Modelling clay materials used in artworks: an infrared spectroscopic investigation
Abstract Modelling clays are utilised by artists for their malleable properties. One of the challenges in managing collections containing such materials is the variety of commercial compositions available and, therefore, the variation in the requirements for storage and maintenance of such artefacts...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2019-10-01
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| Series: | Heritage Science |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40494-019-0333-3 |
| _version_ | 1811222214080462848 |
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| author | B. H. Stuart P. S. Thomas M. Barrett K. Head |
| author_facet | B. H. Stuart P. S. Thomas M. Barrett K. Head |
| author_sort | B. H. Stuart |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Modelling clays are utilised by artists for their malleable properties. One of the challenges in managing collections containing such materials is the variety of commercial compositions available and, therefore, the variation in the requirements for storage and maintenance of such artefacts. The Art Gallery of New South Wales in Australia is responsible for the care of a range of artworks that contain modelling materials, some of which show detrimental property changes and there is concern for the longevity of such works. The aim of the current research is to determine the compositions of the modelling materials utilised in works produced by different artists in the gallery’s collection. Infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the main constituents of samples collected from the works of four different artists and a variety of material types were determined. Oil-based, air-hardening and polymer clays of varying composition were identified in the survey of artworks. Signs of deterioration in particular artworks were able to be characterised using spectroscopy, with the mechanisms identified including loss and oxidation of the oil component. Where a polymer clay was chosen by one artist, the distortion of the artwork was due to flow of the material over time and demonstrates the need for an understanding of the long term properties of the materials being used. The study has highlighted the need for conservators to have a detailed understanding of modelling materials to ensure the longevity of artworks containing this class of materials. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T08:12:11Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-4ddb041fd383461a8c2d66ccb0ce520a |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2050-7445 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T08:12:11Z |
| publishDate | 2019-10-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Heritage Science |
| spelling | doaj.art-4ddb041fd383461a8c2d66ccb0ce520a2022-12-22T03:40:56ZengSpringerOpenHeritage Science2050-74452019-10-017111110.1186/s40494-019-0333-3Modelling clay materials used in artworks: an infrared spectroscopic investigationB. H. Stuart0P. S. Thomas1M. Barrett2K. Head3Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology SydneySchool of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology SydneyConservation Department, Art Gallery of New South WalesConservation Department, Art Gallery of New South WalesAbstract Modelling clays are utilised by artists for their malleable properties. One of the challenges in managing collections containing such materials is the variety of commercial compositions available and, therefore, the variation in the requirements for storage and maintenance of such artefacts. The Art Gallery of New South Wales in Australia is responsible for the care of a range of artworks that contain modelling materials, some of which show detrimental property changes and there is concern for the longevity of such works. The aim of the current research is to determine the compositions of the modelling materials utilised in works produced by different artists in the gallery’s collection. Infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the main constituents of samples collected from the works of four different artists and a variety of material types were determined. Oil-based, air-hardening and polymer clays of varying composition were identified in the survey of artworks. Signs of deterioration in particular artworks were able to be characterised using spectroscopy, with the mechanisms identified including loss and oxidation of the oil component. Where a polymer clay was chosen by one artist, the distortion of the artwork was due to flow of the material over time and demonstrates the need for an understanding of the long term properties of the materials being used. The study has highlighted the need for conservators to have a detailed understanding of modelling materials to ensure the longevity of artworks containing this class of materials.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40494-019-0333-3Infrared spectroscopyModelling clayParaffinCalcium carbonatePoly(vinyl chloride)Kaolinite |
| spellingShingle | B. H. Stuart P. S. Thomas M. Barrett K. Head Modelling clay materials used in artworks: an infrared spectroscopic investigation Heritage Science Infrared spectroscopy Modelling clay Paraffin Calcium carbonate Poly(vinyl chloride) Kaolinite |
| title | Modelling clay materials used in artworks: an infrared spectroscopic investigation |
| title_full | Modelling clay materials used in artworks: an infrared spectroscopic investigation |
| title_fullStr | Modelling clay materials used in artworks: an infrared spectroscopic investigation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Modelling clay materials used in artworks: an infrared spectroscopic investigation |
| title_short | Modelling clay materials used in artworks: an infrared spectroscopic investigation |
| title_sort | modelling clay materials used in artworks an infrared spectroscopic investigation |
| topic | Infrared spectroscopy Modelling clay Paraffin Calcium carbonate Poly(vinyl chloride) Kaolinite |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40494-019-0333-3 |
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