Creating a Preservation Environment for Renaissance Limoges Enamels

FAIN: PF-50013-10

Frick Collection (New York, NY 10021-4981)
Joseph Godla (Project Director: December 2009 to December 2011)

The creation of a preservation environment for a collection of Renaissance Limoges painted enamels that are exhibited in two historic display cases built by architect John Russell Pope.

The Frick Collection seeks support for the renovation of two of its historic display cases in order to create a suitable environment for the collection of forty-six Renaissance Limoges enamels that are normally housed in them. The enamels collection is considered one of the most important such collections in the world. Recent studies of the conditions within the cases, however, revealed that the enamels were exposed to high fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Because the cases are considered a significant part of the museum's historic interior, the Frick proposes modifying the cases such that the enamels can be safely kept there, but without significantly altering the cases' original design. Specifically, the plan will create a sealed and buffered space within the original cases to protect the enamels from exterior environmental fluctuations, while at the same time preserving the cases' historic facades.