Tagging posts
Just to let readers know that I'll be tagging all past blog posts (about 300 odd of these) via the new Blogger interface. So for those who grab the feed from this blog, advance apologies for any duplicates that might result from this. Appreciate your understanding. Thanks!
from ICON, The Institute of Conservation, UK
UK's cultural heritage under threat - Peers warn
go to article
Our present understanding of a whole range of conservation and heritage problems has been helped tremendously by a more rigorous scientific approach that was pioneered by a few far-sighted individuals and institutions - both in Europe, UK and USA - around the mid of the 20th-century.
And now with the recent publication of an in-depth report (published by the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee) on the state of conservation and heritage science research in the UK, it won't be long before we see a surge of concerted effort in this area of fundamental and essential work, despite the ominous tone of the published report. Or perhaps, because of it.
For the full report, there is an online version, as well as a PDF version (warning: PDF, 3.6MB).
[ Thanks to the Conservation DistList for the prior alert. ]
UK's cultural heritage under threat - Peers warn
go to article
Our present understanding of a whole range of conservation and heritage problems has been helped tremendously by a more rigorous scientific approach that was pioneered by a few far-sighted individuals and institutions - both in Europe, UK and USA - around the mid of the 20th-century.
And now with the recent publication of an in-depth report (published by the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee) on the state of conservation and heritage science research in the UK, it won't be long before we see a surge of concerted effort in this area of fundamental and essential work, despite the ominous tone of the published report. Or perhaps, because of it.
For the full report, there is an online version, as well as a PDF version (warning: PDF, 3.6MB).
[ Thanks to the Conservation DistList for the prior alert. ]
from North Carolina Museum of Art
Revolution in Paint
go to web-site
In conjunction with an exhibition of paintings by Monet, the North Carolina Museum of Art has put together a concurrent exhibition - Revolution in Paint - which attempts to map the break with traditional academy-style painting at the end of the 19th-century onto contemporaneous developments in pigment and paint technology. Quoting from the exhibition guide:
[ Thanks to the Conservation DistList for the prior alert. ]
Revolution in Paint
go to web-site
In conjunction with an exhibition of paintings by Monet, the North Carolina Museum of Art has put together a concurrent exhibition - Revolution in Paint - which attempts to map the break with traditional academy-style painting at the end of the 19th-century onto contemporaneous developments in pigment and paint technology. Quoting from the exhibition guide:
"Revolution is based on a simple premise: A radical change in artist’s pigments during the 19th century enabled a revolution in painting. The exhibition explores the innovations of the impressionists—with special emphasis on their choice of pigments—as well the academic traditions against which the impressionist rebelled."What may be of interest is that the exhibition is curated by Perry Hurt, who is a conservator at the museum. Links here to the online exhibition supplement (warning : PDF, 12MB) and a short news article write-up (The News & Observer)
[ Thanks to the Conservation DistList for the prior alert. ]
from The New York Times
Rare Glimpses of China's Long-Hidden Treasures
go to article
With the end of a 4-year long refurbishment, the National Palace Museum in Taiwan is now re-opening its doors to the public, and interestingly, to an all-too-common refrain:
Rare Glimpses of China's Long-Hidden Treasures
go to article
With the end of a 4-year long refurbishment, the National Palace Museum in Taiwan is now re-opening its doors to the public, and interestingly, to an all-too-common refrain:
"While the museum’s collection has an international reputation among art connoisseurs, it has been distinctly less popular in Taiwan, and especially among young Taiwanese who feel little connection to the mainland. Slightly more than half the museum’s two million visitors a year come from outside Taiwan, mainly from Japan, Korea and other countries in Asia."
Creative Commons
go to website
I'm taking an unusual step in this off-topic post to ask readers of this blog to spare a few moments and support the work of Creative Commons. This blog is also published using one of the Creative Common licenses which seek to balance the need for some form of copyright protection but not in the highly restrictive, and potentially crippling, form that we have today.
Find out more about the work and legal concepts of the Creative Commons here.
go to website
I'm taking an unusual step in this off-topic post to ask readers of this blog to spare a few moments and support the work of Creative Commons. This blog is also published using one of the Creative Common licenses which seek to balance the need for some form of copyright protection but not in the highly restrictive, and potentially crippling, form that we have today.
Find out more about the work and legal concepts of the Creative Commons here.
from The Guardian
Shame on these sophisticated barbarians
go to article
What makes a 'world class' city?
go to article
from The New York Times
Rodin Show Visits Home of Artist’s Muses
go to article
from The Straits Times
Is the museum too 'Disney'?
go to article (PDF)
Just catching up on various museum-related news and behold the sheer coincidence of commentary. Starting with Jonathan Jones' criticism of the tendency of museums to be geared towards the gimmicky - or the "experiential" - at the expense of the "collection", such that exhibitions are often conceived to titillate (intellectually) instead of being engaging. This is reflected in the growing trend of (art) museums being built outside of Europe and North America, all trying to out-emulate each other, prompting Claire Hsu to wonder:
Shame on these sophisticated barbarians
go to article
What makes a 'world class' city?
go to article
from The New York Times
Rodin Show Visits Home of Artist’s Muses
go to article
from The Straits Times
Is the museum too 'Disney'?
go to article (PDF)
Just catching up on various museum-related news and behold the sheer coincidence of commentary. Starting with Jonathan Jones' criticism of the tendency of museums to be geared towards the gimmicky - or the "experiential" - at the expense of the "collection", such that exhibitions are often conceived to titillate (intellectually) instead of being engaging. This is reflected in the growing trend of (art) museums being built outside of Europe and North America, all trying to out-emulate each other, prompting Claire Hsu to wonder:
"How [...] is the 19th century European museum becoming a default model for modern art museums in certain parts of Asia?"And two instances closer to home to pin down the point that museums cannot afford to be uncritical about the intellectual impact that it carries, willingly or otherwise. One, the story in the New York Times on a very bad case of colonial hang-over - although the one good thing to come out of this episode may be a badly needed infrastructure refurbishment at the National Museum in Phnom Penh. The other, a poignant plead to reconsider the "theme-park" make-over of our very own National Museum - and pointing back to Jone's article to close our circular reference.
from PhysicsWeb
Water pores reveal age of paper
go to article
go to abstract
Yet another scientific analytical tool in estimating the age of paper-based materials (also see earlier post on the "print-clock"). This new technique looks at the molecular structure of cellulose fibres present in paper and measuring the size of pores which holds water in the cellulose molecule, which increases over time. In the abstract, there is a mention of the protective effect of gelatine sizing on paper.
