Regal Restoration

less visible aspect of art museum practice, conservation is nevertheless a crucial profession that allows us to contemplate the significance of art objects that have been treated to reveal their original character, otherwise lost to the effects of age, climate and use. Today,-century silver thrones from India are on view at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, in an exhibition highlighting their restoration and historical significance. “Silver Splendor: Conserving the Silver Thrones of Dungarpur, India” features the thrones, made in 1911 for the Maharawal of Dungarpur, a small kingdom in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Most significantly, this was also the coronation year of King George V, as Emperor of India. Given the date, the thrones were almost certainly created for the arrival of dignitaries during King-Emperor’s royal tour.