Enhancement of equipment-based research and conservation capability for Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales.

Lead Research Organisation: National Museum Wales
Department Name: Research

Abstract

The National Museum of Wales (operating as Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, ACNMW) is a multidisciplinary museum with sites across Wales, which holds over 5 million objects and specimens, of which 2.2 million, relevant to this AHRC Capability for Collections Fund (CapCo) call, held in the archaeology, art, history (social and Industrial) collections. We have a proven track record of enhancing collections through conservation and research activity and ACNMW is the premier center for collection-based conservation and research in Wales. As such our resources are an important Welsh National facility, supporting not only ACNMW, but also organizations across Wales. This is particularly pertinent within Wales where few such resources are available. Enhancement of our equipment will not only support our own collections, through training students and up-skilling volunteers, but also support collections across Wales, and the analytical support we provide to the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales, and reporting under the Treasure Act (1996). Sustained cuts to our grant-in-aid has impacted on our ability to update key items of equipment, to support research and conservation. While we have been able to replace smaller items of equipment (e.g. up to £10,000), reductions in capital funding have impeded replacement of more expensive items many of which are now around 30 years old, and further items, which are 10-20 years-old, and are heading toward obsolescence. Outdated equipment undermines our strategic aims to increase access to collections to a wider audience through exhibition and outreach (with emphasis on co-curation), research (in particular through collaborative research with diverse partners), and physical and digital access for both researchers and a wider range of users. Facilities we have been able to upgrade or develop (e.g. Gweithdy collections study spaces, St Fagan, National Museum of History and specialist natural science collection DNA and imaging facilities) have been funded by external support, such as the Clore Duffield foundation and Heritage Fund, or by specialist expertise and equipment-supported contract research income generation. Under the new Directorship of Dr Katherine Davies, the Collections & Research Division is reviewing its research capability and working to better match resources (staff expertise, equipment and funding streams) for greater impact and more focused outcomes to deliver the Vision and supporting strategies. A formal review of research project has been completed and a Research Manager is in the process of being appointed. Enhancement of our research and conservation capability would be further enhanced by funding from this call to renew parts of our equipment base. We request equipment in four operational areas, Art Conservation Studio, Digitisation Studio (2-D imaging), Imaging Laboratory (imaging of 3-D objects, including 3-D scanning), and the Materials Laboratory. The later is dominantly concerned with processing archaeological objects and materials, but also supports the social and industrial history collections. We are requesting a total of £895,699 to support 4 major pieces of equipment, a suite of microscopes and 8 other pieces of medium scale equipment. We will develop new income generating plans to support maintenance of this equipment and contribute to future succession plans.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Title Analysis of medieval sliver finger rings 
Description Analysis of 15 medieval sliver rings mounts and brooches with niello inlay, by SEM EDX, and microscopic examaination and imaging. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Results were included in a conference paper on medieval silver finger rings 'East and West in Early Medeival Europe and Beyond'. Cardiff University 28/29/1/2023. 
URL https://www.google.com/search?q=%27East+and+West+in+Early+Medeival+Europe+and+Beyond.&sxsrf=AJOqlzWD...
 
Title Evaluating packaging materails to identify instability in long-term use 
Description This project used FTIR analysis of Correx polypropylene sheet samples of various ages and conditions and of polyurethane foam sampl, to evaluate suspected instability of material used for long-term packaging. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Identifying the vulnerability and life expectanacy of packaging materials, allows better consideration of the optium materail for specimen and artefact packing and potential adverse impact of decay products. 
 
Title Evaluation the value of 3-D scanning of human teeth is archaeological contexts 
Description The morphology of human teeth from an excavation at an Early Medieval cemetry site at Llandough, Cardiff, was characterised to preserve detail. 
Type Of Material Biological samples 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact By fully characterising the morphology of human teeth prior to sampling for isotopes analysis, full data on the teeth was preserved to inform future studies and provide a representation (and option to print replicas of) of the pre-samples sample. 
 
