Benefits of non-destructive analytical techniques for conservation

Abstract

This book contains 12 fully refereed papers and five abstracts, presented at the COST Action G8 international workshop on 'Benefits of non-destructive analytical techniques for conservation', which was organised at the Malta Centre for Restoration in January 2004. Three approaches of how professionals can benefit from non-destructive and/or non-invasive analytical techniques are presented. Training in analytical techniques at various conservation schools is considered first, followed by how these techniques are utilised in conservation laboratories working on museum artefacts, or during on-site investigations of built structures. Finally, the recent interest of research laboratories is discussed. This volume will be appreciated by all those involved in conservation issues and especially those with a particular interest in the fast developing field of the investigation of museum artefacts, including conservation scientists and conservators working in conservation laboratories, in schools or freelance. The book will also be of interest to scientists working in research institutions and who, whilst not having themselves a background in conservation, often come face-to-face with conservation issues which need specific scientific input to resolve particular problems. It is, above all, for these numerous players in this emerging multi-disciplinary team of specialists that this publication is intended.