ENGLISH HERITAGE TRUST CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE SCIENCE FACILITY - RANGER'S HOUSE, GREENWICH, LONDON

Lead Research Organisation: Historic Bldgs & Mnts Commis for England
Department Name: English Heritage

Abstract

The English Heritage Trust (EHT) cares for the National Heritage Collection of 400 historic sites and 3/4 million associated artefacts.

The Facility
The heritage science and conservation facility at Ranger's House acts as a central hub for core research and conservation activities carried out by EHT. The facility itself comprises five rooms in the apartment adjacent to the publicly accessible house (home to the Wernher Collection), the fine art conservation studio, and an outbuilding used as a store. The facility has grown organically and has reached a point where the scale of work outstrips the capacity of the facility - both due to space and the quality of equipment within.

The Beneficiaries - People and Collections
The English Heritage Conservation Science team has been leading the way in research on the environmental response of objects in historic environments. This work has been critical in allowing for the safe display and storage of the collection in historic buildings. Its novelty lies in the combination of close object/ building examination and analysis, with an epidemiological approach.

We have been able to develop this novel approach because we look after similar objects that are exposed to a range of very different environments. The practical methods we have devised as a result of our research have enabled us to reduce the carbon footprint of conservation activities by 40%. The sector's interest in this work is demonstrated by an impressive 70 publications in competitive forums, the oversubscription to a series of 8 international courses covering management of showcases and an invitation to the 2018 Gordon conference on Scientific Methods in Cultural Heritage Research. We have also supported six PhDs - looking at response of lined canvas paintings, archaeological bone, archaeological glass and outdoor artillery - through the CPD scheme, SEAHA doctoral training scheme, AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Program and the Science and Heritage Programme. This research would not be possible without the Ranger's facility and its equipment, but it has been severely restrained by lack of space and outdated equipment - with constant failures or issues with software compatibility.

The conservation studio at Ranger's House, often guided by scientific advice from the conservation science team, carries out practical treatments and technical analysis of the English Heritage collection of over 1500 easel paintings, many of international significance, and their associated frames. Technical examination advances our understanding of an artist's materials and methodology. Over the last five years our work has resulted in the reattribution of several paintings, notably to Botticelli and Titian, and much associated publicity for English Heritage has followed. Art historical findings relating to paintings by Rembrandt, Titian, Weenix and Beuckelaer have been presented at several national and international conferences and published in postprints and journals. To allow this treatment and research to continue, we need to update equipment in line with technological advances and remedy issues with the studio space, previously adapted from an old coach house

The Project
The amount of research needed, both within the EHT strategy and to support the sector, is not possible within the confines of the existing facility, nor with equipment more than 10 years old and suffering constant failures (and not supported by the manufacturers due to its age).
We will redevelop the interiors of the facility and upgrade the store into a workshop in order to house equipment, and provide space for sample preparation and wood working for fine art conservation. We will also replace the most outdated pieces of equipment, to significantly improve the efficiency for research undertaken in the facility.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description Development of calculations to predict showcase conditioning efficiency relating to humidity control which has informed showcase design (environmental chambers, balance and DVS), presented in 3 publications. Combined with energy use measurements and life cycle assessment this has produced a model for the carbon footprint of showcases in heritage institutions, presented in 2 publications and 2 others under review.
A method to determine the stability and measure the corrosion rate of archaeological iron and copper alloys has been developed (oxygen meters) and published (2 papers). This has allowed significant epidemiological research on English Heritages archaeological metals collection including discovery of a group of objects that deteriorate frighteningly rapidly at very low RH values.
Developed a low cost method to estimate acetic acid in enclosures, replacing expensive instrumental analyses, that have been beyond the resources of many cultural heritage institutions and reported to be a significant limitation in surveys (UV/Vis/NIR, environmental chambers). One publication under peer review.
Studies into the degradation of daguerreotypes of the Darwin family have allowed improvements for their safe display at Down House (environmental chambers), The lessons have been transferred to the field in a paper.
The environmental chambers and DVS have been used extensively in two collaborative PhD projects. A new phenomena in the isotherms of archaeological glass has been discovered, that will have important impacts on its preventive conservation.
The behaviour of furniture and wooden sculpture under fluctuating RH conditions has been studied with the acoustic emission equipment, indicating the safety of some environments and identifying others that need improving. The long term nature of such studies, to account for seasonal variations means publication is just beginning. One paper has been accepted but not yet appeared.
Exploitation Route Showcase humidity calculations already in use by 15 institutions (conservators, scientists, designers). Acetic acid adopted by 15 conservators and scientists. Oxygen depletion method used by 12 researchers, including in two major research projects and 20 others have been trained. For a small field such as conservation research, this is an exceptionally high take up rate.
Results from daguerreotype glass deterioration is already informing other institutions displays and archaeological glass results will alter display and storage approaches.
Sectors Culture

