A History of over 50 Years of SUNY Buffalo State’s Paintings Conservation Education

Abstract

ABSTRACT Paintings conservation education at State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo State University has evolved over the last 50 years. The foundation and beginnings of the art conservation program at SUNY Buffalo State University is described through the lens of paintings conservation. The first section details the background of paintings conservators Sheldon Keck and Caroline Keck in their conservation approaches and their key roles in developing the Cooperstown conservation training program at SUNY Oneonta. The original curriculum developed by the Kecks and as it relates to paintings conservation is also explored. The second section discusses the additional paintings faculty members, the move of the program from Cooperstown to Buffalo, the new facilities, as well as the later years of graduate education in paintings conservation, culminating with the effects of the pandemic and recent developments.