Title 3-D scanning using Artex micro scanner 
Description Object examined through the Portable Antiquities Scheme (Wales) were scanned to provide digital models of, and the ability to print replica models for use in engagement activities. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Being able to share 3-D digital scans of the objects (in person and virtually) allows better understanding of artifacts and better quality engagement with audiences. The ability to prepare replica of these artifacts to allow unconstrained handling, provides a tactile appreciation of the artifacts, without placing them at risk. This has benefit for widening audience participation (and contributes to inclusivity for visually impaired audiences). Preserving the morphology of these artifacts through 3-D scans also banks more information on them, for future reference, than a standard 2-D image. 
 
Title 3D scans of specimens from Amgueddfa Cymru's Economic Botany and Materia Medica collections 
Description The database has been shared with participants in the project. A link to the database has been included in a blog about the project and a Powerpoint presentation, making the images available to a wider audience. The images will be further disseminated in future research projects. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The dataset has raised awareness of these collections, some of which will be used in a PhD project starting 2022. The materials have also been used in scoping case studies for decolonisation projects. 
URL https://sketchfab.com/museumwales/collections/economic-botany-3b3ea551ce454cc19c92a443439a4152
 
Title Bedtime, Howard Hodgkin 
Description FTIR examination of this work 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Greater understanding of the condition and nature of the work to support conservation tretament and long-term storage. An efflorescence was observed on this work and this analytical work established the nature of this. 
URL https://museum.wales/collections/online/object/16cdf961-d28f-37c7-a14f-ab93ff637cc3/Bedtime/
 
Title Characterisation of Gly Llanbedegoch(Anglesey) finds 
Description Fifty-five artefacts from the Glyn Llanbedegoch medieval excavation site, were examined by scanning electron microscope, to determin their elemental composition. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The results from this study will form part of a monograph publication, with lead author Dr Mark Redknap, on this excavation site, planned to be published Winter 2024. 
 
Title Characterising Jessie Knight collection tattoo flashes 
Description FTIR analysis of the coatings, adhesives and paper used for tattoos. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The Jessie Knight collection is an import social history acquisition: she is recognised as the first UK female tattoo artist in the first quarter of the C20, and lived in South Wales. This project provided detailsed examination of the materials she used for her work. 
URL https://museum.wales/blog/2564/Jessie-Knight---The-Lady-Tattoo-Artist/
 
Title Examination of 'Rain in Auvers' , Van Gogh 
Description Examination of this painting using a range of techniques, polarising light investigation of minute samples to identify degredation of the paining and to inform the potential reconstruction of unfaded work. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This work is part of a collaborative project with the Van Gough Museum, Amsterdam. 
 
Title Examination of Roger Cecil: Weeping Woman 
Description FT-IR analysis of materials in work of art. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact FT-IR analysis of paint samples from this work to support initial work for a reserach project on this work. 
URL https://museum.wales/collections/online/object/24b6187b-a9b1-3a06-8585-f35116fd4472/Woman-weeping/
 
Title Infra red spectrometry tin work workers' portraits 
Description IR images of the works on paper to determin any underdrawing. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact IR imaging was undertaken on portaits of workers at the Hirwaun Iron Works and the Treforest Tinplate works (employees of Francis Crawshay (1811-1878) ), about 1835-40, which are attributed to William Jones Chapman (c.1808-after 1871). This was to determine the nature of underdraweings, not visible to the naked eye to inform understanding. 
URL https://museum.wales/articles/1160/Francis-Crawshays-Workers/
 
Title Optical examination of Strozzi paining 
Description A polarising light mirroscope examination was undertaken on minute samples derived from the conservation of the Strozzi painting (16C), to provide a better understanding of the tehniques deployed iduring original painting and understanding of the methods and conditions during conservation treatment. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Better understanding to maximise the presentation and display of this painintg. 
URL https://museum.wales/collections/online/object/73fd06a0-fa33-3730-9611-18ce4705d3cc/St-Francis-of-As...
 
