Research
Research is the foundation of the department
and is carried out by conservators, scientists and staff from the
documentation team. Using a variety of techniques and specialist
technology, the department’s work reveals crucial and fascinating
information about materials and objects in the Museum’s
collection.
Conservation research includes the study of
the deterioration and alteration of artefacts or the materials they
are made from. The results of such research allows new or improved
conservation methods to be developed. Other work involves
investigating and evaluating the materials used in conservation,
storage and display, as well as defining and implementing
strategies for preventive conservation, which is vital for ensuring
the future of the collection.
Scientific research focuses on manufacturing
technologies and the different types of materials used to make the
objects in the collection. Such materials include stone, glass,
metals, ceramics, minerals, gems and pigments, and organics. A
range of analytical techniques is used to investigate objects, not
only to reveal what they are made of, how they were made, when and
where they were made and what this tells us about their history and
use, but also to inform the conservation process.
Analytical techniques routinely used include
optical microscopy, dating, GC/MS (Gas chromatography - mass
spectrometry), Atomic absorption spectrophotometry, X-ray
diffraction, Infrared and Raman spectroscopy, Inductively coupled
plasma atomic emission spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, scanning
electron microscopy and radiography.
Research projects
Much of the research described above is carried out over
extended periods and in collaboration both with colleagues
from other Museum departments and with other institutions.
Interdisciplinary study, involving the collaborative efforts of
curators, conservators and scientists, continues to take on new
challenges and to find new solutions.
Publications
The research undertaken by the department is
described in internal reports or made available via books, journals
or conference proceedings.