MASTERCLASS:

ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN CONSERVATION

Introduction

This course is designed to provide participants with a general overview of a number of important analytical techniques used in conservation, including their general principles and their application to a specific conservation needs.  Several of them, including polarized light microscopy, microchemical testing and thin-layer chromatography, are readily carried out by the conservator.  Others, such as XRD, XRF, FTIR, GC, HPLC, etc., require sophisticated instrumentation and are normally performed by experienced conservation scientists.

The purpose of the course is not to train conservation scientists; no in-depth theory will be presented.  Rather, emphasis will be on the practical application of these tools to particular problems or materials, the limitations of each, and the kind of information to be expected.  Essentially the course proposes to answer the conservator's questions: when would I use this technique?  Why would I use this technique? And, what information will I gain that can help in making treatment decisions.

An important secondary aim of the course is to help establish effective communications between conservator and analysts (conservation scientists).  To this end, an introductory session will include discussion of systematic approaches to analytical decisions, sampling issues, and a brief introduction to the statistical analysis of analytical data.

Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the participant will be able to:

· Understand the general principles of each analytical technique

· Understand the kind of information that can be obtained from each type of analysis, and the limitations of each technique

· Follow a systematic approach to the process of decision-making involved in selecting both non-instrumental and instrumental analytical tools for solving conservation problems

· Provide the analyst with the appropriate sample(s) required for a specific type of analysis.




Topics and Analytical Techniques

· Systematic approach to analytical decisions

· Sample selection, collection, preparation, handling, storage and transport

· Polarized light microscopy

· Preparation and fluorescence microscopic examination of cross-sections

· Microchemical testing

· Thin-layer chromatography

· Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy

· X-ray powder diffraction and diffractometry

· Scanning electron microscopy and x-ray microanalysis

· Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

· Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

· High performance liquid chromatography

The program has been divided into two sections: non-instrumental techniques (3 ½ days) and instrumental (3 ½ days) techniques.  A summary or "wrap-up" session following each section will focus on strategies for applying analyses to conservation problems, including presentation and discussion (but not actual analysis) of analytical problems brought by participants.  

FOR INFORMATION ON THIS MASTERCLASS, CONTACT:

ICN
ANGENIET BOEVE ([log in to unmask]) 
METSUSTRAAT 8
1071 EA  AMSTERDAM
TEL: 00-31-20-3054655
FAX: 00-31-20-3054620

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Hans Holbein (1497/98-1543)
16 augustus - 16 november 2003
 
Holbein geldt als een fenomenaal portretschilder.  
Ontdek zijn werk in de unieke tentoonstelling in het Mauritshuis. 
 
16 August- 16 November 2003 
Holbein is hailed as a phenomenal portraitist.  
Discover his work in this unique exhibition in the Mauritshuis. 
 
http://www.hansholbein.nl

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