Experimentation with unconventional materials such as newspapers and wallpaper became quintessential to twentieth century movements such as Cubism and Surrealism. What can conservators learn about Picasso’s experimental techniques and his creative process through a study of his works? 

Speaker

Dr Paula Dredge is Teaching Specialist at the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation at the University of Melbourne. Previously she was Head of Paintings Conservation at The Art Gallery of NSW. Working as a conservator for over 30 years has given her unique opportunities for the close and investigative study of paintings under her care including works by Pablo Picasso. She has published widely on the materials and techniques of many late nineteenth and early twentieth century artists including Pablo Picasso, Sidney Nolan, Claude Monet, John Russell, Arthur Streeton and Tony Tuckson. In 2020 she published a book Sidney Nolan: the artist’s materials in which she offered a historical and scientific analytical study of Ripolin, a high gloss brand of paint of which, both Picasso and Nolan were particularly fond.

This event is part of Saturday Series: The Many Layers of Picasso. Over four Saturdays, experts in art, culture and history from the University of Melbourne provide insights into the world of Picasso and his contemporaries.