Conservation and Curation - Iron Gall Ink

Did you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes when we develop exhibitions? We’re peeking behind the curtain of Loops, Swoops and Curlicues with the exhibition’s lead conservator, Wendy McPhee, to learn about iron gall ink, one of the most prevalent inks used in manuscripts (handwritten works).

Wendy will tell you about the components of the ink and how it was made as well as the perils of iron gall ink. She will reveal the role of conservation in the curatorial process and show you some before and after shots of the treatment of some of the items in the exhibit. You’ll get to finish off by trying your hand at copying some penmanship instruction from 1881 using a nibbed pen.

A corresponding tour of the Gallery will be available after the end of the formal program.

This program is free to the public; however, we please ask that you register to secure your spot.

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