The role of this Fellowship would be to examine selected pages from the V&A’s album through scientific analysis methods to help determine the date of the album and the country in which it was made. Alongside the album itself, the V&A’s collections can provide sample objects of secure dating and provenance for comparison to help investigate these questions. Topics for analysis will include the authenticity of the ink and of the paper, and whether there are material signs that the album has been copied or traced.
The scientific analysis of the object with be carried out using the following approach:
- Infrared reflectography will help visualise selected types of underdrawing and identify possible areas of past restoration/intervention.
- Transmitted light: to evaluate watermarks, manufacturing features, chain lines and potential paper thickness variations.
- Digital microscopy will enable the collection of high-resolution images, where relevant.
- XRF mapping will provide the elemental distribution of most of the materials used, enabling a first, tentative identification of some of the materials used on the pages.
Applicants must hold a degree in Science or Conservation Science and have prior practical experience of the scientific techniques used in Heritage Science that are relevant to this project, ideally including all those specified above.
Familiarity with the analysis and conservation of paper-based materials is desirable.
Alternative suitable profiles may be considered.
Applicants must have their stipend funding in place before commencing the fellowship. The V&A does not provide a salary or stipend for this opportunity.