s3e65 behind the scenes with conservator Alison Luxner

Platemark: prints and the printmaking ecosystem

In this episode, go behind the scenes at the museum with Alison Luxner, a paper conservator at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Alison shares her journey to becoming a conservator, the lengthy education and training process, and her diverse experiences working in various conservation roles. They also delve into the specifics of handling and conserving works on paper, the pros and cons of using gloves, and share some adventures in couriering artwork all over the world. Furthermore, they discuss different career paths within the field. Ann and Alison's conversation underscores the complexities of art conservation and the passion required to excel in this meticulous profession.

Paper Conservator Alison Luxner treating a large Jules Cheret poster, La Loïe Fuller, 1893. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Paper Conservator Alison Luxner treating a group of hand-colored linoleum cuts by Allan Rohan Crite. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Paper Conservator Alison Luxner treating a wood engraving by Edwin Holgate, Nude by a Lake, c. 1932. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Paper Conservator Alison Luxner looking closely with a microscope at Martin Schongauer’s engraving Temptation of Saint Anthony, 1470-74. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Host Ann Shafer with Alison Luxner’s mother, Joan Kaskell, and Ann’s father, Don MacNary.