Water pores reveal age of paper
go to article
go to abstract
Yet another scientific analytical tool in estimating the age of paper-based materials (also see earlier post on the "print-clock"). This new technique looks at the molecular structure of cellulose fibres present in paper and measuring the size of pores which holds water in the cellulose molecule, which increases over time. In the abstract, there is a mention of the protective effect of gelatine sizing on paper.
from Tate Papers
go to web-site
The Tate has collected together various academic papers related to their collection accessible from the above web-site. In particular, several papers related to art conservation:
Issue 1: Spring 2004
go to web-site
The Tate has collected together various academic papers related to their collection accessible from the above web-site. In particular, several papers related to art conservation:
Issue 1: Spring 2004
"Developing Strategies for the Conservation of Installations Incorporating Time-based Media: Gary Hill's Between Cinema and a Hard Place"Issue 2: Autumn 2004
Pip Laurenson
Go to paper
"Paintings on Canvas: Lining and Alternatives"Issue 3: Spring 2005
Stephen Hackney
Go to paper
"Conservation Concerns for Acrylic Emulsion Paints: A Literature Review"
Elizabeth Jablonski, Tom Learner, James Hayes & Mark Golden
Go to paper
"The Materials Used by British Oil Painters in the Nineteenth Century"
Joyce H Townsend
Go to paper
"Glazing Over: A Review of Glazing Options for Works of Art on Paper"Issue 4: Autumn 2005
Rosie Freemantle
Go to paper
"The Management of Display Equipment in Time-based Media Installations"
Pip Laurenson
Go to paper
"Beuys is Dead: Long Live Beuys! Characterising Volition, Longevity, and Decision-Making in the Work of Joseph Beuys"Issue 6: Autumn 2006
Rachel Barker & Alison Bracker
Go to paper
"The Effects of Surface Cleaning on Acrylic Emulsion Paintings: A Preliminary Investigation"
Bronwyn Ormsky, Tom Learner, Michael Schilling, Jim Druzik, Herant Khanjian, Dave Carson, Gary Foster & Mike Sloan
Go to paper
"Authenticity, Change and Loss in the Conservation of Time-Based Media Installations"
Pip Laurenson
Go to paper
from The New York Times
A Layered Look Reveals Ancient Greek Texts
go to article
An update on the earlier post on the examination and conservation of the historic Archimedes palimpsest. Also see the offical web-site.
A Layered Look Reveals Ancient Greek Texts
go to article
An update on the earlier post on the examination and conservation of the historic Archimedes palimpsest. Also see the offical web-site.
from yesterday.sg
A slew of interesting posts in the past weeks which looked back on various familiar places in Singapore:
shots@ bonham hill (view from Fort Canning Hill)
Beauty World
Lorong Chuan
Bishan Two Zero
Enjoy!
A slew of interesting posts in the past weeks which looked back on various familiar places in Singapore:
shots@ bonham hill (view from Fort Canning Hill)
Beauty World
Lorong Chuan
Bishan Two Zero
Enjoy!
from Metropolis Magazine
Virtual Preservation
go to article
A variation on the successful BBC programme "Restoration", whereby the public gets to vote for a historic property to be restored. In the case of San Francisco, the public will vote online for half of the number of listed historic sites to share in the final "prize-money". Does this not sound like passing the burden of decision-making to the "public", regardless of how inadequate or ambiguous that term / group may be?
Virtual Preservation
go to article
A variation on the successful BBC programme "Restoration", whereby the public gets to vote for a historic property to be restored. In the case of San Francisco, the public will vote online for half of the number of listed historic sites to share in the final "prize-money". Does this not sound like passing the burden of decision-making to the "public", regardless of how inadequate or ambiguous that term / group may be?
from ashpanda
Save Palmer Road
go to blog post
go to "Save Palmer Road" web-site
A worthy local effort to raise awareness and preserve the dwindling historic areas still standing in present-day Singapore. Also see previous post here.
[ Thanks to yesterday.sg and Singapore Heritage List for the alert ]
Save Palmer Road
go to blog post
go to "Save Palmer Road" web-site
A worthy local effort to raise awareness and preserve the dwindling historic areas still standing in present-day Singapore. Also see previous post here.
[ Thanks to yesterday.sg and Singapore Heritage List for the alert ]
from Rambling Librarian
So NLB is archiving Singapore websites...
go to blog post
go to NLB's Web Archive Singapore
Better late than never ... as Singapore joins the wider effort in preserving digital contents.
So NLB is archiving Singapore websites...
go to blog post
go to NLB's Web Archive Singapore
Better late than never ... as Singapore joins the wider effort in preserving digital contents.
from New Scientist
The nitrogen the Vikings left behind
go to article
A belated news item on a novel way of detecting buried archaeological sites without digging! By looking at the proportion of nitrogen isotopes in uncultivated plants growing above ground, scientists have recently discovered that the normal nitrogen isotope ratio would be different for those plants growing immediately above the archaeological sites being studied. This could be due to human and/or animal waste products accumulated before the sites were buried. Yet another useful tool in the search for past heritage sites, perhaps.
The nitrogen the Vikings left behind
go to article
A belated news item on a novel way of detecting buried archaeological sites without digging! By looking at the proportion of nitrogen isotopes in uncultivated plants growing above ground, scientists have recently discovered that the normal nitrogen isotope ratio would be different for those plants growing immediately above the archaeological sites being studied. This could be due to human and/or animal waste products accumulated before the sites were buried. Yet another useful tool in the search for past heritage sites, perhaps.
from The New York Times
Rays and Neutrons, for Art’s Sake
go to article
How nuclear science helped answer questions of provenance, age and authenticity about art. Methods used include some of the most fundamental in nuclear science, such as neutron activation analysis, proton-induced X-ray emission, accelerator mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.
Check out the The Limestone Sculpture Provenance Project: A Case Study at the MET and the accompanying video on how neutron activation analysis has helped uncover the mystery of an angel fragment.
Rays and Neutrons, for Art’s Sake
go to article
How nuclear science helped answer questions of provenance, age and authenticity about art. Methods used include some of the most fundamental in nuclear science, such as neutron activation analysis, proton-induced X-ray emission, accelerator mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.
Check out the The Limestone Sculpture Provenance Project: A Case Study at the MET and the accompanying video on how neutron activation analysis has helped uncover the mystery of an angel fragment.
from Ming Bao
Qin Terracotta Warriors under microbiological attack
go to article
Other links about the collection:
go to Wikipedia
go to Travel China Guide
News from a Chinese Paper on how the Qin Terracotta Warriors, one of China's greatest discovered heritage assets in the 20th century and which is dated back to 246 BC, are suffering from the attack of 48 different microscopic organisms.
A professor from Belgium, Paul Stoffels, upon examination and analysis said that the microbiological attack is in 3 main aspects: surface layer of the Warriors, the wall and floor area of the site. There are also damages in the colour and the internal structure of the terracotta figures. Scientists are currently actively seeking solutions to solve this problem.
[Thanks to Francisco Chan from the Museum of Macau who alerted us the news.]
Qin Terracotta Warriors under microbiological attack
go to article
Other links about the collection:
go to Wikipedia
go to Travel China Guide
News from a Chinese Paper on how the Qin Terracotta Warriors, one of China's greatest discovered heritage assets in the 20th century and which is dated back to 246 BC, are suffering from the attack of 48 different microscopic organisms.
A professor from Belgium, Paul Stoffels, upon examination and analysis said that the microbiological attack is in 3 main aspects: surface layer of the Warriors, the wall and floor area of the site. There are also damages in the colour and the internal structure of the terracotta figures. Scientists are currently actively seeking solutions to solve this problem.
[Thanks to Francisco Chan from the Museum of Macau who alerted us the news.]
from New York Times
Swimming With Famous Dead Sharks
go to article
Finally, the restoration of Hirst's infamous work had gotten underway - and at the behest and expense of the collector who bought the work. As the "original" shark had deteriorated very badly due to an incorrect method used initially, the restored work would be using a replacement specimen.
Swimming With Famous Dead Sharks
go to article
Finally, the restoration of Hirst's infamous work had gotten underway - and at the behest and expense of the collector who bought the work. As the "original" shark had deteriorated very badly due to an incorrect method used initially, the restored work would be using a replacement specimen.
