Leica uncovers the past at the Victoria & Albert Museum

Citation

(2001), "Leica uncovers the past at the Victoria & Albert Museum", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 30 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2001.12930daf.001

Leica uncovers the past at the Victoria & Albert Museum

Leica uncovers the past at the Victoria & Albert MuseumKeywords: Leica, Microscopes

Object Analysis Scientist Dr Lucia Burgio (Plate 1) routinely uses a Leica Microsystems compound microscope to gather information for restoration and curatorial work being carried out at London's Victoria & Albert Museum. Precise analysis of materials and finishes is critical when preserving or restoring the often priceless pieces of artwork and furniture that make up this world-famous collection.

"Furniture, paintings, sculptures: I am asked to analyse a variety of art objects. It is essential to restoration work to know what is the layer structure of an art object's coating, prior to removing any material. All that is needed is a tiny sample, less than 1mm across. I analyse cross-sections and pigment dispersions using the microscope. Depending on the characteristics of each layer, the particle size and particle shape, I am able to tell what the material is and often when it was made."

Plate 1 Dr Lucia Burgio using her Leica compound microscope

Dr Burgio analyses cross-sections using reflected light, and pigment dispersions using transmitted light. Dispersions are prepared by crushing a small sample on a microslide, and dissolving the sample's binding medium with a solvent. This creates a dispersion of small groups of pigment particles, which can then be viewed using the Leica stereo microscope. Information from this analysis helps her to identify the pigment and suggest a date of production of the paint.

By linking the microscope to a camera, images are stored in the museum archives for future reference. Dr Burgio also uses a video-link to train students. She concluded: "The instrument is easy to use and it has a fantastic set of optics – the quality of the image under the microscope is brilliant."

Details available from: Leica Microsystems (UK) Limited. Tel: +44 (0) 1908 246246; Fax: +44 (0) 1908 609992; E-mail: UKInfo@leica-microsystems.com Web site: www.leica-microsystems.com