Recent technical analysis by GCI scientists of photographic plates by Joseph Nicephore Niépce, from the UK's National Media Museum, provide new evidence of Niépce's contribution to early photography, including revelation of a previously undiscovered method of image making dating to the 1820s.

Read the press release related to these new findings.

Learn more about Research on the Conservation of Photographs Project.

The GCI, the Aerospace Corporation, and the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford are investigating the technology used to make ancient Greek pottery. The project, made possible by a National Science Foundation grant, will provide a deeper understanding of ancient pottery techniques, inform future conservation methods, and enhance knowledge of iron spinel chemistry used in the advanced ceramics utilized by aerospace.

Learn more about this research project.

In March 2009, the GCI convened an experts meeting to define the most urgent conservation issues of the historic urban environment, and to identify actions that can assist professionals and decision makers in addressing conservation threats.

Read the report online.

Learn more about the Historic Cities and Urban Settlements Initiative.

Staff from the GCI, the Getty Foundation, and the J. Paul Getty Museum will be attending a meeting of the advisory group of the Panel Paintings Initiative on December 14-15, 2010 in New York. They will be discussing the next phase of the initiative, including education and training activities.

Learn more about the Panel Paintings Initiative.

On January 11, 2011, at the Getty Center, Susan Macdonald, head of GCI Field Projects, will lead a panel of experts in a discussion on climate change and sustainable development, and their relationship to the conservation of cultural heritage.

Find out more information about this free event and make a reservation online.

This conference took place in Quito, Ecuador, in September 2009 and focused on ways to engage all stakeholders in the revitalization of historic city centers.

Read the proceedings online.

Conservation of Ancient Sites on the Silk Road

Proceedings from the Second International Conference on the Conservation of Grotto Sites.



Passé, present et future des palais et sites royaux d'Abomey

Preprints from an international conference organized by the GCI, ICCROM, and Ministère de la culture et de la communication du Bénin, September 1997. Available only in French.

The fall 2010 edition highlights the conservation of decorated architectural surfaces, including wall paintings, mosaics, plaster finishes, stucco, and tiles.

Join the conversation. Post your comments about our featured roundtable discussion Preserving in Place: A Discussion About the Conservation of Decorated Architectural Surfaces.

Read this issue online.

This 11-minute video highlights the GCI's work with Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities to develop and implement a plan for the management and conservation of the Valley of the Queens.

Watch the video.

Recently acquired titles in the Conservation Collection in the Research Library at the Getty Research Institute are available to readers on site at the Getty Center. Some materials are available through your library's interlibrary loan service.

Access the list of recently acquired titles from the GCI Information Center page.

The People's Republic of China has honored Martha Demas, senior project specialist at the GCI, with the Friendship Award, the highest award presented to foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to the country's economic and social progress. This award is in recognition of Demas's extensive involvement in the GCI's work on the China Principles and Mogao Grottoes projects.

Read an interview with Martha Demas.