Mr. Hirst acknowledges that once the shark is replaced, art historians will argue that the piece cannot be considered the same artwork. "“It'’s a big dilemma," he said. "“Artists and conservators have different opinions about what's important: the original artwork or the original intention. I come from a Conceptual art background, so I think it should be the intention. It'’s the same piece. But the jury will be out for a long time to come."’See earlier posts here and here.
from Toronto Star
Pirouette preservation
go to article
Preservation is an act which seeks to negate or slow the effects of time. However, when it comes to cultural expressions which embraces the dimension of time itself - as in a dance performance - then, preservation of such (intangible) art-forms becomes a challenge.
Pirouette preservation
go to article
Preservation is an act which seeks to negate or slow the effects of time. However, when it comes to cultural expressions which embraces the dimension of time itself - as in a dance performance - then, preservation of such (intangible) art-forms becomes a challenge.
from The Art Newspaper
Bill Gates’ Leonardo notebook withdrawn from exhibition
go to article
An unusal turn of events in which a world-renow museum is seen to be less cautious about protecting artefacts from light damage than a concerned collector, and none other than Bill Gates himself.
Bill Gates’ Leonardo notebook withdrawn from exhibition
go to article
An unusal turn of events in which a world-renow museum is seen to be less cautious about protecting artefacts from light damage than a concerned collector, and none other than Bill Gates himself.
from CBC
Acropolis museum on sched for 2007 opening
go to article
Another development ratcheting up the debate around the question: "Should the Elgin Marbles be returned?" (See earlier posts here, here and here.)
Acropolis museum on sched for 2007 opening
go to article
Another development ratcheting up the debate around the question: "Should the Elgin Marbles be returned?" (See earlier posts here, here and here.)
from The Guardian
Canterbury's miracle
go to article (2nd October 2006)
from BBC News
Crumbling cathedral 'needs £50m'
go to article (3rd October 2006)
from International Herald Tribune
Britain's Canterbury Cathedral appeals for funds for repairs
go to article (3rd October 2006)
from Christian Today
£50m Needed to Save Canterbury Cathedral
go to article (5th October 2006)
from Episcopal News Service
Global fundraising campaign launched to save Canterbury Cathedral
go to article (9th October 2006)
Save Canterbury Cathedral Fundraising
go to web-site
Having spent some time in Canterbury in my younger days, I recall going around and looking at some of the diverse range of conservation and restoration works already happening there some 15 years ago.
It seems that the biggest threat facing such a historical monument comes not from the passage of time, but rather from an overwhelming number of visitors - both tourists and pilgrims. This could indeed be a case study of how and why heritage tourism might not be a sustainable solution for the long-term preservation of historic sites or monuments.
Canterbury's miracle
go to article (2nd October 2006)
from BBC News
Crumbling cathedral 'needs £50m'
go to article (3rd October 2006)
from International Herald Tribune
Britain's Canterbury Cathedral appeals for funds for repairs
go to article (3rd October 2006)
from Christian Today
£50m Needed to Save Canterbury Cathedral
go to article (5th October 2006)
from Episcopal News Service
Global fundraising campaign launched to save Canterbury Cathedral
go to article (9th October 2006)
Save Canterbury Cathedral Fundraising
go to web-site
Having spent some time in Canterbury in my younger days, I recall going around and looking at some of the diverse range of conservation and restoration works already happening there some 15 years ago.
It seems that the biggest threat facing such a historical monument comes not from the passage of time, but rather from an overwhelming number of visitors - both tourists and pilgrims. This could indeed be a case study of how and why heritage tourism might not be a sustainable solution for the long-term preservation of historic sites or monuments.
From Guardian Unlimited
Software that reveals which paintings are authentic
go to article
A software that helps to authenticate paintings through matching the characteristics of the painting under question to its library of characteristics for that particular artist, such as brushstrokes, colours and type of canvas used etc. The developer of the software said the technique was not designed to replace the opinions of art historians but is meant as a tool to help them reach a decision.
Guess the success of the software as a tool would hinge on building up a representative repertoire of works of individual artists. This task is tremendous when you think of how certain masters have different styles in different phases of their art practice!
Software that reveals which paintings are authentic
go to article
A software that helps to authenticate paintings through matching the characteristics of the painting under question to its library of characteristics for that particular artist, such as brushstrokes, colours and type of canvas used etc. The developer of the software said the technique was not designed to replace the opinions of art historians but is meant as a tool to help them reach a decision.
Guess the success of the software as a tool would hinge on building up a representative repertoire of works of individual artists. This task is tremendous when you think of how certain masters have different styles in different phases of their art practice!
Singapore Heritage Mailing List
go to web-page
Re-posting the following announcement and would like to encourage readers of this weblog to join in the diverse and insightful discussions over at the mailing list.
go to web-page
Re-posting the following announcement and would like to encourage readers of this weblog to join in the diverse and insightful discussions over at the mailing list.
On 10/10/06 12:18 PM, "Chua Ai Lin" wrote:
Dear list members,
Today is the 6th anniversary of the Singapore Heritage Yahoogroup!
At this point last year, there were 267 registered subscribers, and now we have 461. In the past year, the number of postings each month have varied between 121 and 276.
If you have friends who would like to join the list too, do tell them that one does not need a Yahoo email address to receive messages, simply send a blank email to:
singaporeheritage-subscribe[at]yahoogroups.com
It's great to see more and more of you sharing on the list, and here's to more interesting discussions in the coming year!
--Ai Lin
Sg-Heritage Yahoogroup moderator
from New York Times
New Look at '‘Mona Lisa'’ Yields Some New Secrets
go to article
from The Guardian
High-res 3D scan helps scientists uncover Mona Lisa's secrets
go to article
A couple of overlapping articles looking at the technical examination of the famed masterpiece, using infra-red imaging to look at alterations, as well as laser scanner to record minute paint surface topology.
New Look at '‘Mona Lisa'’ Yields Some New Secrets
go to article
from The Guardian
High-res 3D scan helps scientists uncover Mona Lisa's secrets
go to article
A couple of overlapping articles looking at the technical examination of the famed masterpiece, using infra-red imaging to look at alterations, as well as laser scanner to record minute paint surface topology.
from ePreservation Science
go to web-page
A new issue of the online journal for Conservation Science with 4 articles:
go to web-page
A new issue of the online journal for Conservation Science with 4 articles:
A Baranski et.al.
"Mixed control mechanisms in paper degradation studies"
(PDF article)
Y Keheyan & L Giulianiell
"Identification of historical ink ingredients"
(PDF article)
U Knuutinen & P Kyllonen
"Studies of polyester composite art objects"
(PDF article)
L Rampazzi & R Bugini
"Characterization of mortars of St. Lorenzo, Milan"
(PDF article)
from ICOM News
International Journal of Intangible Heritage
go to article
A new journal, published by the National Folk Museum of Korea, which focuses on issues relating to the preservation of intangible heritage. (Also see previous posts on the subject).
International Journal of Intangible Heritage
go to article
A new journal, published by the National Folk Museum of Korea, which focuses on issues relating to the preservation of intangible heritage. (Also see previous posts on the subject).
from Chemical and Engineering News
Incredible Colors
go to article
Another article on the analysis of the use of unusual materials in the oil paintings of the 16th-century Venetian School which explained the characteristic glow and luminosity of these paintings (also see previous post here).
