40 Years of Impact | Celebrating 40 Years of the Duncanson Program

A Journey to Conservation: In Conversation with Frederick A. Wallace, 1995 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence

26 August 2026

In 1995, Frederick A. Wallace, conservator, was named the 9th Duncanson Artist-in-Residence at the Taft Museum of Art. But what was his journey to the world of art like, and how did he become a conservator? In this interview, Jae Washington of Cincinnati's Conscience sits down with Wallace to discuss how conservation impacted his career and creative process, and some of his favorite things in Cincinnati.


How Does a Conservator Help Tell an Object’s Story? Unveiling the Beauty of European Fans

24 August 2026

In preparation for the exhibition "Unfolding Elegance: European Fans from the Taft Collection", objects conservator Betsy Allaire spent over a year documenting, researching, and treating the Taft Museum of Art’s fans. Thanks to Allaire, we have a better understanding of what these works of art looked like when they were first made around 300 years ago, having devoted countless hours addressing areas of loss, reducing surface grime, and tending to repairs old and new. Learn more about the complex techniques, processes, and materials she worked with through this project!

Who was Ragnar Lodbrok?

08 July 2026

Henrik Møller, a skilled goldsmith, was one of the foremost proponents of the Norse-revival Dragon Style. His creations feature strange beasts, mythical figures, and intricate patterns, often accompanied by rune-like texts. Møller showed his work at major expositions and catered to a wealthy cosmopolitan clientele. One of his standout creations is this silver tureen that tells the tale of Ragnar Lodbrok, a legendary Viking king and hero. His exploits unfold across the surface, from his complicated courtship with his wife Áslaug to his dramatic death in a snake pit.

Ancestral Serendipity: In Conversation with Ayana Ross

07 July 2026

Seeking to celebrate, preserve, and contextualize the stories and histories she loves, 2026 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence and visual artist Ayana Ross uses paintings as a means to do so with love and craft. In this interview with Jae Washington from Cincinnati's Conscience, Ross explores her personal history, familial histories, the serendipity of the Duncanson Program finding her, and the ways these all align.


Show more
Scroll to top