Imaging Science for Archaeology & Art Conservation
Our work focuses on the development of non-invasive imaging and spectroscopic techniques for art conservation, archaeology and art history including optical coherence tomography (OCT), multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, microfading spectrometry, colour science and portable remote imaging systems. Projects range from instrumentation to application.
Recent research has been conducted in collaboration with conservation scientists, conservators, archaeologists, archaeological scientists and art historians, with support from EPSRC, AHRC, RCUK, The Royal Society, Leverhulme Trust, The National Gallery, Tate Gallery, The British Museum, English Heritage, National Trust, Science Museum, Fondation Beyeler, National Museum of Ireland, Dunhuang Academy, Shaanxi History Museum, Bodleian Library and a range of UK and international universities.
Academic staff
Research Fellows
Dr Sammy Cheung
Research Assistants
Andrei Lucian
Rebecca Lange
Research Students
Elizabeth Bemand
Dr Samuel Lawman (PhD awarded 2012)
Dr Andrew Lerwill (PhD awarded 2012)
Latest news
Non-invasive imaging of cave temple wall paintings at UNESCO world heritage site - Mogao Caves at Dunhuang in the Gobi desert.
A systematic investigation of the wall paintings was conducted using automated remote multispectral imaging (PRISMS), Optical Coherence Tomography and microfading spectrometry developed by the group to deduce information on art history, history and conservation. Andrei Lucian, Sammy Cheung and Haida Liang went on the field trip to Dunhuang in July/August 2012. The work was carried out in collaboration with the Dunhuang Academy.
Current funded projects
- The Next Generation of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for Art Conservation - in situ non-invasive imaging of subsurface microstructure of objects
- Non-invasive methods for in situ assessing and monitoring the vulnerability of rock art monuments
- Culture and Trade through the Prism of Technical Art History - a study of Chinese export paintings
- Remote spectral imaging at the UNESCO world heritage site at Dunhuang
- In situ accelerated light ageing with portable microfading spectrometry
Selected completed projects
- UK-China workshop on Application of Imaging Science to the Interdisciplinary Study of Wall Paintings along the Silk Road
- Portable remote hyperspectral imaging for in situ examination of wall painting
- Application of a new non-invasive technique (Optical Coherence Tomography) to paintings conservation
- Automated, versatile and portable micro-fading spectrometer for light-fastness testing
- Optical and material properties of varnish for paintings
- Science & Heritage Programme Research Cluster on Understanding complex structures: the conservation, display and interpretation of lace and natural objects
- Imaging the Fadden More Psalter
- Anoxic Display Frames for Works of Art on Paper – development of microfading spectrometry
- Illusions of colour – a science and art collaboration
- Non-invasive spectral examination of paintings for art conservation and the study of technical art history
