Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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*Overview*
Manuscript conservation requires expertise, dedication, and often, the crucial backing of philanthropy. This talk takes the audience behind the scenes of a complex preservation project centered around one of the most significant objects in the collection of The Hispanic Society Museum & Library in New York, a medieval manuscript on colored parchment known as the Black Book of Hours. The discussion will explore the technical and ethical challenges of conserving such a delicate piece, alongside the intrinsic role that philanthropy plays in supporting and sustaining these efforts.

*Panelists*
*Carolyn Riccardelli* — Objects Conservator, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
*Guillaume Kientz* — Director and CEO, The Hispanic Society Museum & Library
*James Blanco* — Senior Managing Director of Financial Services, Guggenheim Partners, Board Member, The Hispanic Society Museum & Library
*Monica Katz* —Conservator Emerita, The Hispanic Society Museum & Library

This TEFAF Talk was presented by ICOM-CC as part of TEFAF New York’s programming and took place on May 10, 2025

View full TEFAF Programming overview at tefaf.com/talks