Digital microscopes support Australian Conservators

Recently I presented a workshop with Annaliese Treacy to conservators at the Art Gallery of NSW. This allowed me to see first hand how conservators in Australian libraries, art galleries and museums use digital microscopes. Annaliese is a conservator at the gallery, where she and her colleagues use a range of digital microscopes including polarising and fluorescent models.

Annalise’ assessment of digital microscopes as a tool for conservators follows

Currently developed for use in industries including: graphic design, electronic engineering, quality control, healthcare and materials science, conservators at the AGNSW have found applications for these tools in the examination of a range of materials including: works on paper, photographs, paintings, frames, objects and textiles.

Digital microscopes are also useful for capturing images for condition reports, talks, lectures and presentations and to support theories or discuss materials that have been used by an artist.

Easily attached to a laptop or PC, these small, portable devices are particularly useful in instances where more advanced analytical and instrumental equipment is not available. At the AGNSW conservators regularly find themselves examining artworks in exhibition spaces, offsite stores, private homes, loan venues and even outdoor locations, in such instances these devices have proved useful for on-the-spot examination where the alternative ‘zoom’ option on a digital camera is not sufficient.

With an ever increasing range to choose from, some new and potentially useful options on the market include the Dino-Lite Pro Infrared (AM413T) and variations of the aforementioned models with advanced measurement and calibration software. A particularly interesting addition to the range is a ‘long working distance’ model (AM413TL) designed to provide magnification at a greater working distance of up to 15cm. Offering 5x–40x magnification with a wider field of view, this device allows users to view objects at a safe distance. The long distance microscope is potentially useful for applications where the user would need to work under the scope, yet not require much magnification. All models come in either composite or aluminium alloy housing and accessories include: stands, flexible arms, foot pedals for taking pictures and inspection tables.