Vanessa Applebaum has been named the director of conservation at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA). In this role, Applebaum will oversee the long-term care and maintenance of the museum’s more than 25,000 objects as well as lead its team of conservators.

“We are delighted to welcome Vanessa as the new director of conservation at the Toledo Museum of Art,” said Andrea M. Gardner, senior director of collections and curatorial affairs, TMA. “With a deep appreciation for the intersection of art and preservation, Vanessa is poised to lead our conservation team and keep our collection safe for generations to come.”

Applebaum, an accredited objects conservator, most recently served as conservation operations manager for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Vanessa is a graduate of the University of Virginia and completed postgraduate degrees in the history of Byzantine art and in objects conservation at the Courtauld Institute of Art and University College London, respectively.

“I feel incredibly privileged to take part in the stewardship of TMA’s world-class collection,” said Applebaum. “Beyond its works of art, I was immediately drawn to the museum’s culture of belonging and its ambitious plans. I’m excited to work alongside such talented colleagues, ensuring the continued preservation of TMA’s collection, while also engaging further with the local community.”