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| + | # Hensley Henson |
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| + | **Hensley Henson** (born 1947-03-18, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA) is an American historical conservator and art appraiser, best known for her extensive work with the Van DerBog of Philadelphia, a privately owned, exceptionally rare, and remarkably preserved collection of seventeenth-century Dutch porcelain and metalwork. Her expertise and meticulous dedication have cemented her place as a pivotal figure in the preservation and recovery of such artifacts, particularly within the burgeoning field of American art conservation. Henson’s involvement spans decades, beginning with a close observation of the Van DerBog and evolving into a highly sought-after consultant and expert on similar historical collections. This section details her professional life, notable projects, critical contributions, and lasting impact on the art conservation landscape. |
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| + | ## 1. Early Life and Education |
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| + | Hensley Henson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to parents who were both scholars – her father a noted historian and her mother a librarian. This early exposure to books, artifacts, and the study of history fostered a deep appreciation for the aesthetic and historical value of objects. While formal education was a secondary concern, Henson developed a keen intellectual curiosity and a fascination with objects and their origins, a foundation that would prove instrumental in her later career. She initially pursued a degree in Library Science from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1970. However, a sudden and unexpected departure from her academic path, triggered by a family tragedy, steered her towards a career in art conservation. She pursued this path with a highly focused and rigorous approach, recognizing the importance of meticulous observation and conservation practices as essential for preserving valuable artworks. |
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| + | During her graduate studies, Henson became increasingly interested in the practical application of artistic techniques, seeking a pathway to understanding the delicate balance required for long-term preservation. She took supplementary courses in various areas of art history and conservation techniques, which solidified her resolve to dedicate herself to the safeguarding of cultural heritage. A pivotal experience occurred during her time as a conservator apprentice with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she gained firsthand insight into the deterioration of historical artifacts and the critical role of conservators in their preservation. This experience was the catalyst that transformed her initial academic aspirations into a dedicated profession. |
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| + | ## 2. The Van DerBog: A Defining Legacy |
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| + | The Van DerBog, a collection of approximately 300 porcelain items, was initially discovered in 1952 within the basement of a stately historic home in Philadelphia’s affluent West Philly neighborhood. It was a private collection belonging to the influential and wealthy Van DerBog family, comprised primarily of Dutch porcelain, metalwork, and decorative arts from the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection, amassed over generations, was remarkably complete and exhibited a unique level of detail and quality – a factor that proved immediately invaluable to Henson’s approach. The Van DerBog's estate was ultimately bequeathed to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, ensuring its long-term protection and facilitating research into its history and provenance. |
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| + | Henson's initial involvement with the Van DerBog was almost accidental, sparked by a routine examination of the collection's structural integrity, noted by the museum’s staff. Her initial assessment revealed inconsistencies and discrepancies in the original documentation, suggesting a significant and complex history previously obscured. Recognizing the potential for significant deterioration, Henson began a highly specialized and detailed study of the collection, focusing initially on the porcelain itself. She meticulously analyzed the techniques of the porcelainers, identified the various glazing patterns and decorative elements, and documented the specific materials and manufacturing processes used in each piece. |
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| + | ## 3. Specialized Expertise and Research |
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| + | Henson's core expertise evolved significantly as she deepened her understanding of the Van DerBog and the collection as a whole. She rapidly developed a profound understanding of the nuances of 17th-century Dutch porcelain, including the volatile nature of enamel, the challenges of glazing, and the crucial role of meticulous restoration. Her research went far beyond simply cataloging and examining artifacts; she implemented a sophisticated, proactive strategy centered around identifying vulnerabilities and potential degradation pathways. |
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| + | She pioneered innovative techniques for documenting the condition of the porcelain, utilizing advanced photographic methods and meticulously detailed sketches. This led to the development of a standardized methodology for assessing the stability of brittle porcelain fragments, establishing the foundation for more effective conservation treatments. Henson also consistently contributed valuable historical context to the research, highlighting significant events and trade routes that informed the porcelain's origins and use. She began to recognize and rigorously document the subtle signs of decay, meticulously sketching and cataloging minute cracks, discoloration, and surface irregularities. |
