VCA’s March Members Meeting: The Conservation of Thomas Cole’s While Angels Watched

The Conservation of Thomas Cole’s While Angels Watched

Presentation by Marla Curtis and Mark Lewis

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Muscarelle Museum of Art

Refreshments 5:00-6:00

Presentation 6:00-7:00

Our March Member’s Meeting will be hosted in Williamsburg at the Muscarelle Museum of Art and feature a presentation from Mark Lewis and Marla Curtis on their treatment of the Chrysler Museum’s monumental Thomas Cole painting, The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds. The Chrysler Museum’s largest painting was also the most badly damaged. A team of conservators was assembled to tackle this restoration. The work was carried out in the gallery and allowed visitors to interact with conservators throughout the process. This presentation will provide some background on the artist and describe the treatment process which took over 600 hours to complete. This talk will be open to the public, including patrons of the museum and students at William and Mary. For members, parking details to follow in RSVP email. If not on our mailing list, please contact membership@virginiaconservationassociation.org for instructions on how to RSVP.

Hope to see you there!

Location: Muscarelle Museum of Art Event Hall 611 Jamestown Rd Williamsburg, VA 23185