Most large conservation departments engage in some sort of infrared imaging.
 It is usually done on paintings, but occasionally works on paper are
examined successfully.  The tool allows the operator to observe, through
paint that is opaque or partially opaque to visible light and transmits IR
light, the layers that reflect or absorb IR light that are below.  The
technique is most often used to discover or elucidate underdrawing in
paintings and occasionally in watercolors or handmade & colored maps.

There should be people willing to share their experience on Cons DistList
which can be subscribed to, in the normal manner, at
[log in to unmask]  ConsDist List is an open subscription
conservation information listserv with an extensive archive and database
called CoOL (Conservation On Line).  Basic site information:
     Mail submissions to [log in to unmask] (members only)
     DistList Archives: All instances of the DistList are available
        (both for browsing by whole items and searching for individual
        messages): gopher://palimpsest.stanford.edu or
        http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/
    The ConsDir is available at the same site.

IR imaging is a big topic and much work has been done.  Several early
(1970's) publications by van Aspren deBoar (sp?) explain the technique and
technology.  Images are routinely used by conservators during examination
and in reconstructing losses in severely damaged areas of paintings.  Today,
IR images are commonly included in exhibition information panels and in
exhibition catalogs.

Please note: electronic technology is always changing, so what used to be
the best is changing.



Timothy Vitale
Paper Conservator  and
Consulting Conservator
Aptos, CA  (see AIC Directory)

currently consulting at:

Glasgow School Of Art
Curatorial Dept.
011-44-141-353-4524
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