Albrecht Dürer’s Material Renaissance

Exhibition production: working with students at the University of Melbourne

Using the University of Melbourne Collections, the Albrecht Dürer’s Material Renaissance exhibition has brought together an interdisciplinary team of researchers, curators, collection managers and conservators, and provided professional learning opportunities for students. Students studying for a Masters of Cultural Material Conservation have worked alongside curators and conservators to document and assess works for display, provide conservation treatment to selected items, mount and frame works, build book cradles, and install items in the gallery.

How did students assist the preparation of the exhibition?

To support both object preparation and exhibition installation a team of students studying the Master of Cultural Material Conservation course were offered the opportunity to work alongside a team of professional conservators and exhibition installers on a number of tasks. Students were given the opportunity to be involved in

• Receiving and checking in over 80 books and rare prints from University of Melbourne collections and aligning receipts with curatorial lists
• Sorting works by size into groups for mounting and framing
• Cleaning and preparing frames
• Mounting of works in frames
• Reviewing all book page openings and spines and making bespoke book cradles for each
• Condition reporting and documenting individual works, including photography
• Sorting of framed works into exhibition themes, packaging each for transport to the gallery, and labelling
• Receipting works on arrival at the gallery and condition reporting each to ensure no works were damaged in transit
• Cleaning and preparation of showcases in the gallery
• Hanging of framed works
• Installation of labels
• Measuring of light levels throughout the gallery

How were students supported throughout the process?

Students have been supported throughout the exhibition preparation and production process by conservators at the University of Melbourne's Grimwade Conservation Services. Students worked in teams alongside specialists in book, paper and frame conservation to prepare over 80 items for this major exhibition.

The opportunity for students to work with such a large number of old master works is unique.

What did students learn during this project?

Students working on the project developed a range of skills that supplemented classroom learning. Skills developed include

• Intensive object handling skills including handling of fragile works and appropriate packaging for transport
• close examination and eventual recognition of paper characteristics and printing techniques used in old master prints
• Improved ability to identify and document the condition of works
• New skills development in artwork framing and book cradle construction
• Exposure to a diverse network of exhibition professionals
• Working in a professional conservation lab, and to deadlines

What careers are there in exhibition development?

The delivery of Albrecht Dürer’s Material Renaissance involved the collaboration of a large team working in the field of exhibition development. Careers involved are

• Researchers
• Curators
• Conservators with expertise in books and paper
• Collection Managers
• Registrars
• Exhibition Producers
• Art Handlers and Art Couriers
• Technicians
• Framers
• Archival material suppliers
• Exhibition designers
• Exhibition prop and carpentry specialists
• Painters and printers with exhibition and gallery installation experience
• Exhibition lighting specialists
• Air conditioning and gallery humidification specialists

What courses are available at the University of Melbourne to support a career in exhibitions?

The University offers a range of courses for students interested in pursuing a career in exhibition development such as

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
• Master of Cultural Materials Conservation
• Master of Art Curatorship
• Master of Arts and Cultural Management

Albrecht Dürer’s Material Renaissance

The exhibition, Albrecht Dürer’s Material Renaissance provides an in-depth encounter with German artist Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) and the material culture of his home city of Nuremberg. It explores how print and book production developed in Nuremberg from the late 15th century alongside constant innovation in the city’s craft and manufacturing trades. The exhibition is co-curated by University of Melbourne staff Hansen Associate Professor Jenny Spinks, Dr Matthew Champion, Professor Charles Zika, and Dr Shannon Gilmore-Kuziow; they have worked closely with colleagues in the University’s Special Collections, Grimwade Conservation Services, and State Library Victoria. Research towards the exhibition was funded by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project ‘Albrecht Dürer’s Material World – in Melbourne, Manchester and Nuremberg’ (DP210101623).

It will be open in the Arts West Gallery from 22 July to 29 November 2024, Monday to Friday. Admission to the exhibition is free.