Technical studies
The Grimwade Centre’s research advances conservation methods and materials, their ageing and application properties as well the novel use of analytical instrumentation to develop new knowledge in cultural materials conservation.
Research leads
Dr Jonathan Kemp
Dr Petronella Nel
Prof Robyn Sloggett
Dr Nicole Tse
Research partners
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Flinders University
MAMU- Music Archive Monash University
Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse Museum)
Museums Victoria
Queensland Museum
South Australian Museum
University of Technology Sydney
Key research partners within The University of Melbourne:
Centre for Classics and Archaeology
Materials Characterisation and Fabrication Platform (Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology)
Melbourne TrACEES Platform (Trace Analysis for Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences)
School of Chemistry
School of Earth Sciences
Doctoral Studies
2019 - Evan Tindal Evaluating the photooxidative ageing properties of 3D printed plastics: strategies for their use and conservation in cultural heritage contexts
2012 - Sabine Cotte ‘Mirka Mora and works of Art’, PhD, Dr Nicole Tse and Assoc. Professor Alison Inglis
2012 - Felicity Strong, ‘Art fraud and the art market’, PhD, Professor Robyn Sloggett, Dr Nicole Tse, Assoc. Professor Alison Inglis.
Current:
Apryl Morden, ‘An examination of the oeuvre of Howard Arkley: a technical study’
Catherine Nunn, ‘Transnationalism and Australian artists materials, 1885-1914’
Raymonda Rajkowski ‘The characterisation of acrylic emulsion paints in Australian colour-field painting’
Katrina Watson, 'Conservation of photographic camera collections: An investigation of the materials and deterioration phenomena to inform conservation decision making'
Raymonda Rajkowski ‘The characterisation of acrylic emulsion paints in Australian colour-field painting’
Research activities
A national framework for managing malignant plastics in museum collections
3D printing of custom musical instruments for heritage and industry needs
Attribution and authentication
Research translation
Research translation through Grimwade Conservation Services
Public Programs
The Technical Study of Bernini’s Bronzes: Art History, Conservation, and Material Science (University of Melbourne - University of Toronto Joint Research Program Award)
Paper dyes used in Persian medieval manuscripts: creating a materials construction digital database (Barakat Trust Award)
Research classifications
Field of Research (FoR)
430209 Materials conservation
430101 Archaeological science
Socio-Economic Objectives (SEO)
130402 Conserving collections and movable cultural heritage
280113 Expanding knowledge in history, heritage and archaeology