Research highlighted in the DailyMail!

Łukasz Bratasz’ work on the strengthening mechanisms of panel paintings was recently featured in a popular science article by the Daily Mail. This collaborative work with Kiraz Goze Akoglu and Patrick Kékicheff demonstrated that images gain resistance to microclimate fluctuations as a result of the commonly recognized crack networks that can be seen in old READ MORE

Results of Historical Parchment Study published in Heritage Science

Parchment sheets are among the most precious assets in libraries and archives which at the same time are most vulnerable to RH and temperature fluctuations. Since 2016, we have been working on development of methodology to quantitatively asses the risks of mechanical damage to historic parchments due variation in environment. We have implemented a new READ MORE

Research plans investigating mechanisms of crack formation in canvas paintings outlined

The mechanisms of crack formation, observable in most paintings gathered in museum collections, are still a mystery. In various research circles different concepts are gaining popularity, both related and unrelated to variations in relative humidity. In Valencia, a major step was taken to finally answer this question. Together with conservators and partners in the CollectionCare READ MORE

Investigating interesting examples of craquelures in the Czartoryski Museum collection

As a part of the CRAQUELURE project, we are developing a model to describe and explain the formation of crack networks that are often observed on historic canvas paintings. Computational models must accurately reflect reality in order to usefully assess risks to museum collections. For this reason, the whole team (which has doubled in recent READ MORE

First wireless sensors designed by CollectionCare project participants placed in showcases

Last week’s technical meeting in Rome for the CollectionCare project focused on software developed by partners to build degradation models. Existing and emerging tools and programs which quantitatively assess damage risk to historic objects when exposed to a selected environmental factor were discussed. One of these tools was our own HERIe, which our group continues READ MORE

Museum collections get a little safer as the CollectionCare project team grows

Another young scientist joins our team, Dr. Muhammad Rashad from Jiangsu University of Science and Technology. His scientific interests are in the chemistry and characterization of materials, especially composites and polymers. In our group, Dr. Rashad will develop a model of canvas paintings and their cracking mechanisms, applying his knowledge and expertise to the CollectionCare READ MORE

We are happy to present the new version of HERIe!

A new, refreshed version of HERIe has been available online since mid-December. The main change is the expansion of the database of objects for calculations with parchment. Books and manuscripts often make up the majority of collections in museums, which is why conservators often have to answer the question about the level of risk they READ MORE

SOLARIS plans new beamlines with promising applications for heritage research

How often do you have the chance to see the innerworkings of a synchrotron? Thanks to Prof. Dr. Paweł Korecki and Dr. Tomasz Kołodziej we took advantage of a unique opportunity to visit the SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Center in Krakow. Due to ongoing maintenance work, we were able to step inside and see parts READ MORE

NAWA project grows as the new year begins!

We are entering 2020 strengthened by a new group member, Dr. Mohammad Jamalabadi, an expert in mechanical engineering and numerical simulations. Dr. Jamalabadi has published extensively in these areas and is ideally suited to tackle modeling fracture patterns in oil paintings as a part of the NAWA funded “CRAQUELURE” project. He has experience working in READ MORE