Using XRF and interpreting the spectra in photographs conservation

The State Hermitage Museum12291835_1091718744185274_2867142940467100536_o

November 10-12

Instructor: Jennifer McGlinchey Sexton, Paul Messier Conservation of Photographs and Works on Paper

Agenda

The workshop was focused on gaining practice using the XRF and interpreting the spectra. The participants reviewed the workshop materials from Aaron Sugar workshop notes (see XRF for Photographs: Use and Safety, Buffalo State College Art Conservation Program, October 15 – 17), particularly the sections about using the instrument and looking at spectra.

Photographs of various processes from Hermitage study collection were examined with the  hendheld XRF by Bruker. Gelatin silver prints, platinum prints, cabinet cards and other 19th century processes.