In situ technical imaging for art and archaeology: a symposium in conservation science

Announcement and call for contributions –
deadline 30 November 2009

Thursday 15 July 2010
Stevenson Lecture Theatre
Admission free, booking required

Imaging techniques play an increasingly important role in the study, preservation and documentation of art and archaeology. They provide spatial information, are non-contact and non-invasive and can often be used in situ, a significant consideration when examining large or immovable objects. Imaging techniques can map the distribution of original or added materials, reveal the condition of objects and provide a record for future reference. Imaging can also inform sampling strategies and, when sampling is impossible, can be crucial in the characterization of materials.

The Department of Conservation and Scientific Research at the British Museum, with support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, is hosting this symposium to discuss current practice and developing technologies for technical imaging in situ using portable equipment. Recent technical developments in the field will be discussed, together with the application of imaging techniques to specific case studies.

The meeting will be of interest to museum scientists, conservation scientists, conservators and curators. The symposium will be conducted in English, and will include both oral and poster presentations.

Call for contributions

Abstracts for oral and poster contributions are invited on:

• Development of novel portable imaging techniques
• Advance in existing portable imaging techniques
• Photo-induced luminescence techniques
• Image processing for data interpretation
• Application of imaging techniques to case studies

Abstracts should include:

• Full title of paper or poster
• Full name(s), postal address(es) and email address(es) of the author(s)
• A summary of the contribution in no more than 300 words
• Whether it is intended for oral or poster presentation

Please send abstracts to Dr Giovanni Verri
imaging@bm-mellon-symposia.org.uk

The deadline for submission of abstracts is 30 November 2009. Potential authors will be informed if their contribution has been accepted by 31 January 2010.

Booking information

Booking will open in late 2009.

To register interest in the event and to be added to the mailing list, please email imaging@bm-mellon-symposia.org.uk

Supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Image: visible-induced luminescence image of the figure of a warrior on block 1018 of the Amazon frieze of the Mausoleum at Halikarnassos (S.W. Turkey, c. 360-350 BC). The glowing white area shows the presence of Egyptian blue paint in the form of a sword in the warrior’s right hand