Susan La Niece
Scientist
Scientific study of non-ferrous
metalwork of all periods and cultures
Department: Conservation and Scientific
Research
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7323 8226
Email: science @ thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
Susan La Niece undertakes the scientific
examination of non-ferrous metalwork, to inform Museum research,
gallery labels and catalogues. The scientific techniques she uses
include optical microscopy, SEM, radiography, XRF and XRD.
Her specialist area of study is metalworking
techniques of all periods, both forming and decorative, with
particular interest in colouring, plating and patination of
metal.
Susan also carries out Treasure analysis and
authenticity examinations for the Museum and is the departmental
contact for new gallery planning.
Current British Museum projects
Scientific examination of:
Arab metalwork – catalogue
Sixteenth century Islamic jewellery from
Salcombe Bay wreck
Islamic and European astrolabes
Bronze Age goldwork
Eleventh and twelfth century jewellery from
Kiev
Previous British Museum projects
See publications
External fellowships/ honorary positions/ membership of professional bodies
Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries
Society of Jewellery Historians, committee
member
Publications
Most recent publications
S. La Niece, D. Hook, P. Craddock
(eds) Metals and Mines. (London, Archetype Press,
2007)
S. La Niece, ‘Surface patination, metal composition and
technology of production of the Ringlemere Cup’. in S. Needham, K.
Parfitt, and G. Varndell (eds.), The Ringlemere Cup: Precious
Cups and the Beginning of the Channel Bronze Age (London, The
British Museum Press, 2006), pp. 32-38
S. La Niece, ‘The Winchester Hoard: A Find of
Unique Iron Age Gold Jewellery from Southern England’. J.D.Hill,
A.J. Spence, S. Worrell, The Antiquaries Journal, 84
(2004), pp. 1-22
S. La Niece, ‘Medieval Islamic Metal
Technology’, in Jett, P and Douglas, J. G. (eds.) Scientific
Research in the Field of Asian Art: Proceedings of the First Forbes
Symposium at the Freer Gallery of Art, (London, Archetype
Press, 2003), pp. 90-96
S. La Niece, ‘Polychromy and Egyptian Bronze:
New Evidence for Artificial Coloration’. F Shearman, J Taylor, A
Simpson, Studies in Conservation, 47 (2002), pp.
95-108
S. La Niece, ‘Niello before the Romans’,
Jewellery Studies, 8 (1998), pp. 49-56