Pursuing Knowledge of Artists’ Materials Production and Conservation Expertise as War Booty

In this lecture, Morwenna Blewett, paintings conservator and associate member of Worcester College at the University of Oxford, will explore the role of representatives of British color manufacturers Winsor & Newton, Ltd., and George Rowney & Company, who spent nearly a month in Germany attempting to gain knowledge of German art materials in order to improve their own. Blewett will also discuss how new research reveals that some of the most august art institutions in London, the National Gallery and the Courtauld Institute of Art among them, made every effort to profit from expertise gathered from a professor named Kurt Wehlte. They sought his knowledge about art materials, conservation, and teaching—despite the significant roles he played in the National Socialist genocidal and totalitarian regime.

Free admission, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lecture will take place in Menschel Hall in the Lower Level. Doors to the hall will open for seating at 5:45pm. Limited complimentary parking is available in the Broadway Garage, 7 Felton Street, Cambridge.