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Join the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum to unlock the secrets of historical manuscript cuttings through scientific analysis
Overview
Salary
No salary declared 😔
Location
Cromwell Road, London
Expires
Expires at anytime
Organisation summary:
The Victoria and Albert Museum is an iconic institution holding a vast collection of artifacts, including over 2,000 manuscript cuttings. At an exciting time of growth and discovery, the museum is seeking a dedicated individual to help advance the understanding and preservation of these historical pieces through a unique project focused on material characterisation.
- Role Summary:
- Conduct non-destructive scientific analysis on manuscript cuttings.
- Work towards determining the authenticity, dating, and provenance of the collection.
- Utilize advanced techniques to inform future conservation strategies.
- Role Requirements:
- Experience with Infrared reflectography for investigating underdrawings and restoration.
- Proficiency in digital microscopy for high-resolution imaging and degradation assessment.
- Knowledge of XRF mapping and Raman microscopy for material identification and dating.
The Role The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has in its collections over 2,000 manuscript cuttings. The project will focus on the characterisation of the materials used in four manuscript cuttings to increase our knowledge of these objects, help with their dating, authentication, attribution and provenance research, and gather evidence to inform future conservation approaches. Some of the objects were purchased as modern copies but seem to be genuine, while others may have areas overpainted later. Non-destructive scientific analysis will help to understand better these pieces and confirm, refine or contradict this judgement.
The Company The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country.
Job requirements Under the guidance of the V&A scientists, the student will use the following techniques: Infrared reflectography to investigate underdrawings and any past restoration/intervention. Digital microscopy to collect high-resolution images and help to identify degradation issues. XRF mapping to provide the elemental distribution of most of the materials used, enabling a first, tentative identification and suggest dating. Raman microscopy to provide the molecular identification of pigments, dyes, and their degradation products, if applicable.
Benefits This is an unpaid doctoral placement that is financially supported by the successful applicant’s PhD stipend in line with UKRI guidance.
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