From macro to micro spectroscopy and imaging - updates for multi-modal technical examination of paintings at the National Gallery, London

The National Gallery (NG) has a long history of technical research from its inception: the first Director Charles Eastlake publishing a seminal work in the 19th century on materials and history of oil paintings. X-radiography at NG began in the 1930s, and the results were published in scholarly catalogues as early as the 1940s.

The Scientific Department was established in 1934, one of the first in a museum or gallery.

Since then NG has developed a world class reputation for its distinctive highly integrated technical research in which scientists, conservators and curators work closely together.

A correlative imaging approach from macro (on the painting itself) to micro (on samples) is now adopted for technical examination, following acquisition in recent years of spectroscopic imaging equipment.

Multiple techniques (or imaging and analysis modalities) are used together during a single examination to obtain complementary information.

Certain other core elements of its technical examination infrastructure have, however, reached the end of their lives and investment for replacements is therefore requested (e.g. a film-based X-radiography system over 30-years old).

Update is also needed of certain existing equipment to ensure NG research is not compromised by falling behind with new technologies.

This will allow NG to take advantage of developments in instrumentation and software so it can continue to achieve research excellence.

Research on its internationally renowned collection during conservation projects or the scholarly cataloguing programme will be a regular source of demand for the infrastructure, as will research feeding exhibitions and the associated public engagement programmes.

NG regularly conduct and publish technical research on works from other collections, including both national and non-national institutions. The new infrastructure would also benefit the NG's wide range of national and international research collaborations.

Another emerging strategic driver is the greater emphasis on digital engagement and sharing of data through digital platforms. NG's unique archive of technical documentation is extensive due to the long history of scientific examination.

This and other material in its photographic archive are used as a valuable research resource by both NG staff and external researchers, who access it through the NG Research Centre.

The requested investment in equipment for high-volume digital image capture will be crucial in advancing at a faster pace NG's strategic long-term ambitions for a 'digital dossier' of archive documentation on each painting, so that all our research data is more findable, accessible and re-usable (FAIR) and its use as a research resource is expanded, supported by remote access to information.

NG is well placed to take forward these advancements due to its past track record in digital documentation and digital humanities research. Digitisation of data will also make interoperable Linked Data a more achievable goal.

This offers the prospect of data and images being more easily available for a wide range of purposes, stimulating not only academic research in a range of fields but other activities such as teaching or exhibitions (and the ensuing economic benefits). NG is a highly appropriate host for the requested investment in infrastructure.

The expertise of its staff and the relatively large team mean that maximum value in terms of use can be extracted from it.

The equipment would be placed within well-established scientific and photographic departments, complementing or filling gaps within the existing facilities. Its track record in utilising technical research result in its public programmes is also relevant. The iconic nature of the NG collection means the research is of international interest.

The demonstrable strong commitment of NG to heritage science research and its high profile within the institution also supports the case for investment in its scientific infrastructure.