Presentation and Preservation of Artworks for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 11
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Painting and Decoration
Curriculum Theme: Art Appreciation and Preservation
Previous Lesson: Body Adornment and Modern Bead Decoration
Topic: PRESENTATION OF ART WORKS.
Subject Matter: Need for preservation of art works: Materials and their uses; Steps in preserving art works

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Explain the importance of preserving artworks.
• Identify various materials used for artwork preservation.
• Describe the uses of different preservation materials.
• List the steps involved in preserving artworks.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the cultural and historical value of artworks.
• Develop a sense of responsibility towards the care and preservation of art.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate basic techniques for handling and storing artworks.
• Apply appropriate materials for simple artwork preservation tasks.

Social Domain

• Discuss the collective responsibility of communities in preserving artistic heritage.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts illustrating different types of artworks and their common damages.
• Samples of preservation materials (e.g., acid-free paper, archival boxes, UV-filtering film, gloves).
• Pictures or videos showing proper handling and storage of artworks.
• Cleaning cloths and soft brushes.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to protect artworks from deterioration. Understanding preservation techniques ensures the longevity of artistic creations, safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. It also highlights the economic and historical value of maintaining artworks in good condition.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils/students should have a basic understanding of different types of artworks and the materials used in their creation.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PRESENTATION OF ART WORKS

Need for Preservation of Artworks

Preservation of artworks is essential for several reasons, ensuring their longevity and continued value. These reasons include:

1. Protection of Cultural Heritage: Artworks are vital records of human history, culture, and creativity. Preserving them ensures that future generations can learn from and appreciate the achievements of the past.
2. Maintenance of Aesthetic Value: Preservation helps to maintain the original appearance and artistic integrity of an artwork, allowing viewers to experience it as the artist intended.
3. Economic Value: Many artworks hold significant monetary value. Proper preservation prevents damage and deterioration that could drastically reduce their worth.
4. Historical and Documentary Value: Artworks often provide insights into the social, political, and technological contexts of their time. Preservation ensures these historical documents remain intact and legible.
5. Educational Purposes: Preserved artworks serve as valuable resources for art education, research, and scholarly study.
6. Prevention of Damage and Deterioration: Artworks are susceptible to various forms of damage from environmental factors (light, humidity, temperature), pests, pollutants, and improper handling. Preservation techniques mitigate these risks.

Materials for Preserving Artworks and Their Uses

Various materials are used to protect artworks, each serving a specific purpose:

1. Acid-Free Paper and Boards: These materials are used for mounting, matting, and interleaving artworks. They prevent acid migration, which can cause discoloration and degradation over time.
2. Archival Boxes and Folders: Made from acid-free and lignin-free materials, these provide a stable, protective environment for storing documents, photographs, and smaller artworks, shielding them from dust, light, and environmental fluctuations.
3. UV-Filtering Glass or Acrylic: Used for framing artworks, this material blocks harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause fading, embrittlement, and discoloration of pigments and paper.
4. Humidity Control Devices (Dehumidifiers/Humidifiers): These devices maintain stable relative humidity levels, preventing issues like warping, cracking, mould growth (from high humidity), or brittleness (from low humidity).
5. Temperature Control Systems (Air Conditioners): Stable temperatures prevent expansion and contraction of materials, which can lead to cracking, flaking, or delamination of artworks.
6. Gloves (Cotton or Nitrile): Worn when handling artworks, gloves prevent oils, dirt, and acids from hands from transferring onto the surface of the art, which can cause stains and damage.
7. Soft Brushes and Cleaning Cloths: Used for gentle dusting and surface cleaning of artworks, removing loose dirt without scratching or abrading the surface.
8. Pest Control Products: Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and non-toxic traps are used to protect artworks from insects and rodents that can cause physical damage.
9. Conservation-Grade Adhesives and Repair Materials: Used by professional conservators for repairs and restoration, these materials are stable, reversible, and compatible with the original artwork materials.

Steps in Preserving Artworks

Effective preservation involves a combination of careful handling, environmental control, and appropriate storage. Key steps include:

