X-ray of painting on panel. ©National Trust/3DX-Ray
The previous post about the x-raying of furniture at Knole was so enthusiastically received that I thought you might enjoy seeing some more images.
The painting being x-rayed. ©National Trust
The pictures were taken by James Young of 3DX-Ray, working with the National Trust team at Knole.
X-ray of part of sofa. ©National Trust/3DX-Ray
This experiment with x-raying furniture and works of art in situ has been undertaken to help National Trust conservators in assessing the condition the objects are in.
X-ray of sofa leg. ©National Trust/3DX-Ray
But many of you have responded to the ethereal, uncanny beauty of the images.
Chair being x-rayed. ©National Trust
Perhaps this proves that good science is always in some way beautiful, and that beauty is somehow always connected to insight.
X-ray of sofa armrest. ©National Trust/3DX-Ray
The images also expose the material complexity of objects that have been around for several hundred years and have been repaired a number of times.
X-ray of seat. ©National Trust/3DX-Ray
And this is perhaps where the ‘art’ and ‘science’ views will diverge.
X-ray of tunic of torchère figure. ©National Trust/3DX-Ray
Whereas the aesthetes among us will shudder at the crooked nails and massive screws that have been driven into the wooden frames, the conservators will relish the clarity of the images, like doctors examining a particularly interesting patient.
July 12, 2011 at 13:09 |
Love this series. While owners may have intruded on the integrity of the chair for purpose of utility, curators need to do no further damage in the name of examination for history. Clear progress.
July 12, 2011 at 13:13 |
Yes it is like non-invasive archaeology, isn’t it?
July 12, 2011 at 13:37 |
Pretty nearly perfect…
July 12, 2011 at 15:27 |
again- they are truly art! the draping on the torchere figure is outstanding. can’t wait for that book.
July 12, 2011 at 16:46 |
Gaye, yes it shows up the excellent carving of the drapery, but renders it poignantly insubstantial – if that is not too pretentious a way of putting it
July 12, 2011 at 16:52 |
actually , put perfectly- wish I’d said it myself! pgt
July 13, 2011 at 21:16 |
Thank you for posting the additional X-rays. As before, they are quite the most revealing and artistic images.
July 14, 2011 at 13:28 |
Glad you like th eimages. Hopefully there will be some more from future work for the National Trust and indeed other similar conservation bodies. If anyone is interested in having some of their own possesions x-rayed then please get in touch – always happy to discuss.
July 15, 2011 at 03:18 |
The X-ray of the drapery is leaving me speechless. Gorgeous.
July 16, 2011 at 12:31 |
Emile, what a treat to see more. James’s work is breathtaking. This time around I’m captivated by the fringe on the seat. Sounds like the public will have a chance to have personal pieces x-rayed — brilliant idea!
July 17, 2011 at 14:14 |
Thank you all. Yes the metallic threads show up briliantly.