Incredible Colors
go to article
Another article on the analysis of the use of unusual materials in the oil paintings of the 16th-century Venetian School which explained the characteristic glow and luminosity of these paintings (also see previous post here).
Print Clock: A method for dating early books and prints
go to web-site
A web-site which explains in greater detail the new-found theory of dating prints (taken from woodblocks and copper plates) using image- and statistical-analysis comparing breaks in printed lines and also the difference in their thickness. This expands on an earlier news article (see previous post) announcing the research done by a biologist! There is also a more technical scientific paper available (PDF file).
go to web-site
A web-site which explains in greater detail the new-found theory of dating prints (taken from woodblocks and copper plates) using image- and statistical-analysis comparing breaks in printed lines and also the difference in their thickness. This expands on an earlier news article (see previous post) announcing the research done by a biologist! There is also a more technical scientific paper available (PDF file).
from PhysicsWeb
A sensitive approach to frescoes
go to article
from Seed Magazine
Physicists develop tool to diagnose Italian frescoes
go to article
A new technique which measures the moisture and salt content of frescoes up to a surface depth of 2cm into the surface, without the need for sampling or removal of materials. This is achieved by a combination of using a microwave source and a detector which differentiates the resonance frequency of the reflected radiation from the materials.
This would be a definite improvement over current techniques which use infra-red radiation as a detection source - the limitation being only the very top fresco surface is monitored as well as the inability to detect salt levels, which often is the primary cause of deterioration in wall frescoes.
A sensitive approach to frescoes
go to article
from Seed Magazine
Physicists develop tool to diagnose Italian frescoes
go to article
A new technique which measures the moisture and salt content of frescoes up to a surface depth of 2cm into the surface, without the need for sampling or removal of materials. This is achieved by a combination of using a microwave source and a detector which differentiates the resonance frequency of the reflected radiation from the materials.
This would be a definite improvement over current techniques which use infra-red radiation as a detection source - the limitation being only the very top fresco surface is monitored as well as the inability to detect salt levels, which often is the primary cause of deterioration in wall frescoes.
from BBC News
Singapore war internee's art on show
go to article
An article on BBC News about some recently donated watercolurs displayed at the Changi Museum (see museum wesite and previous post).
[ Thanks to Singapore Heritage Mailing List ]
Singapore war internee's art on show
go to article
An article on BBC News about some recently donated watercolurs displayed at the Changi Museum (see museum wesite and previous post).
[ Thanks to Singapore Heritage Mailing List ]
from wikimapia
National Monuments of Singapore
Following on from an earlier post, I have finished marking-up all the locations of gazetted national monuments in Singapore for a start.
A close-up of the city centre area, which has the majority of the gazetted monuments:
Point and click on a location, and then click the "info" button to get links to more information and images, where available online.
Next in line will be various conservation areas and also locations which have some historic significance. As the wikimapia interface is very much a collaborative one, do add on information and locations where possible.
Also, I have tagged locations on wikimapia with a general tag: "heritage", and will also be using other more specific ones such as: "monument", "museum", "conservation_area" etc.
You can change markers on the map via the drop-down menu for filtering by tags at the top-right of the map window - or leave it unfiltered to get an overwhelming sense of details!
Have a browse round and leave your comments or feedback here ...
National Monuments of Singapore
Following on from an earlier post, I have finished marking-up all the locations of gazetted national monuments in Singapore for a start.
A close-up of the city centre area, which has the majority of the gazetted monuments:
Point and click on a location, and then click the "info" button to get links to more information and images, where available online.
Next in line will be various conservation areas and also locations which have some historic significance. As the wikimapia interface is very much a collaborative one, do add on information and locations where possible.
Also, I have tagged locations on wikimapia with a general tag: "heritage", and will also be using other more specific ones such as: "monument", "museum", "conservation_area" etc.
You can change markers on the map via the drop-down menu for filtering by tags at the top-right of the map window - or leave it unfiltered to get an overwhelming sense of details!
Have a browse round and leave your comments or feedback here ...
from BBC News
X-rays reveal Archimedes secrets
go to article
Interesting to read about the life journey of a goatskin parchment who started off from bearing Archimedes' work in the 10th Century, to being recycled by monks to record Greek Orthodox prayers around the 13th Century and finally being ornamented by forgers in the 20th Century, where gold paintings of religious imagery were added so as to try to boost the value of the tome. What a life!
Amazing how the imaging technique of X-ray fluorescence made it possible for scientists to "travel" back in time by layers and reveal this "biography" of the palimpsest...
X-rays reveal Archimedes secrets
go to article
Interesting to read about the life journey of a goatskin parchment who started off from bearing Archimedes' work in the 10th Century, to being recycled by monks to record Greek Orthodox prayers around the 13th Century and finally being ornamented by forgers in the 20th Century, where gold paintings of religious imagery were added so as to try to boost the value of the tome. What a life!
Amazing how the imaging technique of X-ray fluorescence made it possible for scientists to "travel" back in time by layers and reveal this "biography" of the palimpsest...
from yesterday,sg
Post-Earthquake Cultural Resource Documentation Trip to Yogyakarta
go to article
Highlights of a talk given at the Heritage Conservation Centre in Singapore. [ Thanks to yesterday.sg for the post! ]
Post-Earthquake Cultural Resource Documentation Trip to Yogyakarta
go to article
Highlights of a talk given at the Heritage Conservation Centre in Singapore. [ Thanks to yesterday.sg for the post! ]
from New York Times
Should Art Museums Always Be Free? There's Room for Debate
go to article
If the argument for access to museums' collections is taken from a humanistic point of view, then charging for entry would be indefensible. Especially, as pointed out in this article:
Putting it another way, mission must not be diluted in the pursuit of the bottomline. In fact, Smith argues that:
Should Art Museums Always Be Free? There's Room for Debate
go to article
If the argument for access to museums' collections is taken from a humanistic point of view, then charging for entry would be indefensible. Especially, as pointed out in this article:
"Museums speak of wanting to attract larger, more democratic audiences. They cannot even begin to know this audience, much less accommodate it, until they lower the barriers, at least to their permanent collections."Roberta Smith goes on in the article to list, surprisingly, a number of American museums which stand by the principle of free access. This echoed the earlier attempt across in the UK to do away with entrance fees which saw a corresponding rise in visitorship numbers by as much as 72% in the first year (see earlier post here).
Putting it another way, mission must not be diluted in the pursuit of the bottomline. In fact, Smith argues that:
"If museums were to broadcast unequivocally that their first priority is art and the public's contact with art, their public image would improve and sharpen. And other things about them would start to change, from the people who sit on their boards, to the buildings they build."It would be most prudent that museums not forget their social mission, even as they woo the evermore "sophisticated audience" (see earlier related post here).
from Los Angeles Times
Call the tech squad
go to article
The problem of preserving new-media and contemporary is not a new issue. However, what may be a turning point (for the better, I think) is the increasing profile given to this area of art conservation. This is due, in no small part, to a convergence of the interests of collectors and museums, who have both the clout and wealth to ensure that attention is paid to the long-term (physical, as well as economic) well-being of their collections. This may not be a bad thing in itself.
