Conservation Science
Conservation science uses different forms of analysis to help us better understand the history, manufacture, and conservation needs of works of art and artifacts. We can learn when an object was made, what it is made of, and if it has been restored or has condition issues that may not be apparent to the naked eye. Conservators can do some of this analysis themselves depending on their training and lab facilities, but the majority are done by conservation scientists, who have the equipment and expertise to run the tests and interpret the resulting data. Many tests require that a small sample be taken, however these are usually so tiny that you wouldn't see any loss on the object. Some tests do not require any sampling.
I offer the following testing and sampling services:
The following list describes some of the more common types of testing used for research and authentication purposes:
Analytical Testing
Dating
I offer the following testing and sampling services:
- Microchemical spot testing to detect soluble salts in ceramics and metals; identify tanning agents in leather; and characterize a range of adhesives and fill materials.
- Collagen shrinkage testing of leather.
- Taking powder and core samples for TL dating of earthenware and porcelain.
- Sampling for various other types of analysis (FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, etc.).
The following list describes some of the more common types of testing used for research and authentication purposes:
Analytical Testing
- Microchemical Spot Testing: using old-fashioned wet chemistry to test for the presence of certain materials.
- Collagen Shrinkage Testing: a test done on leather fibers taken from an object to determine how deteriorated it is.
- Polarized Light Microscopy: microscopic examination of tiny samples done to identify paint pigments, paper or textile fibers, etc.
- Cross-Sectional Analysis: microscopic examination of a sample viewed in cross section to better understand the layered components of an object's surface, for instance ground, paint layers, and coatings. When done in conjunction with stains and ultraviolet (UV) light, it can also be used to identify paint binders, coatings, and other media.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): a form of microscopy that allows for very high magnification of a sample. This is useful for visual examination of very small surface features but can also be combined with other techniques for elemental analysis, which is useful for identifying materials.
- X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF): a qualitative/semi-quantitative form of elemental analysis where the surface of an object is bombarded with x-rays, causing energy to be given off in specific patterns depending on which elements are present. This is completely non-destructive and does not require any sampling.
- Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR):
- Raman Spectroscopy:
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy:
- X-Radiography
- Infrared Imaging
- CT Scanning
- Three-Dimensional Laser Scanning
Dating
- Thermoluminesence (TL) Dating
- Carbon14 Dating