Tate has explained how it has kept art and the people who care for it safe during the global pandemic
The Tate Modern has given an inside look as to how its workers have managed to deal with restrictions and new challenges as a direct result of the Coronavirus pandemic, both from a curatorial and from a maintenance perspective.
Revealed in a new video posted on the institution's YouTube channel, art handlers, registrars, conservators, technicians and photographers all discuss the various challenges of handling and showcasing priceless art during the pandemic era.
Among the challenges highlighted during the video, the Tate’s lending programme, which sees various artworks spend time at other institutions, saw some exhibitions extended due to national and global gallery closures.
The video also looks at the challenges of transporting and installing artworks during the coronavirus crisis, while the museum’s library and archive have also faced obstacles, as with its audience unable to visit, the collection had to be shown remotely.
For the brief periods where visitors were allowed, new protective measures had to be introduced to allow visitors safe access to artworks, library, and archive items.
“This isn’t the first time that Tate’s been closed,” said Andrew Glew, archivist at Tate. “The fact that they can still see the art, and still enjoy that initial experience of seeing a favourite painting, some sculpture, a video or photography - being around that environment inspires.”
Tate has explained how it has kept art and the people who care for it safe during the global pandemic
The Tate Modern has given an inside look as to how its workers have managed to deal with restrictions and new challenges as a direct result of the Coronavirus pandemic, both from a curatorial and from a maintenance perspective.
Revealed in a new video posted on the institution's YouTube channel, art handlers, registrars, conservators, technicians and photographers all discuss the various challenges of handling and showcasing priceless art during the pandemic era.
Among the challenges highlighted during the video, the Tate’s lending programme, which sees various artworks spend time at other institutions, saw some exhibitions extended due to national and global gallery closures.
The video also looks at the challenges of transporting and installing artworks during the coronavirus crisis, while the museum’s library and archive have also faced obstacles, as with its audience unable to visit, the collection had to be shown remotely.
For the brief periods where visitors were allowed, new protective measures had to be introduced to allow visitors safe access to artworks, library, and archive items.
“This isn’t the first time that Tate’s been closed,” said Andrew Glew, archivist at Tate. “The fact that they can still see the art, and still enjoy that initial experience of seeing a favourite painting, some sculpture, a video or photography - being around that environment inspires.”