Call the tech squad
go to article
The problem of preserving new-media and contemporary is not a new issue. However, what may be a turning point (for the better, I think) is the increasing profile given to this area of art conservation. This is due, in no small part, to a convergence of the interests of collectors and museums, who have both the clout and wealth to ensure that attention is paid to the long-term (physical, as well as economic) well-being of their collections. This may not be a bad thing in itself.
from Smithsonian Institution Libraries
Textile Fiber Atlas
go to web-page
download PDF (6.4 Mb)
The classic 1942 work, Textile Fiber Atlas: A Collection of Photomicrographs of Common Textile Fibers, by Werner Von Bergen and Walter Krauss is now available in scanned PDF format from the Smithsonian Institution Libraries. Thanks to the efforts of Mary Ballard, Senior Textile Conservator at the Museum Conservation Institute (formerly CAL and SCMRE).
[ also see initial announcement on the Conservation DistList mailing list here. ]
Textile Fiber Atlas
go to web-page
download PDF (6.4 Mb)
The classic 1942 work, Textile Fiber Atlas: A Collection of Photomicrographs of Common Textile Fibers, by Werner Von Bergen and Walter Krauss is now available in scanned PDF format from the Smithsonian Institution Libraries. Thanks to the efforts of Mary Ballard, Senior Textile Conservator at the Museum Conservation Institute (formerly CAL and SCMRE).
[ also see initial announcement on the Conservation DistList mailing list here. ]
from Guardian
Road plans put Stonehenge status at risk
go to article
An update on the effort to rollback an ill-conceived plan for a traffic tunnel in the vicinity of the World Heritage site, which besides threatening the actual site, might also damage archaeological evidences in the area (see earlier BBC report).
Road plans put Stonehenge status at risk
go to article
An update on the effort to rollback an ill-conceived plan for a traffic tunnel in the vicinity of the World Heritage site, which besides threatening the actual site, might also damage archaeological evidences in the area (see earlier BBC report).
from BBC News
Guggenheim expands into Emirates
go to article
from Guardian Culture Vulture Blog
The Guggenheim effect
go to weblog post
This latest attempt by the Guggenheim to build yet another branch follows from earlier unsuccessful attempts in Asia (see earlier posts here and here). Isn't it time to stop this madness?
Guggenheim expands into Emirates
go to article
from Guardian Culture Vulture Blog
The Guggenheim effect
go to weblog post
This latest attempt by the Guggenheim to build yet another branch follows from earlier unsuccessful attempts in Asia (see earlier posts here and here). Isn't it time to stop this madness?
Seletar Airbase Project
go to weblog
A highly commendable project to document a historic part of Singapore that has to make way for "progress". Perhaps loosing physical markers of one's past and memories is the price one pays for growing up in Singapore - or does it have to be that way?
[ Thanks to yesterday.sg for the link ]
go to weblog
A highly commendable project to document a historic part of Singapore that has to make way for "progress". Perhaps loosing physical markers of one's past and memories is the price one pays for growing up in Singapore - or does it have to be that way?
[ Thanks to yesterday.sg for the link ]
from The Natural History Museum
Antarctic heritage and conservation
go to project web-page
go to Antarctic conservation blog
If there is such a thing as extreme conservation, then this must be it! Braving freezing winter weather, 3 conservators go about the task of carrying out in situ conservation work at the South Pole, and living to tell the world via the project weblog. The project is supported by the Antarctic Heritage Trust.
[ Thanks to MuseumBlogs.org for the heads-up. ]
Antarctic heritage and conservation
go to project web-page
go to Antarctic conservation blog
If there is such a thing as extreme conservation, then this must be it! Braving freezing winter weather, 3 conservators go about the task of carrying out in situ conservation work at the South Pole, and living to tell the world via the project weblog. The project is supported by the Antarctic Heritage Trust.
[ Thanks to MuseumBlogs.org for the heads-up. ]
from The Art Newspaper
Damien Hirst in talks to replace rotting shark
go to article
An update on the problem of the deteriorating shark that made Damien Hirst famous. It might be "replaced" after all. And at the end of the article:
Damien Hirst in talks to replace rotting shark
go to article
An update on the problem of the deteriorating shark that made Damien Hirst famous. It might be "replaced" after all. And at the end of the article:
"If Hirst does replace his iconic shark with a new specimen, will it compromise the integrity of his original? Art history will be the judge."There is also a sense of (poetic?) irony that Hirst's work is entitled The physical impossibility of death in the mind of someone living. (Also see previous post.)
from Wired News
'Print Clock' Dates Antique Books
go to article
Working with the principle of physical deterioration of materials, a new technique of "dating" printed materials has been developed and tested on 16th- and 17th-century printed maps and books. What is interesting is the working assumption that the printing plates - either made of wood or copper - deteriorated at a relatively constant rate even if not used, resulting in subsequent print runs with increasing "line breaks" and discrepancies. And it took a biology professor to figure that out!
'Print Clock' Dates Antique Books
go to article
Working with the principle of physical deterioration of materials, a new technique of "dating" printed materials has been developed and tested on 16th- and 17th-century printed maps and books. What is interesting is the working assumption that the printing plates - either made of wood or copper - deteriorated at a relatively constant rate even if not used, resulting in subsequent print runs with increasing "line breaks" and discrepancies. And it took a biology professor to figure that out!
from The Guardian
History has the edge over football, poll reveals
go to article
go to History Matters web-site
It would seem that for the appreciation of history to surpass that of popular sports, a deep-seated tolerance for a diversity of understanding and experience of history is a pre-requisite. And the British seems to have charted their direction well, following on from the earlier campaign in raising the awareness of archives in the UK (see previous posts here and here).
History has the edge over football, poll reveals
go to article
go to History Matters web-site
It would seem that for the appreciation of history to surpass that of popular sports, a deep-seated tolerance for a diversity of understanding and experience of history is a pre-requisite. And the British seems to have charted their direction well, following on from the earlier campaign in raising the awareness of archives in the UK (see previous posts here and here).
Save Our Chinese Heritage
go to web-site
A recently launched initiative to document historic Chinese architecture in Singapore by means of digital images.
[Thanks to the Singapore Heritage Mailing List and yesterday.sg for the heads-up!]
go to web-site
A recently launched initiative to document historic Chinese architecture in Singapore by means of digital images.
[Thanks to the Singapore Heritage Mailing List and yesterday.sg for the heads-up!]
from The New York Times
Giving the Artists a Voice in Preserving Their Work
go to article
Yet another glimpse into the perplexing world of contemporary art and its preservation, made all the more complex and bewildering because of the sheer diversity of approaches and materials.
Giving the Artists a Voice in Preserving Their Work
go to article
Yet another glimpse into the perplexing world of contemporary art and its preservation, made all the more complex and bewildering because of the sheer diversity of approaches and materials.
Weblogs that link to APERTUM
Searching on Technorati, it was found that 3 other weblogs mention APERTUM on their links:
Mario Bucolo Museums Blog
A blog about museums and culture
Mario Bucolo also started a Museums Blog Webring, which attempts to link up various museums-related blogs.
MuseumsBlog.org
MuseumBlogs.org is a directory of museum and museum-related blogs as well as a space for re-postings.
If you click on the "Blog Age" option in the side bar, APERTUM is listed as the second-oldest weblog in the directory!
Single Planet
The weblog looks diverse, with entries on cultural heritage and also natural heritage. At the moment, there is a range of very interesting posts on China. There is also a list of links to heritage conservation on the sidebar, amongst others.
So to reciprocate, links to these weblogs have been added to the sidebar here, as well.
Happy browsing!
Searching on Technorati, it was found that 3 other weblogs mention APERTUM on their links:
Mario Bucolo Museums Blog
A blog about museums and culture
Mario Bucolo also started a Museums Blog Webring, which attempts to link up various museums-related blogs.
