Centre for Digital Modelling and Analysis, for Conservation and Heritage
Lead Research Organisation:
Manchester Metropolitan University
Department Name: Politics, Philosophy & History
Abstract
The Centre for Digital Modelling and Analysis, for Conservation and Heritage (D-MACH) proposes a simple but essential vision for the heritage science sector: the ability to record and analyse heritage objects and collections at any scale, from the microscopic to macroscopic, all in one place. Crucially, this resource aims for democratic access to these expensive techniques, access previously restricted to large national museums and university departments. D-MACH will provide heritage researchers and conservation practitioners access to the equipment and skills necessary to:
Use computed x-ray tomography (XCT) to build a 3D image of the inside of artefacts and environmental samples and analyse their composition.
Use laser-scanning, photogrammetry or structured light scanning to build 3D models of objects at sub-millimetre precision.
Use hyperspectral imaging to determine the chemical composition of heritage materials, such as material of manufacture, pigments or dyeing.
Combine the results from these techniques to analyse artefacts and collections to gain new insight into their past manufacture, use and significance, and better prepare them for conservation and future protection.
This proposal responds to a defined sector-wide need. The principal investigator, Dr Ben Edwards, researched the equipment and skills gaps in the heritage science sector on behalf of the AHRC. His report identified high demand for investment in hyperspectral imaging, x-ray tomography, and 3D techniques that is not being met by existing provision. He identified regional disparities in the distribution of existing provision, with the north and west particularly under-served; and he identified high demand for these services in higher education, and the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) sector specifically. Regional museums that hold large, significant, and fragile collections, yet are not centrally DCMS-funded, were identified as being in particular need due to cost pressures.
D-MACH therefore aims to:
Create a dedicated, outward-looking and accessible laboratory space for researchers to undertake cutting-edge recording and analysis on heritage assets.
Provide the equipment and skills to allow XCT, hyperspectral and 3D metric analysis of heritage assets.
Provide these services accessibly and at-cost for qualifying projects, purposes and users.
Provide mobile services for users with large or non-portable collections.
Foster new research synergies and innovations by breaking down barriers to access, co-locating complimentary techniques, and providing a hub for new collaborative partnership development, including with industry working in the emergent technologies space.
There will be immediate practical benefits to conservators, archaeological researchers and heritage professionals. A better understanding of the chemical composition and internal structure of heritage assets will inform the nuances of their conservation; accurate 3D recording will allow research into the biographies of artefacts - how they were made, used and discarded; fragile or rare objects can be investigated and characterised non-invasively. These will all fundamentally lead to a better understanding of the past and its future preservation. However, the Centre will also be forward-looking to realise longer term benefits and applications. By providing a space where researchers and practitioners can meet and work with specialists, new avenues for collaboration will be realised. By going beyond the ecosystem of single centre or lab, and engaging with scientific colleagues across MMU using techniques in fields as broad as material science and medical imaging, D-MACH will be established as a hub for innovation and methodological development.
Use computed x-ray tomography (XCT) to build a 3D image of the inside of artefacts and environmental samples and analyse their composition.
Use laser-scanning, photogrammetry or structured light scanning to build 3D models of objects at sub-millimetre precision.
Use hyperspectral imaging to determine the chemical composition of heritage materials, such as material of manufacture, pigments or dyeing.
Combine the results from these techniques to analyse artefacts and collections to gain new insight into their past manufacture, use and significance, and better prepare them for conservation and future protection.
This proposal responds to a defined sector-wide need. The principal investigator, Dr Ben Edwards, researched the equipment and skills gaps in the heritage science sector on behalf of the AHRC. His report identified high demand for investment in hyperspectral imaging, x-ray tomography, and 3D techniques that is not being met by existing provision. He identified regional disparities in the distribution of existing provision, with the north and west particularly under-served; and he identified high demand for these services in higher education, and the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) sector specifically. Regional museums that hold large, significant, and fragile collections, yet are not centrally DCMS-funded, were identified as being in particular need due to cost pressures.
D-MACH therefore aims to:
Create a dedicated, outward-looking and accessible laboratory space for researchers to undertake cutting-edge recording and analysis on heritage assets.
Provide the equipment and skills to allow XCT, hyperspectral and 3D metric analysis of heritage assets.
Provide these services accessibly and at-cost for qualifying projects, purposes and users.
Provide mobile services for users with large or non-portable collections.
Foster new research synergies and innovations by breaking down barriers to access, co-locating complimentary techniques, and providing a hub for new collaborative partnership development, including with industry working in the emergent technologies space.
There will be immediate practical benefits to conservators, archaeological researchers and heritage professionals. A better understanding of the chemical composition and internal structure of heritage assets will inform the nuances of their conservation; accurate 3D recording will allow research into the biographies of artefacts - how they were made, used and discarded; fragile or rare objects can be investigated and characterised non-invasively. These will all fundamentally lead to a better understanding of the past and its future preservation. However, the Centre will also be forward-looking to realise longer term benefits and applications. By providing a space where researchers and practitioners can meet and work with specialists, new avenues for collaboration will be realised. By going beyond the ecosystem of single centre or lab, and engaging with scientific colleagues across MMU using techniques in fields as broad as material science and medical imaging, D-MACH will be established as a hub for innovation and methodological development.
