Scientific Research Department
Introduction | Conservation Materials | Artists' Methods and MaterialsPublications | Fellowships
Introduction
The Scientific Research Department uses scientific techniques
and instrumentation to carry out its twofold mission: research and
development of new materials
for use
in the conservation of works of art, and investigation into the methods and materials of artists. The
National
Gallery of Art's commitment to scientific research began in 1950 with
the appointment of Dr. Robert L. Feller as technical advisor for
conservation and curatorial activities. The department, which hired its
first in-house scientist in 1976 and its first full-time scientist in
1984, now includes experts in the fields of chemistry, botany,
conservation, and art history. The scientists work in collaboration
with curators and conservators on topics related directly to the
National Gallery's collection, as well as on problems that are of
general interest to the international conservation community. The
department's fully equipped laboratory includes microscopic, chromatographic, and
spectrophotometric
instrumentation.
The results of the department's research are disseminated in publications (PDF 308k) and at national and international conferences, seminars, and symposia. The conservation community has adopted several new varnishes and conservation paints based directly on work done at the National Gallery. Staff members collaborate with other conservation scientists and conservators in museums, conservation laboratories, and universities both nationally and internationally, and work with fellows, interns, and visiting scientists hosted each year by the department.