Raman investigation of Middle Eastern Manuscripts
The Middle Eastern Manuscript Collection, collected by Professor John Bowman at the University of Melbourne, is an important collection but requires substantial research before conservation treatment can be undertaken. Raman spectroscopy is a particularly useful tool for manuscript investigation, providing “through air” analysis of works of art giving a high degree of analytical results without the need to take samples. This makes Raman analysis particularly relevant for works of art from which sampling is difficult, such as extremely rare works, those in extremely good condition or small works. Raman also provides the ability to analyse the structure of both organic and inorganic compounds. Raman can focus on very small particles, and pigment grains within a matrix can be selectively analysed. Raman also provides information related directly to the sample through the capacity to visually reference the area being analysed during the analytical process, making it useful in quick and readily referencing analytical results. A substantial reference data base has been established and a number of important manuscripts have been analysed. A symposium The Care and Conservation of Middle Eastern Manuscripts was hosted by CCMC in December 2007.
Publications:
- Sloggett, R 2008 ‘RAMAN Analysis of Pigments found in Middle Eastern Manuscripts in the University of Melbourne Collection’ Proceedings of the Symposium on the Care and Conservation of Middle Eastern Manuscripts The Melbourne Journal of Technical Studies in Art, 26-28 November 2007, Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, The University of Melbourne
- ‘Protocols and Procedures for the Baillieu Library Middle Eastern Manuscript Collection’ Louise Wilson 2006 –Internal document prepared for the Baillieu Library Conservation Project
- Kerry, A and Robyn Sloggett 1999 ‘Science in the Service of Religion and Art’ Angela Kerry and Robyn Sloggett in The University of Melbourne Library Journal, 5 (2), December 1999, 20-24