Art Conservation
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
Welcome
The Department of Art Conservation at the University of Delaware offers world-class programming dedicated to training future conservators of artistic and cultural heritage. Our interdisciplinary curriculum combines hands-on studio work with advanced study in chemistry, material science, art history, and conservation theory. Students gain extensive experience treating a wide range of artifacts including paintings, sculptures, textiles, books, photographs, and archaeological objects. With state-of-the-art instructional laboratories and strong ties to major museums, the Department of Art Conservation produces leaders in the field who go on to prestigious positions preserving the world's cultural treasures for generations to come. Whether your passion is modern and contemporary art or ancient artifacts, our program provides the comprehensive training needed to become an expert in this highly specialized profession.
Why Art Conservation?
- Unique Undergraduate Experience: The University of Delaware is the only university in the nation to offer courses taught by multiple conservators at the undergraduate level, providing an unparalleled mentorship experience with an average of six conservation professors per student.
- World-Class Master's and Doctoral Programs: The Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC) is renowned for its three-year graduate curriculum designed to educate and train conservation professionals in the examination, analysis, stabilization, treatment, and sustainable preservation of heritage collections through specialization in eight conservation disciplines. The Preservation Studies Doctoral Program (PSP) is an interdisciplinary course of study in the philosophies, research methodologies, and policies informing the preservation of art and cultural heritage — distinct in its approach combining cross-field expertise toward doctoral study in preservation.
- Exciting Internship Opportunities: Students in the Art Conservation program have opportunities to intern at a wide variety of institutions around the world, gaining specialized knowledge and skills in the arts, sciences, and other fields, and developing the valuable hand, communication, and critical-thinking skills necessary to be responsible custodians of cultural heritage and cultural exchange.
75%
of art conservation undergrads work in collections care post-graduation.
Graduates
of all three art conservation programs work in 44 states, Washington, D.C. and more than 30 countries.
Partnerships
we partner with 200+ museums, donors, and foundations to secure ongoing funding for our students.
Uniquely UD: Art Conservation
YouTube Link: Uniquely UD: Art Conservation: youtube.com/watch?v=aZEAR-UZHVQ
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Behind the research
September 27, 2024 | Written by Nicole HernandezThe 2024 Seth Trotter Special Collections Research Award, is an annual award sponsored by the Friends of the University of Delaware Library that encourages UD students and faculty to use rare materials from the Library, Museums and Press Special Collections in their original research. -
Welcome to the WUDPAC class of 2027!
September 26, 2024 | Written by Art Conservation Department, University of DelawareThese 10 fellows bring a variety of experiences and accomplishments to the table. They have collectively worked at 46 different institutions including museums, cultural centers, libraries, archives, and private practices. Their extensive conservation experience and broad interests have shaped them into a formidable cohort of future conservators. -
National Arts and Humanities Month
September 20, 2024 | Written by UD College of Arts and Sciences Communication StaffEvents in October highlight the impact of arts and humanities on the UD community -
Student Blog: American Philosophical Society
September 03, 2024 | Written by CAS StaffIn this blog post, WUDPAC Class of 2025 Fellow Brittany Murray talks about her summer spent with conservators at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, from working with parchment and prints to rebinding a 19th-century bible.