Title Pesticide evaluation of pangolin taxidermy specimen. 
Description Extensive scanning electron microscope analysis was undertaken to determin levels and the nature of any pesticide content. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The data from this study was used to inform conservation work undertaken under appropriate helath and safety measures. Data from this study can also be used as a baseline for similar specimens. 
URL https://museum.wales/blog/?cat=2366
 
Title Resin residues and textile fibres from Roman cremation 
Description FTIR and SEM analysis of resins and textile fibres . 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact A combination of FTIR and SEM allowed characteriation of resin deposts associated with the cremation and identificaton of the texiltes used by imging of the fibres present. 
 
Title Study of stone axe adhesive 
Description Study of the adhesives present on stone axes from the Stopes collection, using FTIR, 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The adhesives, from a previous intervention, were idetified and removed prior to a research visit to examine the artefacts. 
 
Title Verifying amber find 
Description FTIR analysis of amber to verify identification. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact This find was submitted through the PAS. FTIR analysis was able to confirm that the sample was amber. This has been recored on the PAS database and retenetion of the data, will allow comparison with other amber finds and support provenancing work. 
 
Title Verifying artefacts under Treasure Act 
Description 3-D scanning and X-ray imaging of artefacts 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Detailed 3-D scanning and X-ray imaging of the artefacts (4) allowed examination and also presentation of data along with 2-D images to support submission. 
 
Title X-ray characterisation of natural history specimens 
Description X-ray alalysis of 6 natural specimens and 1 glass model of a natural history specimen to suport conservation and storage. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Seven bird skelton were imaged and abanlyses by x-ray investigation. This provided important information on the indtenal structure of these taxidermy specimens, potentially highlighting any issues and conservation priorities. The last specimen was from the Blaska glass model collection. Tne investigation aimed to check data on flaws and decfects to inform access and conservation. 
URL https://museum.wales/articles/1166/Sea-creatures-of-the-deep---the-Blaschka-Glass-models/
 
Title X-ray examination of Art work 
Description A full X-ray examination of the Strozzi (C16) work was undertaken, to characterise the work and better understand the techniques in its creation andthrugh this inform condtions during conservation. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact More complete understanding of this work of art to charactrise the techniques in its creaton more fully and to inform conservation best practice. 
 
Title X-ray examination of Portable Antiquities Scheme finds 
Description X-ray imaging if 19 metal artefacts derived from the Portable Antiquities Scheme (Wales) was undertaken. This allowed full identification and characterisation of them for PAS reporting. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Better qualify characterisation of finds. Find aare also charectised more rapidly and with data preserved for future reference, display etc. 
URL https://museum.wales/blog/?cat=2680
 
Title X-ray examination of work of art R Wilson 
Description X-ray imaging and analysis of oil paining by Richard Wilson (1714-1782) prominent Welsh artist. This was primarily to assess the technique deployed in the creation of the work. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Better understanding of the painting to inform conservation work and also to inform display and delivery of engagment work for this painting. 
 
Title X-ray of Gwen John painting 
Description Full x-ray imaging and characterisation of this work by famous female Welsh artist, Gwen John (1876-1939). 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The x-ray work enables assessment of her technique with both academic impact and to inform future conservation work. 
 