1. Proper Handling:
   1. Always wear clean cotton or nitrile gloves when touching artworks.
   2. Hold artworks by their sturdy supports (e.g., frame, mat board) rather than the art itself.
   3. Avoid touching the surface of paintings, photographs, or delicate drawings.
   4. Carry artworks upright and support them from below.
2. Environmental Control:
   1. Temperature: Maintain a stable temperature, ideally between 18-22°C (65-72°F), to prevent material expansion and contraction.
   2. Relative Humidity (RH): Keep RH stable, typically between 45-55%, to prevent mould, warping, or cracking. Use dehumidifiers or humidifiers as needed.
   3. Light: Minimise exposure to direct sunlight and strong artificial light. Use UV-filtering films on windows and frames. Rotate displayed artworks to reduce cumulative light exposure.
   4. Pollutants: Protect artworks from dust, smoke, and chemical fumes. Ensure good ventilation and use air purifiers if necessary.
3. Appropriate Storage:
   1. Store artworks in acid-free archival materials (boxes, folders, sleeves).
   2. Keep artworks in a clean, dry, and stable environment, away from external walls, basements, or attics where conditions fluctuate.
   3. Frame artworks with conservation-grade materials, including acid-free mats and UV-filtering glass.
   4. For paintings, ensure they are securely hung or stored vertically in racks, protected from physical impact.
4. Regular Inspection and Cleaning:
   1. Periodically inspect artworks for signs of damage, pests, or deterioration.
   2. Gently dust surfaces with a soft, clean brush or cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or water unless specifically trained.
   3. Address any signs of mould or pest infestation immediately, seeking professional advice if necessary.
5. Professional Conservation and Restoration:
   1. For significant damage, complex cleaning, or restoration, consult a professional art conservator.
   2. Conservators have specialised knowledge, tools, and materials to safely treat and stabilise artworks without causing further harm.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays pictures of famous artworks, some well-preserved and some showing signs of damage. The teacher asks pupils/students to discuss why some artworks look new while others appear old and damaged.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students observe the pictures and share their initial thoughts on why artworks might deteriorate or remain intact.

Learning Point: Artworks’ condition variations

Step 2: Need for Preservation

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the various reasons why artworks need to be preserved, such as protecting cultural heritage, maintaining aesthetic and economic value, and preventing damage. The teacher enumerates these needs and encourages pupils/students to contribute their ideas.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students listen, ask questions, and discuss the importance of preserving artworks, noting down key reasons.

Learning Point: Reasons for preservation

Step 3: Introduction to Preservation Materials

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces various materials used for artwork preservation, such as acid-free paper, archival boxes, UV-filtering glass, and gloves. The teacher shows samples of these materials and explains their basic function.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students observe the materials, handle them carefully, and identify their names and potential uses.

Learning Point: Preservation materials identification

Step 4: Uses of Preservation Materials

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher elaborates on the specific uses of each preservation material, explaining how they protect artworks from different types of damage (e.g., acid, light, dust, oils from hands). The teacher gives practical examples.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students listen to the explanations, ask clarifying questions, and relate the materials to the types of damage they prevent.

Learning Point: Material uses and functions

Step 5: Steps in Preserving Artworks (Part 1 – Handling and Environment)

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Instruction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the first few steps in preserving artworks, focusing on proper handling techniques (wearing gloves, holding by support) and environmental control (discussing ideal temperature, humidity, and light conditions). The teacher uses a simple artwork for demonstration.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students observe the demonstration and discuss the importance of careful handling and environmental factors.

Learning Point: Proper handling techniques

Step 6: Steps in Preserving Artworks (Part 2 – Storage and Maintenance)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students through the remaining steps, including appropriate storage (using archival materials, proper framing) and regular inspection/cleaning. The teacher may have pupils/students practice gently dusting a non-valuable item or placing a drawing in an acid-free folder.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students participate in practical activities, applying basic preservation steps under teacher guidance.

Learning Point: Storage and maintenance steps

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. State three reasons why artworks need to be preserved.
2. Name two materials used for artwork preservation and their uses.
3. Describe one important step in handling artworks.
4. Why is environmental control important for artwork preservation?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding preservation concepts

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the need for preservation, materials and their uses, and steps in preserving artworks into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson summary

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, re-emphasising the importance of preserving artworks and the practical knowledge gained. The teacher encourages pupils/students to apply these principles in their own art projects and in handling any artworks they encounter.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students listen attentively and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Lesson summary reinforcement

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Project

Instruction: Research and practical application.

1. Research a famous artwork that has undergone significant preservation or restoration. Write a short report on why it needed preservation, the methods used, and the outcome.
2. Identify an old drawing or document at home (with parental permission) and suggest appropriate preservation methods using materials available or easily sourced. Describe the steps you would take.

Lesson Keywords

• Preservation – The act of keeping something in its original state or in good condition.
• Archival – Relating to or suitable for use in an archive, especially because of being acid-free and durable.
• Acid-free – Materials that do not contain acid, which can cause deterioration over time.
• UV-filtering – Materials that block harmful ultraviolet radiation.
• Relative Humidity – The amount of water vapour present in air expressed as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation at the same temperature.
• Conservation – The professional practice of preserving cultural heritage for the future.

Differentiation

Support: Provide simplified handouts with key terms and definitions for struggling learners. Pair them with more capable students during practical activities. Focus on identifying the basic needs and materials for preservation.

Extension: Encourage advanced learners to research specific types of artwork (e.g., oil paintings, sculptures, textiles) and their unique preservation challenges. They can also explore the role of technology in modern art conservation.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further visual understanding of artwork preservation, search on YouTube for:

• art preservation techniques SS3 nigeria
• how to preserve artworks for students