School of Historical and Philosophical Studies - Research Publications

Permanent URI for this collection

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 56
  • Item
    No Preview Available
    Speckle and Conservation
    Miles, E ; Roberts, A ; Tse, N ; Sloggett, R (International Seminars, 2008)
    The aim of this research is to demonstrate the usefulness of speckle, a trait of an expanded laser beam, for the non-destructive testing of artwork in both the imaging of subsurface structure and the quantitative detection of physical movement of canvas. Laser Speckle Contrast Method (LSCI) is a useful method for the viewing of subsurface layers and movement. By investigating the statistical properties of dynamic speckle it is possible to reveal drawings that are hidden beneath scattering layers such as the primary layer of paint or adhered paper. This is achieved by taking a series of speckle images captured in a short time frame and applying one of a number of post processing algorithms. We explore the limitations of this method when applied to various paper samples that have a sketch executed in various media beneath the top layer. The ability to resolve gray scale images was examined as well as looking at the dependence of the contrast of the revealed drawings to the temperature of the surface. Current work is being done on using LSCI to reveal indentations in artwork caused by the application process. The successful use of Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) both in the laboratory and in-situ for the detection of in-plane movement of painted canvas due to humidity fluctuations and the out-of-plane movement of paint as it dries has also been demonstrated. Canvas paintings can be very susceptible to movement due to changes of the environment. ESPI is a non-destructive technique yielding sensitive results that can detect displacement on a surface of less than the wavelength of the illuminating coherent light source. While ESPI has been successfully applied to the in-situ study of painted frescoes, previous studies have employed tensile testers as a support for painted canvas. We have shown a portable version of ESPI to be of use in tropical environment in the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore with original artworks where variations in humidity occur and the samples have not undergone special preparation before analysis, revealing significant directional movements. Furthermore, a simple variation in the direction of beams paths permits the characterisation of out-of-plane movement, specifically as the height of paint shrinks due to the drying process. We have used ESPI to view the drying process of alkyd resin paints over the time period of 24 hours.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    A Polite Way to say ‘No’
    Sloggett, R ; Lawler-Dormer, K ( 2018-10-24)
    Presentation to NZCCM 2018 Conference Living Heritage: Materials, Methods and Context: As is the case in most countries, much of Australia’s cultural record is not housed in large national institutions but in smaller organisations, often located in remote, regional or rural areas and with limited resources, and run by fe staff, or by volunteers. Most have limited access to conservation expertise. These organisations rely on accessible and practical advice in publications such as reCollections: Caring for Collections Across Australia (1998). Created as an initiative of the Heritage Collections Council in 1998 and supported by the Australian Federal Government reCollections has become an essential resource providing preventative conservation principles for Australian cultural organisations. The current program to update and create reCollections Online offers the opportunity to engage current users and the wider community in contributing to a more tailored preventative conservation resource. A partnership between Bathurst Regional Council, NSW Australia, and the Grimwade Centre at the University of Melbourne brings together conservators and conservation students with Bathurst museum and heritage professionals and volunteers. A recent study, which interviewed heritage professionals in Bathurst and sought their involvement in the revision of reCollections, revealed a content gap in the Acquisitions and Significance section of reCollections. This revision identified the need for practical advice to inform decision making at the initial point of acquisitions through to storage and display. The study also identified the need for professionals and volunteers to understand and assess personnel implications that might arise during or after the acquisition process.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Developing Museum to Museum Cultural Engagement Between Australia and Timor Leste
    Assis, C ; SLOGGETT, R ; Leach, M ; Canas Mendes, N ; da Silva, A ; Boughton, B ; Ximenes, A (Swinburne Press, 2022-01-12)
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Considering Evidence in Art Fraud
    SLOGGETT, R ; Chappell, D ; Hufnagel, S (Routledge - Taylor & Francis, 2016)
    Securing the evidential link between the work and the artist who is purported to have produced it requires a rigorous analytical approach; one that not only accepts particular evidence that may support the assertion of authenticity, but which can also contest evidence that is not correct. Such an approach is by its very nature multidisciplinary, often bringing together knowledge of art history, the art market, cultural materials conservation, chemistry, law and policing. What constitutes evidence of authenticity is generally based on considerations of provenance, art historical context, including facts about the artist and scientific enquiry. Building the chain of evidence for art authentication is a complex and carefully constructed activity that ensures that works can be legitimately, and verifiably, linked to the artist who is purported to be their source.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    A Conservation Overview of Gaps in Traditional Trade Skills in Australia
    Dunn, B ; Sloggett, R ; Draayers, W (Informa UK Limited, 2019-07-03)
    In 2003, the General Conference of UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage; recognising the important role traditional craftmanship has as a tangible manifestation of intangible heritage and highlighting the importance of the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and skills. Within this context, a Conservation Skills Gaps survey was conducted in 2016 that examined whether there was a current perceived skills gap relating to traditional trades; what difficulties might conservators have in accessing these trades; and, how such a skills gap might be addressed? This paper examines the results of this survey, reviews the 2000 AICCM Skills Gap Audit and the 2018 Heritage Skills Initiative Sector Analysis Survey that reported on the health of traditional trade skills in Australia, and discusses recent initiatives to revitalise rare trades. It also examines current work in developing opportunities to build intergenerational knowledge transfer, support specialist practitioners, and generate solutions to address skill gaps in traditional trades and conservation.
  • Item
    No Preview Available
    Integrating Climate Change Impacts into Disaster Preparedness and Response
    Sloggett, R ; Scott, M ; Stubbs, C ; Nolan, S ( 2021-11-26)
    Presentation to Public Galleries of Victoria on climate change responses for galleries
  • Item
    No Preview Available
    Challenging Authenticity: knowledge framed by evidence
    Sloggett, R ( 2021-05-29)
    ArtCrime2021: The Symposium: Preventing Art Crime
  • Item
    No Preview Available
    Conserving Australia's Cultural Record
    Nodea, G ; Sloggett, R (University of Melbourne, 2019-09-23)
    At the Grimwade Centre, at the University of Melbourne ,Western disciplines like chemistry, physics, art history and archaeology help to analyse, understand, preserve and restore Australia’s cultural heritage. The conservation of Indigenous cultural heritage however requires knowledge that is very different to this. The partnership between The Warmun Art Centre and the Grimwade Centre enables the sharing of particular knowledge about Gija culture in ways that are Gija-led, it also shares important lessons about life in a remote Indigenous community and life at a university. Instigated by Gija Elders this partnership is enabling staff and students at the Grimwade Centre to learn from Gija people, and for Gija art workers to learn about conservation. It has shaped the way students at the Grimwade Centre are taught, and ensures that they are engaged in proper ways with knowledge, history, culture and lore that are instrumental in defining what it is to be Australian.
  • Item
    No Preview Available
    The Heritage Network and Conservation
    Sloggett, R ( 2017-09-13)
    Opening lecture at the launch of the Illuminate series at ISSE
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Predicting the Past: A critical examination of current art history and conservation curricula.
    Wu, C ; Dalivalle, M ; Dempster, A ; de Ghetaldi, K ; Griener, P ; Roberts, M ; Sharp, J ; Skelton, S ; Sloggett, R (AiA, 2016)
    This document is a critical analysis of the current status of art education in art history and art conservation as it relates to the concept of authenticity (as defined as “authorship”). It has been constructed by students and professionals from different specialities and continents. The headline problems, raised by current art history students, have been observed in several art history and conservation programmes by the Work Group, who suggest potential solutions. These are targeted at the Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral levels.