Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 2006-07

collection / QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY ANNUAL REPORT 06–07 21 Conserving the Collection Continuing its crucial role in the preventive conservation and treatment of the Gallery's Collection, the Conservation section completed a number of projects in preparation for the opening of the two-site institution. In preparation for the rehang of the refurbished Queensland Heritage Gallery, four scenes of the Brisbane River by Isaac Walter Jenner — acquired after being in a private collection since their creation in 1894 — underwent treatment prior to display. Conservation work included surface cleaning, removal of discoloured stains and retouching of minor damage. The works remain framed in the original gilt mounts and frames, which were cleaned and restored to present the works as closely as possible to their original intended appearance. Reframing and frame restoration for 32 major Australian paintings from the mid 1800s to the 1950s were completed for the rehang of the original Gallery building. Some 14 frames underwent restoration treatments, while 18 paintings were reframed in historically accurate reproduction frames. A major project involved the creation of the reproduction frame for Arthur Streeton's June evening, Box Hill 1887 using traditional framing methods and materials following extensive research into appropriate frame styles. Several contemporary art works displayed in GoMA for APT5 proved very challenging for Conservation staff. The preparation of the large-format photographs from 'Assembly hall series no. 6' 2006, by Mu Chen and Shao Yinong, required an unusual and innovative mounting method to achieve the desired presentation on display. The photographs were mounted for display in a box-type frame with an open, unglazed front. The large-scale ceramic diorama Utopian theatre 2006 by Zhou Xiaohu underwent a major conservation treatment before display in APT5. The unusual construction method used to create the diorama contributed a degree of vulnerability to the overall structure. The transit from China resulted in damage to the work requiring extensive and complex repair. The repairs were undertaken by the sculpture conservation section in consultation with the artist who, on his arrival in Brisbane for the opening of APT5, commended the conservation treatment undertaken. The Centre for Contemporary Art Conservation (CCAC) has begun to take shape in the GoMA conservation laboratory, with several key pieces of equipment being installed — precision microscopy analysis equipment including diagnostic microscopes and an FT-IR spectrometer, and specialised documentation tools including an industrial strength X-ray and infra-red camera and capture system. Peter Booth Australia b.1940 Untitled 2002 Oil on canvas 121.7 x 305cm Purchased 2006 with funds from the Estate of Lawrence F King in mem- ory of the late Mr and Mrs SW King through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation