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Conservation science, in the context of the arts, uses the theoretical and applied disciplines of science and engineering to gain a greater understanding of how best to preserve cultural resources over the long-term.
At the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), the objective of conservation science is to develop and promote appropriate solutions to the conservation problems of objects, art, architecture, archaeological sites, and monuments. GCI scientists focus on the needs of conservation professionals
working to preserve the cultural resources under their care.
The Institute's main scientific research goals reside in studies of deterioration mechanisms and in working with conservators in the design and evaluation of conservation treatments that can provide a wide margin of security to objects and sites. The ultimate objective of the research is the development of conservation approaches that can slow the deterioration of materials and, at the same time, prevent further damage. The emphasis is on applicability. Scientists provide essential information to conservators about deterioration causes, principal factors influencing the damage mechanisms, and compatible treatment options. Working with the conservators, they design conservation
solutions and evaluate treatment performance.
The GCI also conducts scientific research on materials' composition—and on the original technologies used to create works—that can contribute to the scholarly interpretation of art and artifacts from the past. In addition, the Institute engages in specialized work in support of the activities of the Getty Museum that includes the dating and analysis of materials, authentication, and identification.
In all its scientific work, the GCI seeks to promote:
- The principles of preventive conservation in research design and solution strategies;
- The role of maintenance in the management of cultural heritage;
- The development of conservation science as a discipline;
- The recognition of the importance of making choices in research that are based upon the values embodied in the materials that are being conserved.
The GCI's scientific department has approximately 25 scientists and support staff. Expertise in the department includes chemistry, geology, materials science, physics, and engineering. The department is organized into four major units, which conducts research for conservation in the following areas:
Research projects conducted by the GCI's scientific department are often relevant to more than a single one of these areas.
To facilitate the work of these four units, the GCI laboratories are equipped with a range of modern, up-to-date research tools and facilities. These research tools include analytical
instrumentation and equipment designed for materials characterization.
From the outset, research projects are designed with interdisciplinary—and often inter-Getty—teams that may include scientists, conservators, curators, and other related professionals. Through bibliographic studies and consultation with appropriate specialists, the significant conservation issues are identified. Feasibility studies are conducted for research projects, and appropriate partnerships considered and explored. Only after this preparatory work is completed are projects ready for final design and execution by the team involved.
Research projects are planned with the goal of identifying the materials and the original technologies of the objects of study as a basis for determining the causes of the deterioration. With this information, conservation strategies can be developed with conservators. Dissemination of results is an important objective of all research and is done through the production of didactic materials, presentations at conferences and symposia, articles in peer-reviewed scientific and conservation journals, and Getty publications.
Specific GCI projects involving scientific staff are described
elsewhere on this Web site. See Current Projects and Past Projects.
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