world map is now underway. In previous blog posts, we revealed the history of the Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula (Blaeu World Map) and the family of cartographers, globe makers, printers, and publishers who created it. We also have discussed the science and conservation taking place to prepare the Texas-sized 371-year-old map (learn more about the map) for public display. [Read more…] about Seeing stars in the Blaeu World Map
Conservation
Introducing ‘The Niépce Heliograph’
One of the most celebrated objects in the history of photography is featured in a permanent exhibition just inside the main entrance to the Harry Ransom Center. The untitled photograph—the earliest known surviving photograph made with the aid of the camera obscura—was produced in 1827 by the French scientist and inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce using a process he called héliographie. Permanent exhibitions are never really “permanent,” however; objects may remain in place, but their meanings are always evolving, and exhibitions are periodically revised to reflect those advances. [Read more…] about Introducing ‘The Niépce Heliograph’
Conservation treatment gives new life to St. Jerome in His Study
In addition to two portraits by the artist Mary Beale, the Ransom Center’s old master painting St. Jerome in His Study will be exhibited in the newly renovated galleries of the University’s Blanton Museum of Art from February 2017 to February 2019. [Read more…] about Conservation treatment gives new life to St. Jerome in His Study
Ransom Center conservator treats preliminary layouts for Ed Ruscha’s Hard Light
The Edward Ruscha Papers and Art Collection at the Harry Ransom Center includes preliminary layout sheets for Hard Light, a collaborative artist’s book published by Ruscha and Lawrence Weiner in 1978. [Read more…] about Ransom Center conservator treats preliminary layouts for Ed Ruscha’s Hard Light
Meet the Staff: Rob Hay, Head of Exhibition Services
Meet the Staff is a Q&A series on Cultural Compass that highlights the work, experience, and lives of staff at the Harry Ransom Center.
Rob Hay has been at the Harry Ransom Center for two and a half years. He worked as a preparator before taking on his current position as head of exhibition services. [Read more…] about Meet the Staff: Rob Hay, Head of Exhibition Services
Elliott Erwitt: Home Around the World / Un hogar en todo el laboratorio
Durante la planeación de exhibiciones en el Harry Ransom Center, los curadores seleccionan los materiales que consideran más relevantes en las colecciones y que, a su vez, mejor se relacionan con los temas de cada muestra. Posteriormente los restauradores evalúan la condición física de todos los objetos seleccionados, con el fin de entender su fragilidad material, evaluar los posibles riesgos y/o requerimientos específicos para exhibirlos de forma segura, tales como la necesidad de construir soportes exactos y a la medida para libros, o establecer niveles de iluminación para fotografías. En el caso de Elliott Erwitt: Home Around the World, se determinó cuáles fotografías podrían beneficiarse de algunos tratamientos de conservación. [Read more…] about Elliott Erwitt: Home Around the World / Un hogar en todo el laboratorio