Radhika Sahgal

Radhika Sahgal

Miniature paintings and works on paper: Conservation and care

Conservator, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, New Delhi (1997)

Independent Conservator (1999- )

I was already in the process of conserving Indian miniatures but the award gave me a chance not only to be involved in practical conservation at the V&A but also to visit and discuss the treatment techniques employed by other Paper Conservation Studios. This gave me an opportunity to get acquainted with new materials and techniques. I procured samples of some of these materials in the UK and since then have been able to find some locally. There is unfortunately still a dearth of materials for conservation in India. I was able to discuss with a paper maker to produce conservation quality boards needed in the Centre. There was also a greater awareness for minimal invasive treatment, toxicity of chemicals and realted health hazards and safety measures. Followin the Nehru Trust award I also received a partial grant-in-aid from the Charles Wallace India Trust toconduct a comparative study of eastern and western techniques used in conservation of art on paper at the British Museum. In 1999 I left INTACH to take up private practice. The first step as a private conservator has been to educate people about conservation as it is not a very well known field in India. Apart from educating my personal clients, I have conducted a lecture demonstration on "Preventive Conservation of Textiles (1999)" and an illustrated lecture on general conservation dealing with specific problems of art on paper , along with my partners, as well as a paper on my experiences at the Victoria and Albert Museum and on the conservation of posters.