Allen Kosanovich, head paintings conservator at The Wadsworth in Hartford, will explore the ethical, philosophical, and practical considerations of paintings conservation. Through detailed case studies, he will discuss how decisions are made, and by what means historic paintings are documented, preserved and restored through a disciplined approach in accordance with the Code of Ethics outlined by the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). 

Allen specializes in the study, preservation and restoration of old master paintings in the museum’s collection. He has pioneered “Conserving the Collection” at The Wadsworth, which is an ongoing exhibit that allows visitors to the museum to follow along with conservation treatments of works in the collection live in the gallery.

Allen is also an avid painter specializing in old master recreations. Through his passion for the materials and techniques of historic paintings, he has developed “Masterpiece in the Making.” This is an ongoing program at the Wadsworth where he creates faithful reproductions of paintings in the museum’s collection in front of the original masterpieces in the gallery, allowing visitors a rare glimpse into the processes and techniques used to create these works.