Clockwise from top left: A full house at the MFAH; Dr. David Bomford chats with GHS member Dave Singleton at the post-lecture reception; Dr. Bomford receives a chromium element tile from GHS Chair Elect Dr. Crystal Young; Dr. Mamie Moy from the GHS Board thanks Margaret Mimms from the MFAH for organizing the Van Gogh lecture.

"Paintings fade like flowers." Dr. David Bomford's lecture on the materials and techniques Van Gogh used in his art was delivered to a full lecture hall at the MFAH on March 23rd. Van Gogh chose his materials knowing that certain pigments would fade over time, but Dr. Bomford showed how conservation science is providing insight into what Van Gogh's paintings looked like in their prime, and how analytical techniques like spectroscopy are being used to shed new light on Van Gogh's working methods. The lecture was followed by a small reception in the Museum Cafe.

The ACS-GHS is grateful for the opportunity to share Dr. Bomford's experiences with our members and the community, and wishes him well as he retires from the MFAH at the end of March. Special thanks to Margaret Mimms at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, for partnering with the ACS-GHS and organizing this special lecture and reception.