Leon Levy Foundation
Documentation and Imaging Programme
Programme
Handling & Preventive Care of Museum Objects
This Course explores essential guidelines for handling objects during their movement within the museum, serving various purposes such as imaging, exhibition, and display. Additionally, it covers preventive conservation strategies for preserving these valuable artifacts.
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Object Handling Practices: Learn industry-standard techniques for safely transporting and positioning museum artifacts.
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​Imaging Considerations: Understand how to handle objects during imaging sessions.
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Preventive Conservation: Explore methods to safeguard objects from deterioration, including environmental controls and proper storage.
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Expert Instructors: The course is led by seasoned conservation professionals with specialised knowledge in handling diverse museum artifacts.


Instructor - Girikumar S

Documentation and Survey of Paintings & Built Heritage
This comprehensive course delves into the multifaceted world of documenting artefacts and architectural spaces using photography and photogrammetry. Participants will explore the intersection of art, technology, and spatial analysis, gaining practical skills and theoretical insights.
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Introduction to Photogrammetry: Understand the principles and applications of photogrammetry, learn how to capture visual data using cameras, create 2D and 3D representations, and explore the role of photogrammetry in preserving cultural heritage and architectural history.
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Image Merging Techniques: Dive into the intricacies of merging multiple 2D and 3D images, discover methods for aligning and stitching photographs to create seamless visual compositions, and learn about the challenges and best practices for achieving accurate results.
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Surface Understanding and Modeling: Uncover the power of photogrammetry in analysing surfaces, generate scaled images and 3D models that reveal intricate details of artefacts and architectural elements, and explore case studies where photogrammetry has enhanced our understanding of historical structures.
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Comparing Surface Conditions Over Time: Investigate how photogrammetry serves as a valuable tool for assessing changes in surfaces, and study the impact of environmental factors, wear, and restoration efforts on architectural materials.


Instructors - Maniyarasan Rajendran & Wendy Rose

Museum Imaging
This comprehensive course in museum photography provides both theoretical and training. Participants will learn various techniques for imaging museum objects, gain proficiency in using different software tools for digital correction and enhancement, and explore effective methodologies for organising and filing images.
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Imaging Techniques: Explore advanced methods for capturing high-quality images of museum artifacts.
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Software Application: Learn to use industry-standard software for post-processing, colour correction, and image enhancement.
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Archiving & Documentation: Understand the importance of maintaining a well-organised images database for permanent records.
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Application of Photographic Images: Images play a crucial role in creating engaging museum exhibits, high-resolution photographs contribute to detailed documentation like reports and catalogs, researchers rely on accurate images for scholarly investigations, and visual records aid in conservation efforts.
This enriching course develops essential skills for museum photography and contributes to preserving cultural heritage through visual documentation.​


Instructor - Neil Greentree

Multispectral Imaging
Multi-spectral Imaging (MSI) involves imaging in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrums of electromagnetic radiation. The technique is useful in studying elements of painting technique, such as the fluorescence properties of pigments, to differentiate between the pigments used and to expose underdrawings. The course introduces MSI, the processing of captured images using software, and their interpretation.
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Pigment Identification & Differentiation:
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MSI play a crucial role in identifying and differentiating pigments used in artworks. Each pigment exhibits a unique spectral signature, which becomes evident when imaged under different wavelengths.
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Conservators and art historians can use MSI to distinguish between pigments, even when they appear visually similar. For instance, it helps differentiate between red lead and vermilion, or ultramarine blue and cobalt blue.​​​
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Fluorescence Properties and Underdrawings: Beyond pigment identification, MSI reveals additional information. for instance:​
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Fluorescence Properties: Some Pigments exhibits fluorescence when exposed to UV light. MSI captures this fluorescence, aiding in pigments analysis.​
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Underdrawings: Underdrawing- initial sketches or preparatory outline beneath the visible paint layers are invisible to the naked eye. MSI can unveil these hidden layers, providing insights into an artist's creative process.
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Processing and Interpretation: The course on MSI introduces participants to the technical aspects:​
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Images Acquisition: ​How to capture MSI images using specialised equipments.
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Software Processing: Techniques for processing and enhancing the captured images.
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Interpretation: How to analyse the resulting data to extract meaning information about pigments, layers, and artistic techniques.​​
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MSI is powerful tool that bridges art, science, and technology. Its non-invasive nature allows for in-depth examination without harming the artwork. Whether revealing hidden details or conservation efforts. MSI contributes significantly to our understanding of cultural heritage.




Instructor - Sreekumar Menon