Heritage

Museums and Collections

 
Description The new facility has allowed more collaboration with researchers, with 4 major collaborations, despite COVID restrictions being in force for much of the period. The stated priorities have all been addressed to some extent and have generated 8 peer reviewed papers: • Addressing the sector debate regarding RH fluctuations causing damage to objects, significant data produced on furniture response in real environments with acoustic emission. • Investigating mould growth and treatment: DVS analyses of both dust and cardboard storage boxes have allowed understanding of moisture- RH response which drives mould growth. • Preventing damage to archaeological materials: extensive work on archaeological iron and copper alloy (oxygen measurement, DVS), clays in stone (UV/Vis/NIR), stability of archaeological glass (DVS, UV/Vis/NIR). And environmental chambers and DVS used for archaeological bone and glass PhDs. • Testing and developing damage functions: new funding delivered (GoGreen project) to provide a post to undertake this work, international exposures planned and materials sourced. • Treatments for outdoor objects: Internship of PhD student investigating paint treatments for twentieth century artillery in facility. • Exploring storage methods, which are key to survival of stored collections: Investigations into performance and long term stability of storage boxes for archaeological iron and copper alloy, bone and glass. Investigation into performance and long term stability of silica gels (Enviro chambers, DVS, tensile tester). Research has also facilitated the display of mixed archaeological objects in the new exhibitions at Richborough Roman Fort, Lindisfarne Museum and Wroxeter Roman Town. Able to support these projects with extensive testing of objects proposed for display including stability of archaeological iron objects and light stability of two prints. The APOLLO infra-red camera is being used as part of the paintings documentation process. Approximately 15 paintings have been examined, highlights include: • Netherlandish School, Decent from the Cross and Netherlandish School, Entombment of Christ from Wernher Collection, Rangers House - examination revealed extensive under-drawing which will help with attribution in due course and revealed several changes to the composition. Closer inspection also revealed that the two works were likely once a diptych. • Panini, Roman Capriccio, Marble Hill House. This painting was examined on site at Marble Hill revealing significant changes to the composition. The artist originally depicted an image of the Coliseum before changing his mind. As one of the few works original to the site and in situ in its original position this is an interesting finding. • Girtin, View of Holy Island. It was possible to examine this newly acquired watercolour to fully show the original sketch and reveal a change to composition where once a boat and set of figures were depicted, now erased.
First Year Of Impact 2022
Sector Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections
Impact Types Cultural

 
Description results fed into drafting of CEN BS 15999 part 2 and rewriet of CEN BS 15999 part 1
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to new or Improved professional practice
Impact The existing standard EN BS 15999 part 1 has been purchased over by over 3000 professionals (EN data) and is much more widely used by individuals with subscription services. Part 2 is due for publication in 2022 and deals with many technical aspects, which have generated a number of papers reporting failures in showcase performance. The two areas have been through robust review and been accepted by the technical committee and will significantly improve RH and pollution performance.
 
Description GoGreen
Amount € 3,999,950 (EUR)
Organisation European Commission H2020 
Sector Public
Country Belgium
Start 11/2022 
End 11/2026
 
Title How to Calculate the Carbon Footprint of a Paintings Conservation treatment 
Description In 2021 the Fine Art Conservator implemented a simple method to measure the carbon footprint of an easel painting conservation treatment, including monitoring energy use, materials, object transport and staff travel. It uses widely available tools and resources, without requiring the help of a specialist sustainability expert. It represents a walk-through of the steps lay persons could take to replicate the study. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Additional painting conservation treatments have been assessed to determine the carbon footprint. Information has been shared with wider ICON Sustainability Network and led to further research on sustainable packing materials for paintings. 
URL https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/siteassets/home/learn/conservation/collections-advice--guidance/...
 
Description Work on PhD into glass deterioration 
Organisation University College London
Department Institute of Archaeology
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Training and use of dynamic vapour sorption, use of aging chambers to condition silica gel
Collaborator Contribution analysis of ancient glass samples from EHT collection
Impact none as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description acoustic emission from wood borers 
Organisation Cranfield University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution testing application of acoustic emission methodology to detect active wood boring insects in wooden timbers located HMS Victory, loan of acoustic emission equipment, training in equipment use, interpretation of signals
Collaborator Contribution undertaking tests at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, undertaking tests on HMS Victory
Impact none as yet
Start Year 2024
 
Description analytical collaboration with birkbeck college 
Organisation Birkbeck, University of London
Department Department of Biological Sciences
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution provision of showcases to test lead piezo electric quartz crystal (PQC) technology, provision of standard environments for same, provision of samples from Lullingstone wall painting deterioration and archaeological iron deterioration, provision of aged polypropylene and polyethylene storage boxes
Collaborator Contribution provision of lead coated PQCs and logger, thermogravimetric analysis, FTIR analysis, thermomagnetometry and differential scanning calorimetry.
Impact Identification of wallpainting efflorescneces as predominantly calcite (TGA) was pivotal in conservation decisions. Quantification of amounts of akaganeite, iron, magnetite adn other corrosion products in observed degradation allowed interpretation of DVS curves measured in facility. The purity of the polymer boxes was determined by DSC along with glass transition temperature to aid in accelerated aging decisions. Interdisciplinary materials science adn conservation research.
Start Year 2022
 
