Qualifications
B App Sci (Conservation of Cultural Materials), University of Canberra
Postgraduate Diploma A (Art Curatorial Studies), University of Melbourne
Kirsten has over twenty years experience in conservation, collections management and curatorial services, both as a private consultant and employment with a range of state and regional cultural institutions, including the State Library of Victoria, National Gallery of Victoria and Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum. In 1999 she gained extensive knowledge and experience at the British Museum as a Harold Wright Scholar in the Prints and Drawings Department.
Kirsten has completed many major conservation projects and exhibitions and her interests include printmaking, Australian artists between the wars, pioneering modernists, First Australian Exhibition of Women’s Work, local history, historical photographs and textile art.
Professional Membership
Member of the Australian Institute of Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM) BEYOND THE MOUNT – Fine Art Conservation adheres to their Code of Ethics and Guide on Conservation Practice.
National Association of Visual Artists (NAVA)
Other Specialists
In addition BEYOND THE MOUNT – Fine Art Conservation has access to a large network of professionals such as art couriers, specialist conservators, architects, curators, photographers, graphic designers and cultural heritage valuers.
Testimonials
Very many thanks – you have, as usual done a marvellous job and it looks so much better. – Gillian Grice
******
Two drawings of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Maldon. We searched for some time for a suitable person to restore them, without success. Peter Perry, Director of Castlemaine Art Gallery introduced me to Kirsten McKay, who has undertaken the work. The result has been quite superb, to the great joy of Church members. – Audrey Poole, Maldon Parish Council and Vestry
******
Many thanks for the magnificent work of restoration on the portrait of John MacGlashan. Every time we look at him we will think of you and your work. It has been a pleasure to know you and to see some of your work. All the best for your continuing success. – Dorothy Leon
******
I know I thanked you and expressed my pleasure in the artistic and sensitive way you restored my painting of stable horses by Frederick Woodhouse Snr., but daily I am reminded of your first class restoration of the painting which had not been touched since the artist painted it in the mid 19th century. – Rose Hooke
******
As coordinator of photography at Castlemaine Secondary College I would like to acknowledge my appreciation to Kirsten McKay for the time she devoted to presenting yet another highly informative address to my year twelve Studio Arts students on conservation, preservation and presentation of photographic works. This information conveyed will certainly be of great benefit with their research assignment. – Graeme Dawes, Castlemaine Secondary College
******
Thank you for all of the hard work you put into the workshop on the 14th – I know that all the participants really appreciated receiving first hand advice from someone who has worked through the Accreditation process. We all enjoyed our day at the gallery – it was a real pleasure to run the workshop in Castlemaine and I hope we can work together again in the future. – Anna Long Manager, Professional Development and Training, Museums Australia (Victoria)
******
Kirsten McKay has worked as a casual volunteer and paid conservator at the Shepparton Art Gallery since March 1997. During this time we have utilised her skills in several projects, The first was the packing of over twenty ceramic works for delivery worldwide, this week and half task took considerable care and awareness of how to cushion these fragile objects, Kirsten worked more than competently and made an excellent job of packing these works. Her other major project has been the evaluation of the Shepparton Art Gallery’s work on paper collection. This on going project has required assessing each work individually for damage, use of incorrect materials, ranking them according to their conservation requirements and cost of materials and labour. This documentation will be used to apply for grants to improve conditions and if successful Kirsten will be considered to undertake this work. – Robert Reason, Curator, Shepparton Art Gallery
******
Thank you very much indeed for your willingness to assist us in securing the Ola Cohn sculptures. Also for providing the very clear instructions and the plates which are now firmly in place. Your help is very much appreciated. – Rosalie Dawson, Secretary, The Cathedral Church of St Paul, Bendigo
******
Thank you for your efforts in restoring my print. I had not believed it was possible to rescue a piece that we had for many years thought was damaged beyond recall. It is a testament to your knowledge and skill that we can now, once again, enjoy this picture on our wall. – Jeanette Smith
******
Kirsten has a very important and useful role to play in the fine art world. Her skills and professional ability are a very necessary part of the fine art cycle. I engaged her recently to perform a very difficult conservation job, and was more than happy with the service. The result has increased the value of the artwork, and more importantly given it continued life, where degradation was otherwise inevitably. – Dick Turner