The staff inside the newly refurbished CSMVS Museum Art Conservation Centre. Pics Courtesy/CSMVS
Interpretation centre, training and workshop area
Set in a bright vestibular corridor, the proposed interpretation centre’s chief role is to generate awareness about conservation and engage with the general public that visits the museum.
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device
It is used to help determine the elemental composition of objects. Held like a gun, it is pointed towards the object as it bombards the surface with X-rays. The surface interacts with the X-rays and relays signatures about the relevant material, thus guiding the team to corroborate its origins (For example, if it is gold and not fool’s gold/bronze, or a similar looking metal like copper).
Electric easel
It looks similar to an artist’s easel. This movable piece of equipment forms part of the oil painting section, and is motorised to accommodate differently-sized paintings. In picture, Nikhil Ramesh explains the unique features of the recently-installed electric easel. Pics/Sameer Markande
Fume extraction system
Staff working in the comfort of the fume extraction system; (left) A close-up of a Dutch oil painting from the 18th century being restored. Such paintings require relatively lesser toxic chemicals to break the surface down, in order to understand its age and damage before picking the correct preservation technique. This painting is from the Baltic region, and has Baltic oak as its base. Typically, it takes three to four months to restore an artwork such as this one.
Digital documentation section
Imaging using UV light facilitates the study of missing and minute details on artefacts, the presence of layers as well as timelines of objects or paintings. This is the backbone of the conservation process and helps the team base their decisions after seeing these findings. Previously, the department faced a challenge when it came to imaging larger objects, especially textiles.
Remote monitoring system
Loggers installed within the galleries help monitor and analyse the relative humidity levels within the space.
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