Facing the Future: Imaging Solutions for a Transformed National Portrait Gallery

Developments in analytical and digital imaging have transformed the way in which galleries, libraries, archives and museums can research, conserve and share the national collection with diverse audiences. At the National Portrait Gallery (NPG), which houses the largest collection of portraits in the world, investment in imaging equipment within the Conservation and Photographic Studios over the last twenty-seven years has enabled the institution to move from a freelance, commission-based model of research, in which works of art were moved to different studios across London for standard analysis, to a world-class centre for Collections' research, with the capacity to undertake ambitious survey projects such as 'Making Art in Tudor Britain' (2007-2014).

This application to the 'Capability for Collections Fund' seeks to maintain the momentum in conservation and heritage science research at the NPG through capital investment at a moment when the Gallery itself is transforming through the Inspiring People project (2020-2023). Upgrading the NPG's suite of imaging equipment, which is at risk of becoming obsolete, in this financial year, will capitalise on the opportunity presented by the review of the whole collection necessitated by the closure and decant of the main gallery building for Inspiring People.

The NPG is seeking funding for the upgrade of the camera and light source on the stereomicroscope in the Conservation Studio, as well as a computed radiography system for use with the existing X-ray equipment, a new infrared reflectography camera, and a new camera for high-resolution digital photography. Each piece of this equipment can be used in isolation, for example in the continuing digitisation of the Collection, such as works on paper in the Reference Collection, or using X-radiography to inform conservation treatments. However, it is when they are used in conjunction with each other that the most innovative and interdisciplinary research can take place, as each imaging tool offers complimentary information on the materiality of works and the techniques used in their creation. The NPG refined its integrated methodology for the use of a range of imaging equipment during the 'Making Art in Tudor Britain' project, utilising X-radiography, infrared reflectography, photomicrography and digital photography to survey early portraits in the Collection and sharing this approach with other national and international collections to allow comparative research to be undertaken. The images created using the different analytical techniques were then shared with audiences through the online database and comparative image viewer, whilst the computers and live-stream microscope feed of the Conservation Studio offered a space in which to convene collaborative research networks and student groups to discuss the images produced by the different methodologies alongside the works of art.

The Inspiring People project seeks to safeguard the NPG's heritage and look to the future in order to allow the Gallery to extend its influence, reach and relevance. Investment in collections capability this year, at the start of Inspiring People, will ensure that the most up-to-date and sustainable conservation and heritage science equipment is available to the Gallery to support research and collections care at this transformational moment. Furthermore, the timing of the investment will enable the images generated by the equipment to be incorporated into the new displays and digital platforms in which the NPG is investing, and to contribute to the broader UKRI ambition to create a truly accessible national collection by ensuring that the images created in the NPG's Conservation and Photographic Studios are of the highest standard and compatible with those created by peer institutions.