MuseumsBlog.org
MuseumBlogs.org is a directory of museum and museum-related blogs as well as a space for re-postings.
If you click on the "Blog Age" option in the side bar, APERTUM is listed as the second-oldest weblog in the directory!
Single Planet
The weblog looks diverse, with entries on cultural heritage and also natural heritage. At the moment, there is a range of very interesting posts on China. There is also a list of links to heritage conservation on the sidebar, amongst others.
So to reciprocate, links to these weblogs have been added to the sidebar here, as well.
Happy browsing!
from Getty Conservation Institute
Conservation Newsletter 21.1 (Spring 2006)
go to online contents page
download PDF (6.7 MB)
The latest copy of the GCI newsletter, focusing on mosiac conservation.
Conservation Newsletter 21.1 (Spring 2006)
go to online contents page
download PDF (6.7 MB)
The latest copy of the GCI newsletter, focusing on mosiac conservation.
from The Art Newspaper
A moment of truth for all in the antiquities field
go to article
A timely article to keep the debate on antiquities trade in view. Museums, as much as collectors, can often collude (unintentionally or otherwise) in what has been universally declared as illegal under the 1970 UNESCO convention on cultural properties.
The suggestion is to deal with the problem on 2 fronts - one, to strengthen the commitment of museums to decline cultural artefacts with undocumented provenance, even as gifts; and, two, to consider allowing the legitimate public and private acquisition of (duplicate or similar) archaeological finds from documented source. The success of these efforts would depend largely on a strong recognition of reality and the right thing to do - as consumers and purveyors of cultural heritage products.
A moment of truth for all in the antiquities field
go to article
A timely article to keep the debate on antiquities trade in view. Museums, as much as collectors, can often collude (unintentionally or otherwise) in what has been universally declared as illegal under the 1970 UNESCO convention on cultural properties.
The suggestion is to deal with the problem on 2 fronts - one, to strengthen the commitment of museums to decline cultural artefacts with undocumented provenance, even as gifts; and, two, to consider allowing the legitimate public and private acquisition of (duplicate or similar) archaeological finds from documented source. The success of these efforts would depend largely on a strong recognition of reality and the right thing to do - as consumers and purveyors of cultural heritage products.
from New York Times
At the Cloisters, a Major Stained-Glass Restoration Project
go to article
A feature article on the conservation efforts at the branch museum of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. There is also an accompanying online multi-media feature.
At the Cloisters, a Major Stained-Glass Restoration Project
go to article
A feature article on the conservation efforts at the branch museum of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. There is also an accompanying online multi-media feature.
from BBC News
Replica clothes pass Everest test
go to article
An update on a successful attempt to reconstruct and use actual mountaineering attire of the fateful Everest ascent in 1924, using actual materials and tailoring of the period (see previous post). A very fitting piece of concrete field (historical) research, one must add.
Replica clothes pass Everest test
go to article
An update on a successful attempt to reconstruct and use actual mountaineering attire of the fateful Everest ascent in 1924, using actual materials and tailoring of the period (see previous post). A very fitting piece of concrete field (historical) research, one must add.
from Deseret Morning News
Dry ice blasting is cool way to clean
go to article
A new technology which could (and should) replace existing sandblasting methods of cleaning surfaces, in particular outdoor sculptures and cultural heritage structures. It is also interesting to note that the method has been effective in removing soot from books salvaged from a fire.
Dry ice blasting is cool way to clean
go to article
A new technology which could (and should) replace existing sandblasting methods of cleaning surfaces, in particular outdoor sculptures and cultural heritage structures. It is also interesting to note that the method has been effective in removing soot from books salvaged from a fire.
from New York Times
Looks Brilliant on Paper. But Who, Exactly, Is Going to Make It?
go to article
As artists use fabricators more and more for highly complex work, both in terms of structure and material composition, it begs the question:
Looks Brilliant on Paper. But Who, Exactly, Is Going to Make It?
go to article
As artists use fabricators more and more for highly complex work, both in terms of structure and material composition, it begs the question:
"But if artists no longer possess the technical skills to produce their own work, who does?"And more importantly in the context of preservation, could we trust artists' accounts about the nature and material processes of their works. Maybe it is high time that art conservators pay more attention to the swarm of assistants that prop up the reputation of artists.
from UNESCO
Intangible Heritage Messenger
go to newsletter - Issue 1 (PDF version, 276 KB)
go to newsletter - Issue 2 (PDF version, 358 KB)
It is timely that UNESCO has launched its Intangible Heritage Messenger newsletter in February 2006, which covers various global effort in preserving intangible heritage. This will boost awareness of the issue which had been previously highlighted on this weblog (see various previous posts).
[Thanks to World Heritage Forum for the link.]
Intangible Heritage Messenger
go to newsletter - Issue 1 (PDF version, 276 KB)
go to newsletter - Issue 2 (PDF version, 358 KB)
It is timely that UNESCO has launched its Intangible Heritage Messenger newsletter in February 2006, which covers various global effort in preserving intangible heritage. This will boost awareness of the issue which had been previously highlighted on this weblog (see various previous posts).
[Thanks to World Heritage Forum for the link.]
from Rolex Awards News Update
Reviving Silk Tradition
go to update
An update on Kikuo Morimoto, who had helped to revived the traditions of hand-made silk in Cambodia in the local community (see previous post). The project has now expanded to included a village, in Chot Sam, which complements the original silk factory, in Siem Reap, all based on a sustainable model of development. This would be without doubt a model of preservation (of heritage and the environment) par excellence.
Reviving Silk Tradition
go to update
An update on Kikuo Morimoto, who had helped to revived the traditions of hand-made silk in Cambodia in the local community (see previous post). The project has now expanded to included a village, in Chot Sam, which complements the original silk factory, in Siem Reap, all based on a sustainable model of development. This would be without doubt a model of preservation (of heritage and the environment) par excellence.
from NY Times
At Museums: Invasion of the Podcasts
go to article
How podcasting is taking off in the major museums in US. The good thing about it? It frees the audio tour from the physical confines of the museum. You can download and listen to them anywhere but I'm also mindfully aware that nothing beats looking at the real thing yourself at designated spaces. Art is afterall a visual and "bodily" experience. Podcasting offers secondary information and experience.
At Museums: Invasion of the Podcasts
go to article
How podcasting is taking off in the major museums in US. The good thing about it? It frees the audio tour from the physical confines of the museum. You can download and listen to them anywhere but I'm also mindfully aware that nothing beats looking at the real thing yourself at designated spaces. Art is afterall a visual and "bodily" experience. Podcasting offers secondary information and experience.
from Southeast Asian Archaeology
Palmer Road Wang Hai Da Bo Gong Temple
go to update
go to site report (3.46 MB, PDF)
An update to the archaeological dig at an unassuming historical site, which might even pre-date the arrival of Stanford Raffles in Singapore, tucked away at one end of Keppel Road. See satellite map of the area with the temple centered in the map.
Thanks to Lim Chen Shien for first news of the update on the Singapore Heritage Mailing List.
Palmer Road Wang Hai Da Bo Gong Temple
go to update
go to site report (3.46 MB, PDF)
An update to the archaeological dig at an unassuming historical site, which might even pre-date the arrival of Stanford Raffles in Singapore, tucked away at one end of Keppel Road. See satellite map of the area with the temple centered in the map.