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| + | Further contributing to her work was her exploration of the materials themselves—a deep understanding of pigments, glazes, and the potential influence of even the smallest amount of air, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Her ability to correlate deterioration patterns with historical context, coupled with her diagnostic skills, quickly set her apart. She started developing more practical conservation treatment strategies focused on stabilization, consolidation and repair rather than merely aesthetic restoration. |
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| + | ## 4. Consulting Roles and Professional Developments |
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| + | As her reputation grew, Henson became increasingly sought after as a consultant by institutions and private collectors alike. She received contracts to examine and advise on the conservation of a variety of historical artifacts, primarily in the American art market. Her work extended to examining and addressing deterioration in historical textiles, furniture, and other valuable artworks. She served as an invaluable consultant to private collectors and institutions throughout the United States, advising on complex restoration projects and offering expert insights into the character and value of specific items. |
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| + | In the 1980s, Henson established her own independent conservation consulting firm, “Hensley Henson, Conservation Consulting,” which centered on providing expert guidance on material conservation and the evaluation and treatment of artifacts for private and institutional clients. This independence allowed her to foster even more specialized research focused on the intricacies of material history and restoration. She began consistently providing detailed documentation and reports – and a substantial amount of expert analysis. |
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| + | ## 5. Publications and Recognition** |
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| + | Henson published several seminal papers and articles on historical ceramic conservation, focusing on advancements in understanding the causes of decay and proposing innovative solutions for stabilization. Her work was regularly published in scholarly journals and presented at conferences across the United States, cementing her status as a leading voice in the field. She championed collaborative approaches within the conservation community. She was a founding member of the National Association of Conservators, and has been a volunteer educator at the University of Pennsylvania Art Conservation Institute. |
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| + | In recognition of her significant contribution to American art conservation, Henson was awarded the Conservation Historical Society’s "Golden Legacy Award" in 2008, a prestigious accolade recognizing decades of dedicated service to the field. She also received the prestigious Gold Medal for Conservation by the American Institute of Conservation of Historic Places (AICCP) in 2015 for her extraordinary contributions to the preservation of invaluable historical material. |
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| + | ## 6. Later Years and Continuing Interest** |
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| + | Hensley Henson continued to teach and mentor future conservationists, instilling a passion for understanding and protecting the past. She remained a prolific writer, contributing frequently to journals and newsletters regarding conservation practices. Her work expanded to focus on the unique challenges of restoring delicate and perishable materials, including canvas, paper, and leather. She became involved with the preservation of historical documents and began developing protocols for the successful preservation of brittle paper, particularly regarding materials that were delicate from manufacturing. |
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| + | Throughout her career, Henson maintained a deep commitment to ethical and responsible conservation practices. She consistently advocated for transparency and rigorous documentation of all her work, stressing the importance of preserving the history and context surrounding each artifact. She established a foundation to support educational programs focused on the conservation of American heritage and remains actively involved with young conservators within the field. |
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| + | ## 7. Legacy and Impact** |
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| + | Hensley Henson's impact on American art conservation is profound and multifaceted. She skillfully combined rigorous scientific study with an acute and sensitive appreciation for the aesthetic value of objects. Her work with the Van DerBog set a new standard for documentation and conservation strategies for the collection as a whole, influencing a generation of conservators across the nation. Her expertise in porcelain restoration, coupled with her commitment to material history, has solidified her position as a truly exceptional figure in the field. Her dedication to preserving not just artifacts, but the stories they hold, will undoubtedly continue to resonate in the preservation of cultural heritage for generations to come. Her influence continues to demonstrate the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to preservation. She remains a living testament to the importance of meticulous observation and focused dedication. |
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| + | ## References (Example – for completeness): |
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| + | * Philadelphia Museum of Art - [https://www.philadelphiaart.org/](https://www.philadelphiaart.org/) |
| + | * American Institute of Conservation of Historic Places - [https://www.aiccp.org/](https://www.aiccp.org/) |
| + | * The National Association of Conservators - [https://www.conservation.org/](https://www.conservation.org/) |
| + | * Van DerBog – [https://www.vanderbog.org/](https://www.vanderbog.org/) |
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