Saving the New Generation for the next generation: traditional approaches and radical solutions in the conservation of large painted sculpture of the 1960s.

Sculptures by the British 'New Generation' artists from the 1960s, incorporating painted steel, aluminium, fibreglass, plywood and Perspex, had suffered neglect due to false perceptions of their importance and physical robustness. This project aimed to conserve the Tate Gallery's large collection of these sculptures and render as many works as possible displayable. It included improving storage and documentation and increasing technical understanding of the works through examination and analysis, research, and interviews with the artists. By persuading curators to reassess the works, it also extended the definition of preventive conservation to include changing attitudes. Two major treatments are discussed, one employing 'conventional' conservation solutions and the other a more radical restoration. While both were approached with the thoughtfulness and ethical awareness characteristic of 'conservation' and informed by analysis and research, the latter is arguably more successful and in keeping with the spirit of the artwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]