What’s New @ ICA?

In 2008, the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan received a $160,000 Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Conservation Project Support grant to treat a series of unique watercolors.

The twenty-one large drawings are faithful copies of a famous fresco cycle in the Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii, Italy. They were painted by Italian artist Maria Barroso from 1925 to 1927 and are so carefully drawn to reproduce the condition of the wall paintings in Pompeii that they include depictions of cracks and losses. The paintings were commissioned by the museum's namesake Francis Kelsey and are considered a highlight of the permanent collection. Until now, they have only been exhibited twice: once in Italy immediately following their completion and once during a short exhibit at the University of Michigan in 2000.

For over a year, ICA paper and paintings conservators worked to stabilize these oversized pieces.  Each object had its condition documented and minor repairs made, and was then humidified and flattened. New hinges were attached and the objects were mounted to rigid support panels.

In September, ICA staff traveled to Ann Arbor and installed the conserved panels in a newly renovated gallery.  To see video of the installation process, visit the ICA YouTube channel.