Art History minor Ellen Purdy named Gates Cambridge Scholar
February 15, 2019
Art History minor and chemistry major Ellen Purdy was named a Gates Cambridge Scholar and will pursue a master in chemistry with a focus on conservation science at the University of Cambridge. Enrolling in the Department of Art History's Suzanne Deal Booth Seminar in conservation science during her junior year solidified Purdy's interest in the field. In the class taught by Maria Kokkori, a conservation scientist at the Art Institute of Chicago, Purdy had the opportunity to see up close the process of restoring art, and her final project involved using spectroscopy to analyze a Kandinsky painting.
“I’m fascinated by what scientific analysis can tell us about works of art and how it can be used to preserve these works for future generations. Conservation work is not often emphasized in exhibitions, but without it, the art we see would look a lot different and much of it would not exist,” Purdy said.
“We take great pride that Ellen has been recognized with this prestigious honor and will have the opportunity to build upon the interdisciplinary work in conservation science she began at the College,” said John W. Boyer, dean of the College. “We look forward to seeing how Ellen’s time at Cambridge shapes her long-term interests and the impact she will have on her field.” Click here for more information.
