Thursday, September 26, 2024, 6–7:30 p.m

This year marks the Walters Art Museum’s Conservation Lab’s 90th anniversary. To celebrate this grand milestone, we invite you to attend a lecture by Dr. Sanchita Balachandran, Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum Conservation Institute. Balachandran will discuss how we can bring ancient artists back into full presence through the conservation of their works of art. She will explore how an interdisciplinary and experimental approach to the conservation and technical study of ancient objects offers us an opportunity to be present with these makers and even reconstruct some of their lived experiences. Discover how the artist’s presence, whimsy, and imagination come alive by examining components of pottery from ancient Athens and Italy, including a vessel attributed to the Baltimore Painter in the Walters collection.

Following the presentation, audience members can participate in a Q&A session with Balachandran moderated by Julie Lauffenburger, the Walters’ Dorothy Wagner Wallis Director of Conservation and Technical Research. Afterward, we welcome you to enjoy a light reception in our Museum Café.

6 p.m.: Introductions
6:05 p.m.: Presentation
6:45 p.m.: Q&A Session
7 p.m.: Reception in Museum Café

This program is one of two lectures that are generously funded each year by the Boshell Foundation. ASL interpretation will be provided at this program. Please email accessibility@thewalters.org with questions and requests.