Date:
Location:
Free Public Lecture and Book Presentation
Jennifer Brown, Collection Manager, Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants
Natalja Kent, Photographer, Glass Flowers: Marvels of Art and Science at Harvard
Scott E. Fulton, Head Conservator, Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants
Donald H. Pfister, Asa Gray Professor of Systematic Botany and Curator of the Farlow Library and Herbarium of Cryptogamic Botany
From 1886 to 1936, Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka applied their artistic talents and knowledge of natural history to create an exquisite collection of glass models of plants to support the botanical education of Harvard students and the public. This program will explore the history, conservation, and relevance of the Glass Flowers in the twenty-first century, and introduce the publication Glass Flowers: Marvels of Art and Science at Harvard, a compendium of new photographs that captures the beauty and magnificent detail of the models.
To join the program, you will need to download the free Zoom app in advance. If you already have Zoom, you do not need to download it again. For details on how to improve your Zoom experience, visit the How to Attend an HMSC Program webpage.
About the Speakers
Jennifer Brown became the Collection Manger for the Glass Flowers in 2012. Her background in art and library science combined with her experience assisting glass artist Toots Zynsky prepared her to work with this unique collection. In addition to co-authoring Glass Flowers: Marvels of Art and Science at Harvard, she has worked on many exciting projects including moving collection storage to a new facility, completing the most extensive exhibit renovation in the collection’s history and co-curating special exhibitions within the Glass Flowers gallery.
Scott E. Fulton has been closely involved with the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants as a leading consultant and advocate for their care and long-term preservation since 1997. After serving as Senior Objects Conservator for several years at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, he joined the Harvard University Herbaria staff in 2015 and continues in the position of Head Conservator for the Glass Flower collection.
Natalja Kent is a commercial photographer and fine artist based in Los Angeles, California. She has over 17 years of experience in cultural heritage photography and is an avid gardener and flora enthusiast.
Donald H. Pfister has been at Harvard for more than 40 years and has taught courses in the biology of fungi, biology of trees and forests and trees, forests and climate change. He is curator of the Farlow Library and Herbarium and is Asa Gray Professor of Systematic Botany. He became deeply involved with the Glass Flowers during the recent renovation and has continued to advise the Glass Flower team. He contributed an essay, Scientifical Artwork, for Glass Flowers: Marvels of Art and Science at Harvard.