The first known attempt to make a MC-Frame was made by W.S. Simpson and patented in 1892. The year after, the most deteriorated of a series of paintings by J.M.W. Turner was installed in his vacuum frame, the “Simpson box”. Over 100 years later, and still in the frame, the painting’s condition was seemingly far superior to that of the others not included in microclimate frames. The Research programme microclimates: Paintings on panel and canvas from 1992 offered vital new information on the behaviour of a microclimate frame. These findings were further developed during the EU 6th Framework project: PROPAINT – Improved Protection of Paintings during Exhibition, Storage and Transit.
There will be a 55min presentation followed by 15min of discussion.
Jørgen Wadum is Special Advisor of Dutch & Flemish art at the Nivaagaard Collection, Nivå, Denmark. Until 2020 he was director of the Centre for Art Technological Studies and Conservation (CATS), Copenhagen, and 2012-2016 he held the position as full Professor in Conservation & Restoration at the University of Amsterdam. From 1990 through 2004 he was Chief Conservator at the Mauritshuis, The Hague, Netherlands. He has published and lectured extensively internationally on a multitude of subjects related to technical art history and other issues of importance for the understanding and keeping of our cultural heritage.
More information: https://academicprojects.co.uk/courses/development-and-use-of-microclimate-frames-a-historical-overview/
