What is Conservation Science?
Conservation science is an interdisciplinary field that applies scientific theories and methods for the characterization and preservation of works of cultural heritage. We believe that these objects merit scientific study to gain a deeper understanding of the artist or object itself and to preserve these works for future generations. Within the field of conservation there exist ethical considerations that the scientist must adhere to, in that any analysis or practice must be minimally invasive and non-destructive. When it is required to remove a sample for study, microsampling techniques are used so as to not alter the appearance of the piece to the naked eye.
How does the Lasseter Clare Lab apply chemistry to conservation science?
As research scientists both trained in and developing analytical chemistry techniques we are in a unique position to acquire a greater understanding of artists' materials and how to protect works of cultural heritage. Research in our lab focuses on the following areas in the chemistry field:
- Developing new materials to better protect outdoor metalwork
- Electrochemical characterization and circuit modeling of degradation processes
- Collaborations with local and regional cultural heritage institutions to solve specific problems facing works in their collections