AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership PhD studentship The National Gallery, Scientific Department & Nottingham Trent University, School of Science & Technology Conservation varnishes at the National Gallery: studying their optical and material properties Applications are invited for a Collaborative Doctoral Partnership PhD studentship, to be undertaken at Nottingham Trent University (School of Science & Technology) and the National Gallery (Scientific Department). This three-year (full-time) studentship commences on 1 October 2017 and will be jointly supervised by Professor Haida Liang (Nottingham Trent University) and Dr Catherine Higgitt (National Gallery). The student may undertake a (remunerated) 6 month placement at the Gallery during the PhD to further develop and expand their skills. The student will need to spend concentrated periods of time both in Nottingham and London. This interdisciplinary project involves close collaboration between physicists, conservation scientists and conservators.
Historically and today, conservation varnishes are applied to Old Master paintings after cleaning and restoration, altering a painting's appearance by saturating the surface and reducing variation in gloss. Optical, chemical and physical properties are crucial in selecting a varnish with suitable aesthetic characteristics. Many varnishes become yellow and cloudy over time, so stability is also important in order to limit how often they need to be removed and replaced. Understanding of such properties is largely based on experimental studies or the expected properties of the bulk resin, which do not always accurately reflect the behaviour of thin varnish films. Furthermore, in practical usage, conservators often adjust formulations to obtain a varnish with a satisfactory appearance. This project will investigate the properties of conservation varnishes, to predict more accurately how they will behave in practice and how they might be improved or modified for particular applications, based on the use of cutting-edge non-invasive imaging techniques, especially optical coherence tomography (OCT), to allow (non-subjective) assessment of their appearance, condition and properties. OCT produces 3D images (‘virtual’ cross-sections) of surface and subsurface microstructure of (semi)-transparent materials and shows promise for research on varnishes. OCT and other non-invasive portable equipment, and more traditional chemical analysis will be used to investigate the effect of not only the choice of resin but also practical issues of formulation and application method on varnish properties. The research will draw on the unique resource of the actual, naturally aged conservator-applied varnishes on Gallery paintings and also experimental systems in which formulations and application method can be explored. The research outcomes have the potential to feed directly into conservation practice at the National Gallery and around the world. Applicants must have a good first degree (usually a minimum 2:1) or a Masters degree (or equivalent experience) in physics, chemistry, materials science, conservation science, heritage science, archaeological science, or a related physical science discipline, or conservation (in which case a first degree in a physical science subject is desirable). They should be highly motivated individuals with a keen interest in art history and conservation, and in conducting interdisciplinary research. The project would suit a candidate interested in a career in conservation science or a scientist with an interest in applying cutting-edge scientific techniques and complex data processing methods to challenging questions such as those posed by cultural heritage artefacts. Students must also meet eligibility requirements of the Art and Humanities Research Council for graduate students. The minimum English language proficiency requirement for candidates who have not undertaken a higher degree at a UK HE institution is IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in all skills). The full studentship award for students with UK residency includes fees, a stipend of £14,553 per annum plus £550 p.a. additional stipend payment for Collaborative Doctoral students for 3 years. In addition, the Student Development Fund (equivalent to 0.5 years of stipend payments) is also available to support training, work placements, and other development costs. Students with EU residency are eligible for a fees-only studentship award. International applicants are normally not eligible to apply for this studentship. The Gallery will provide up to £1000 a year to cover travel and other costs incurred travelling to undertake research at the Gallery or other locations. Both partners and the Collaborative Doctoral Partner consortium will provide opportunities for training and career development. The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon (UK time) on 13th March 2017. For informal enquiries, please contact the main supervisors Professor Haida Liang ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) or Dr Catherine Higgitt ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>). Application is by covering letter, CV and online application form, and should be sent to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> and copied to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Application packs can be obtained from http://www4.ntu.ac.uk/research/ntu_doctoral_school/studentships/index.html Dr Catherine Higgitt Principal Scientific Officer Scientific Department National Gallery Trafalgar Square London WC2N 5DN e. [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> [The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN]<http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk> [Australia’s Impressionists exhibition]<http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/australias-impressionists> ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Archives through August 2016 at http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/ Archives from September 2016 onward at https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/