Title X-ray of finds under Treasure Act 1996 
Description X-ray imaging and analysis of items covered by the Treasure Act 1996. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Analytical work allows for authoratative, accurate and timely reports to be prepared for evaluation under the Treasure Act 1996. Production of quality and accurate reports is part of a statutory duty of the Museum and high quality data maintains its reputation as an authortative body (as well as contributing to understanfing and documenting heritage and up holding the law). 
URL https://museum.wales/curatorial/archaeology/treasure/what-qualifies-legally-as-treasure/
 
Description Characterisation of artefacts 
Organisation Portable Antiquities Scheme
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Characterisitng artefacts received by the Portable Antiquies Scheme in Wales, with whom we have a form collaborative relationship, using the full range of analytical and imaging equiment available to us, to support production of accurate PAS reports and database records, and where approprite also result in reports for the coroner (Archaeology).
Collaborator Contribution Production of detailed reports s and prepration of setailed reports, PAS database entries.
Impact as above new PAS reports and database entries.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Suporting skills development in student conservators 
Organisation Northumbria University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Mentoring and instuction in the use of analytical and imaging equiopment in Art Conservation studio
Collaborator Contribution Student time contrubuted to the characterisation of art work, and delivery of the subsequent conservation programme.
Impact Characterised work and conservation work on work of art by Cedric Morris.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Working in partnership with Portable Antiquities Scheme (Wales) 
Organisation Portable Antiquities Scheme
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Amgueddfa Cymru curatorial and conservation staff contribiute expertise across archaeology, mineralogy and petrology to support identifcation of artifacts of the PAS. The suite of analytical and imaging equipment available through the CapCo funding is used by Amgueddfa Cymru staff to support identification and characterisation of PAS found artifacts. Most commonly used are X-ray imaging and 3-D scanning (see individual examples under datasets), but polarising light microscopy and preparation of petrological thin scetions is also used as appropriate and where sampling is allowed by the finder.
Collaborator Contribution PAS (Wales) is the conduit through which finds are channelled for identification, characterisation and recording. The collection of accurate locality data and communication with the finder, including the outcomes of analysis and identification is important in maintaining the credibility and faith in this scheme with the public, and maximising the benefit to both archaeology and the public who fund it.
Impact See details here https://museum.wales/portable-antiquities-scheme-in-wales/
 
Description Analytical techniques in art conservation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Talk at the Conservation Matter (annual heritage conservation for Wales) meeting 2023, Swansea Museum.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://museumsfederation.cymru/events/conservation-matters-wales-2023-swansea-museum/#:~:text=This%...
 
Description Art conservation talk for GCSE A-level students 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Presentation of analytical techniques used in art conservation to GSCE and A-level students.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Blog: Digitising botanical specimens from South Asia for the Rights and Rites project 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The aim of this blog was to increase awareness of the botany collections and also to explain the different techniques that had been used to digitise specimens for the project. Two dimensional images were of economic botany specimens, including leaves, barks and fruits, from South Asia. In addition, over 600 herbarium specimens and botanical illustrations were digitised using a variety of techniques. Perhaps most engaging are the three dimensional scans of fruits and nuts, created using specialist scanning equipment, purchased with a CapCo grant from AHRC. The images created have already been used for community engagement events and for presentations. There are plans to use them more extensively in future, both to make the collections more accessible to online visitors and for educational projects.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Documenting the conservation of Eduoard Manet's portrait of Jules Dejouy 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The video documents the conservation of this painting by Adam Webster (Chief Conservator, Art) though timelapse photography to capture the transformation recorded over several months, and reflect hanges to the portrait. This was augmented with interviews with the conservator and curator at key stages in the process. The video has been displayed at Amgueddfa Cymru alongside the painting from the beginning of 2023. The aim has been to demystify the process for our visitors, and celebrate the expertise and facilities involved.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://museum.wales/blog/?cat=1541
 
Description Rights & Rites workshops 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Study participants or study members
Results and Impact Approximately 40 people attended the final celebration at Ty Krishna, including project participants and senior members of museum staff. Members of the project team provided an overview of the project for those unfamiliar with the project. Mrs Rakhel Smith, from the Alice Foundation, gave a presentation on traditional Asian cuisine. She also ran a quiz for the audience. There was a premier of the videos of the three formal workshops. The meeting concluded with a meal prepared by monks from the Krishna community. The meeting provided a forum to discuss the successes of the project and to plan future collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022