Cor-ten steel sculpture

I appreciate the opportunity for exchange of views with Patrick
Gallagher; we need more such personable interfaces with the
industries whose technologies we adapt for the production and care
of art and cultural heritage. This particular thread has shown  some
of the different challenges involved in configuring technical
expertise for application to conservation (Dr. Rust) and broadening
conservation  expertise through science and engineering (many
conservators do try!).

These exchanges beg a larger question about what we as planners,
curators and conservators are doing with public art such as most
large outdoor sculptures and murals in various media. Is our work
"for the ages," or is it only necessary to preserve these artworks
for a generation or two (or less),  until they and/or their
landscapes or architectural settings are redesigned or replaced?
Very pragmatic factors will have to be considered along with
conservation ideals in addressing this question.

John Scott
New York Conservation Center

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:12
                   Distributed: Friday, July 24, 1998
                       Message Id: cdl-12-12-007
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