Thanks to Lim Chen Shien for first news of the update on the Singapore Heritage Mailing List.
from Southeast Asian Archaeology
Fort Tanjong Katong
go to update (scroll down)
go to preliminary site report (2.27 MB, PDF)
An update on the popular archaeological dig (see previous posts here and here) which has confirmed the existence of a fort beneath the present-day park and also discovered several other features of the fort which were otherwise undocumented. Due to uncertainty on the next phase of the project, the team has decided to back-fill the exposed site in order to protect the archaeological finds, and await further development.
There is also a link to a previous architectural student project (397 KB, PDF) at NUS on "Exhibition of Design Ideas for an Interpretive Center at Katong Park" (8th January 2006).
For those not familiar with the location of the dig, here is a link to a satellite map of the area with the park in the centre.
Thanks to Lim Chen Shien and Chua Ai Lin for first news of the updates on the Singapore Heritage Mailing List.
Fort Tanjong Katong
go to update (scroll down)
go to preliminary site report (2.27 MB, PDF)
An update on the popular archaeological dig (see previous posts here and here) which has confirmed the existence of a fort beneath the present-day park and also discovered several other features of the fort which were otherwise undocumented. Due to uncertainty on the next phase of the project, the team has decided to back-fill the exposed site in order to protect the archaeological finds, and await further development.
There is also a link to a previous architectural student project (397 KB, PDF) at NUS on "Exhibition of Design Ideas for an Interpretive Center at Katong Park" (8th January 2006).
For those not familiar with the location of the dig, here is a link to a satellite map of the area with the park in the centre.
Thanks to Lim Chen Shien and Chua Ai Lin for first news of the updates on the Singapore Heritage Mailing List.
from yesterday.sg
Conservation in Progress
go to weblog post
A belated link to a couple of on-going conservation projects at the Heritage Conservation Centre. There is also information on other current research projects.
Conservation in Progress
go to weblog post
A belated link to a couple of on-going conservation projects at the Heritage Conservation Centre. There is also information on other current research projects.
from Channel News Asia
Thailand to restore religious sites for king's 60th anniversary
go to article
A short report which underlines the stark reality that heritage conservation is predicated upon enlightened patronage - however unsustainable in the long-term that might be.
Thailand to restore religious sites for king's 60th anniversary
go to article
A short report which underlines the stark reality that heritage conservation is predicated upon enlightened patronage - however unsustainable in the long-term that might be.
from Otterman speaks...
Yesterday.sg Meetup No. 2
go to weblog entry
An update on the various progress and developments with the weblog on heritage matters in Singapore previously (see previous post).
Particularly interesting is a report done for a school project by 3 students from Raffles Girls' Secondary on Kampong Buangkok and ideas about its preservation.
Yesterday.sg Meetup No. 2
go to weblog entry
An update on the various progress and developments with the weblog on heritage matters in Singapore previously (see previous post).
Particularly interesting is a report done for a school project by 3 students from Raffles Girls' Secondary on Kampong Buangkok and ideas about its preservation.
from The Art Newspaper
Parthenon fragment returned to Greece
go to article
A recent development in Germany in the quest for the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece. This may (or may not) have an effect on the majority of the marbles still lodged at the British Museum. See earlier posts here and here.
Parthenon fragment returned to Greece
go to article
A recent development in Germany in the quest for the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece. This may (or may not) have an effect on the majority of the marbles still lodged at the British Museum. See earlier posts here and here.
from The Guardian
Extreme weather 'blighting buildings and beauty spots'
go to article
One more unexpected use of documentation mentioned earlier of architectural heritage and sites - tracking of deterioration due to weather effects as part of the larger mapping of global climate change.
Extreme weather 'blighting buildings and beauty spots'
go to article
One more unexpected use of documentation mentioned earlier of architectural heritage and sites - tracking of deterioration due to weather effects as part of the larger mapping of global climate change.
from The Times
Rocked to our foundations
go to article
from The Washington Post
What Was and Never Shall Be
go to article
from The Guardian
Tomb raiders
go to article
As we approach the thrid anniversary of the recent war, it is timely to be reminded of the fragility of our collective cultural heritage in the face of unbridled aggression. If the destruction of tangible cultural hertiage is a war crime - albeit a minor one at that - then the evidence in Iraq was plenty enough (see here and here). Earlier reports of looting and lax security in the aftermath of the invasion also cast a pall over the claims of "freedom" and "liberation" - however noble-sounding that might be.
Rocked to our foundations
go to article
from The Washington Post
What Was and Never Shall Be
go to article
from The Guardian
Tomb raiders
go to article
As we approach the thrid anniversary of the recent war, it is timely to be reminded of the fragility of our collective cultural heritage in the face of unbridled aggression. If the destruction of tangible cultural hertiage is a war crime - albeit a minor one at that - then the evidence in Iraq was plenty enough (see here and here). Earlier reports of looting and lax security in the aftermath of the invasion also cast a pall over the claims of "freedom" and "liberation" - however noble-sounding that might be.
from Guradian
The death of handwriting
go to article
An interesting thought - what if penmanship, or calligraphy, was to go the way of endangered intangible heritage? Then, again, maybe not ...
The death of handwriting
go to article
An interesting thought - what if penmanship, or calligraphy, was to go the way of endangered intangible heritage? Then, again, maybe not ...
Yesterday.sg
go to weblog
There is a recently re-launched weblog initiated by the National Heritage Board for all things related to cultural heritage and history of Singapore. (Apologies for the delay in picking this up and many thanks to the Singapore Heritage group for "leaking" this earlier here and here.)
With the revamp, the focus has shifted to a more inclusive perspective on other heritage related posts written by non-NHB staff - all in all, a welcomed transformation from its earlier incarnation as Heritage SG. This can only be a positive step forward. Well-deserved kudos to all involved!
go to weblog
There is a recently re-launched weblog initiated by the National Heritage Board for all things related to cultural heritage and history of Singapore. (Apologies for the delay in picking this up and many thanks to the Singapore Heritage group for "leaking" this earlier here and here.)
With the revamp, the focus has shifted to a more inclusive perspective on other heritage related posts written by non-NHB staff - all in all, a welcomed transformation from its earlier incarnation as Heritage SG. This can only be a positive step forward. Well-deserved kudos to all involved!
from The Washington Times
Art as a chemistry project
go to article
A brief and cursory look at scientific research at the Conservation Department of the National Art Gallery in Washington, DC. An interesting estimate mentioned in the article, quoting Ross Merrill, the chief of conservation:
Art as a chemistry project
go to article
A brief and cursory look at scientific research at the Conservation Department of the National Art Gallery in Washington, DC. An interesting estimate mentioned in the article, quoting Ross Merrill, the chief of conservation:
"Someone once asked how long it took to analyze a painting, and the answer was about three times as long as it took the artist to do it."No wonder we suffer from a lack of such interesting research in today's fast-paced world! Also, towards the end of the article, there is a mention of the use of glass in Venetian paintings reported earlier.
from themediaslut
Life in Singapore under Japanese Occupation
go to blog post
A weblog post, with images, on the opening of the newest addition to the family of museums in Singapore - Memories at old Ford Factory. [ thanks to Ai Lin on the Singapore Heritage mailing list]
Additional information can be found on the National Archives of Singapore web-site and press-release [PDF format].
