The Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts welcomes Pamela Hatchfield as the 2023–2024 Judith Praska Visiting Distinguished Professor in Conservation & Technical Studies and Jen Munch, a modern and contemporary paintings conservator, as the Spring 2024 Judith Praska Visiting Assistant Professor of Conservation.
Now in its eleventh year, the Judith Praska Distinguished Visiting Professorship has brought nineteen scholars to the Institute since 2012. Funded by an anonymous donor, the professorship recognizes preeminent conservation professionals who bring new viewpoints of teaching and research to the Institute’s program in conservation. This fall, Hatchfield is teaching a course entitled “Transferable Skills in the Treatment of Objects and Sculpture.” In the spring, Munch will teach “Imaging for Conservators: Essential Documentation Skills,” a course focused on photographic documentation.
Both professors will deliver a lecture during their tenure. Hatchfield’s public program, “Mysteries of the Unexplained: Fakes, Forgeries, and Fabulists – or - What the Conservator Saw and When She Saw It,” is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6 at 6:00 p.m. in person at the Institute and online. Please visit the Institute’s website for more details.
“We are delighted to welcome Pam and Jen to the Institute for the current academic year. Their technical research and hands-on practice will serve as a rich resource for our students. The opportunity to have Praska visiting scholars adds significant value to our world-class training in fine art conservation,” notes Professor Christine Poggi, Judy and Michael Steinhardt Director of the Institute of Fine Arts.
Hatchfield’s extensive experience in object conservation will provide invaluable training for students, says Professor Michele D. Marincola, Sherman Fairchild Distinguished Professor of Conservation and co-chair of the Conservation Center.
“Pam’s warm and welcoming personality and depth of knowledge are greatly appreciated by our community,” Marincola says. “Jen’s expertise in photographic methods of documentation and their application in a range of conservation contexts will fill an important role in our curriculum. We look forward to her thoughtful approach to teaching these essential skills.