Description infra red scannign at National Trust Knowle paintings studio 
Organisation National Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Undertaking the IRR of the National Trust painting at the Knole House conservation studios enabled EH to establish the practicalities of off-site working with the new equipment in a safe space. The National Trust do not have access to IRR internally and the analysis of the painting, provided a clearer image of an indistinct area of text, potentially important for clarification of the sitter and date of the work.
Collaborator Contribution none as yet
Impact The collaboration allowed us to build a good working relationship between EH and the relatively new paintings conservation provision at the NT studio.
Start Year 2022
 
Description interaction with IKIFP on paintings 
Organisation Polish Academy of Sciences
Department Institute of Physics
Country Poland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Ran thirty paint samples on Dynamic Vapour Sorption, interpreted results
Collaborator Contribution PhD student prepared the samples, travelled to Lab to run them over a four week period.
Impact none as yet
Start Year 2023
 
Description work on PhD in archaeological bone deterioration 
Organisation Birkbeck, University of London
Department Department of Biological Sciences
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Access and training in dynamic vapour sorption.
Collaborator Contribution Analysis of bone samples from EHT collection
Impact none so far
Start Year 2021
 
Description Diana Cecil by Cornelius Johnson 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Completed technical analysis and conservation treatment, including use of Infrared Reflectography and microscopy to investigate painting technique and materials. National and international press coverage, as well as social media video https://www.instagram.com/p/C0BgzyOMQmQ/ and painting back on display 30th November 2023
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about-us/search-news/pr-fashion-for-fuller-lips-not-a-modern-phe...
 
Description English Heritage Members event 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Supporters
Results and Impact Visit to Ranger's House for English Heritage members that included presentation of the technical analysis of paintings carried out in the paintings conservation studio during paintings conservation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Filming for Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) careers pages OAT futures 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Conservation Scientist and Paintings Conservator filmed in the conservation science lab and conservation studio for careers videos. These will be put on the OAT futures website for the pupils at Ormiston Academies Trust to view. The trust has over 30,000 pupils in over 40 schools, 32 of which are secondary schools, spread across the country.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://oatfutures.co.uk/
 
Description Historic Estate Conservation Committee visit to lab and studio 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Historic England's Historic Environment Conservation Committee toured the conservation studio and conservation science lab facilities to see the CapCo funded improvements and hear more about the Collections Conservation Team's work.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description ICON staff and trustees visit 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Institute of Conservation (ICON) staff and trustees visited lab and studio facilities, with questions and discussion.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Kenwood volunteers visit to conservation studio 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Tour of the paintings conservation studio for volunteers from Kenwood House, sparked questions and discussion on paintings conservation and Kenwood paintings.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Metropolitan Police Museum staff visit 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Staff from the Metropolitan Police Museum visited the conservation studio and conservation science lab to find out about the work of the Collections Conservation Team and similarities to their own work.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description National Maritime Museum Conservation Staff visit 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Conservation staff from National Maritime Museum visited the conservation studio and conservation science lab to see the CapCo funded improvements and hear more about the team's work and research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Reynolds exhibition 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Technical analysis of four paintings and conservation treatment of two works including use of Infrared Reflectography and microscopy to investigate Reynolds painting techniques and materials. Information used as part of the exhibition "Spotlight on Reynolds: Lord Iveagh's Favourite Artist at 300", at Kenwood House. Technical analysis included in Bloomberg Connects audio tour of the exhibition, and associated video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JscF6JMDC4Q. National and international press coverage.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenwood/things-to-do/spotlight-on-reynolds
 
Description Reynolds research day 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Technical findings of Reynolds paintings analysis including Infrared Reflectography (IRR) imaging and microscopy results discussed with other paintings conservators working on Reynolds paintings.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JscF6JMDC4Q
 
Description Tate conservation staff visit 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Conservation staff from Tate visited the conservation studio and conservation science lab to see the CapCo funded improvements and hear more about the team's work
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Technical discussion of Bateman Master Paining 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Infrared reflectography images discussed and aided technical analysis and new attribution and working practices of the Bateman Master (contemporary of Canaletto) painting
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description articl ein EH members magazine about refurbishment of painting studio 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact article in English Heritage members magazine describing refurbishment of paintings studio and some of work undertaken
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description articl ein EH members magazine about refurbishment of painting studio 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact article in English Heritage members magazine describing refurbishment of paintings studio and some of work undertaken
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description article in EH members magazine about new conservation science lab 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact article in English Heritage Members magazine, circulation over 3000, several subsequent enquiries related to the article
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description career taster session for local school 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact 8 pupils form Thomas Tallis school attended for visit focussing on STEM careers, which sparked questions and discussion afterwards
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description marble hill house revived lecture series 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact lecture on YouTube on infra-red camera results on paintings at Marble Hill House
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description public talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Public talk Conservation science at English heritage to Sevenoaks U3A science group, sparked questions and discussion afterwards. Two attendees volunteered at English Heritage sites afterwards.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description visit by ICON interns 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Interns from Institute of Conservation scheme visited the science lab and paintings studio
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description workshop on use of oxygen depletion measurements for conservation 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact 26 participants took part in workshop to show use of oxygen depletion measurements. Over half have made follow up inquiries and purchased the equipment.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022