Life in Singapore under Japanese Occupation
go to blog post
A weblog post, with images, on the opening of the newest addition to the family of museums in Singapore - Memories at old Ford Factory. [ thanks to Ai Lin on the Singapore Heritage mailing list]
Additional information can be found on the National Archives of Singapore web-site and press-release [PDF format].
from DER SPIEGEL
Indonesia Investigates German Archeologist for Fraud
go to article
I guess I wrote too soon. [ News article by way of Dr. Geoff Wade on the Singapore Heritage mailing list ]
Indonesia Investigates German Archeologist for Fraud
go to article
I guess I wrote too soon. [ News article by way of Dr. Geoff Wade on the Singapore Heritage mailing list ]
Passing the 300-posts mark!
Logging into the Blogger web-site, which serves as the front end for updating this web-log, I noticed that a total of 300 posts have been reached! This makes an average of about 2.5 days for 1 post to appear. Not very even distribution all the time, but there you go ...
Happy reading!
Logging into the Blogger web-site, which serves as the front end for updating this web-log, I noticed that a total of 300 posts have been reached! This makes an average of about 2.5 days for 1 post to appear. Not very even distribution all the time, but there you go ...
Happy reading!
from World Heritage Forum
World Heritage Sites in Google Earth
go to article
go to UNESCO web-page
download Google map [ free Google Earth required ]
One can now take a virtual tour of the various World Heritage Sites across the globe. Wouldn't it be nice if there is a similar map for Singapore's own national monuments, heritage sites, urban conservation areas and historical architecture?
Tags : UNESCO, World Heritage Sites, Google Earth, cultural heritage, Singapore
World Heritage Sites in Google Earth
go to article
go to UNESCO web-page
download Google map [ free Google Earth required ]
One can now take a virtual tour of the various World Heritage Sites across the globe. Wouldn't it be nice if there is a similar map for Singapore's own national monuments, heritage sites, urban conservation areas and historical architecture?
Tags : UNESCO, World Heritage Sites, Google Earth, cultural heritage, Singapore
from Getty Conservation Institute
Newsletter 20.3 (Fall 2005)
go to newsletter
The latest issue of the GCI newsletter focuses on the various aspects and considerations when documenting large-scale monuments and historic sites. In the lead article, it was discussed that the role of documentation primarily fulfils 3 functions:
Newsletter 20.3 (Fall 2005)
go to newsletter
The latest issue of the GCI newsletter focuses on the various aspects and considerations when documenting large-scale monuments and historic sites. In the lead article, it was discussed that the role of documentation primarily fulfils 3 functions:
(1) recording and collating of available information;It would be interesting to apply these considerations to the usual documentation that is done on a much smaller scale (but not any less complex, sometimes) for museum artefacts.
(2) as a reference for conservation and preservation decisions; and
(3) for advocacy and communication.
from Guardian
Titanic salvage firm loses bid to own artefacts
go to article
This news from elsewhere which might (or might not) have implications for something similar right here on Singapore's doorsteps (see links here and here).
Titanic salvage firm loses bid to own artefacts
go to article
This news from elsewhere which might (or might not) have implications for something similar right here on Singapore's doorsteps (see links here and here).
NHB Heritage Journal (Vol. 2, 2005)
go to table of contents
From the most recent issue of the NHB Heritage Journal:
go to table of contents
From the most recent issue of the NHB Heritage Journal:
Articles
Films as Social History - P. Ramlee's "Seniman Bujang Lapok" and Malays in Singapore (1950s-60s)
Syed Muhd Khairudin Aljunied
Abstract / PDF
"Fragments of the Past": Political Prints of Post-war Singapore
Lim Cheng Tju
Abstract / PDF
Notes and reviews
Iberians in Singapore-Melaka Area and Adjacent Regions, by Peter Borschberg
Reviewed by Yong Huei Sim
Abstract / PDF
Framing History: Displaying the Singapore Family through Photography
Jason Toh
Abstract / PDF
from Monthly Review
Demolishing the Palace of the Republic, A GDR Symbol
go to article
An update, with more extensive background information, on an earlier news story on the impending demolition of an unfortunate architectural icon from the Cold War era. It is also highly ironic (or some might say retributory) that the Palace of the Republic was built on the grounds of a demolished older Prussian palace which suffered heavy damage in the Second World War.
The current decision on whether to demolish the building was put to a vote in parliament and unsurprising, perhaps, the result ran along party and faction lines. The loser in this instance is the collective heritage of the world at large. When politicians are given the final authority in deciding issues of heritage preservation, then it is inevitable that the final decision would suffer because of short-sighted (propagandistic) gains.
Demolishing the Palace of the Republic, A GDR Symbol
go to article
An update, with more extensive background information, on an earlier news story on the impending demolition of an unfortunate architectural icon from the Cold War era. It is also highly ironic (or some might say retributory) that the Palace of the Republic was built on the grounds of a demolished older Prussian palace which suffered heavy damage in the Second World War.
The current decision on whether to demolish the building was put to a vote in parliament and unsurprising, perhaps, the result ran along party and faction lines. The loser in this instance is the collective heritage of the world at large. When politicians are given the final authority in deciding issues of heritage preservation, then it is inevitable that the final decision would suffer because of short-sighted (propagandistic) gains.
from Guardian
Good dramas need protection, just like historic buildings
go to article
One interesting suggestion which seeks to list dramatic literature works according to their merit and rarity. The idea is to help theatre groups focus attention and resources on a range of possible productions based on artistic value rather than exclusively on market (or audience-size) value. As the "rare" dramas are being produced and staged with regular frequency, they are then "preserved", in the intangible sense.
Good dramas need protection, just like historic buildings
go to article
One interesting suggestion which seeks to list dramatic literature works according to their merit and rarity. The idea is to help theatre groups focus attention and resources on a range of possible productions based on artistic value rather than exclusively on market (or audience-size) value. As the "rare" dramas are being produced and staged with regular frequency, they are then "preserved", in the intangible sense.
from New York Times
Trying to Save Berlin Relic From the Dustbin
go to article
Seldom do we think of preservation as politically motivated. However, in the case of East Berlin, and elsewhere, the weight of history confounds preservation decisions and priorities, which otherwise would be fairly academic :
Trying to Save Berlin Relic From the Dustbin
go to article
Seldom do we think of preservation as politically motivated. However, in the case of East Berlin, and elsewhere, the weight of history confounds preservation decisions and priorities, which otherwise would be fairly academic :
"Their cause is broader than a single building: it is a revolt against historical censorship. ... they are fighting those who insist on pitting history against modernity, people who would seek to smooth over historical contradictions in favor of a more simplistic narrative."
Noticed a couple of weblogs with a focus on (heritage) preservation.
World Heritage Forum
From the weblog:
From the weblog:
World Heritage Forum
From the weblog:
This website is made to exchange information on UNESCO World Heritage issues.HangingTogether
From the weblog:
HangingTogether is a place where some of the staff at RLG, a membership organization of libraries, archives, and museums, can talk about the intersections we see happening between these three different types of institutions. We travel to our members a lot and go to conferences and wanted to be able to take note of the interesting things we see along the way. Stop in, stay awhile, and hang out.
from SB: Relaxing on the Bayou
Museum Podcasts
go to weblog post
As barriers to technology get lowered with each passing day, in terms of cost and ease of use for both content providers and users, we'll get to see greater flexibility and creativity in presenting museum content. Podcasting would be an easy way to distribute new content to an audience rather inexpensively. Using this technology to highlight conservation-related information based on the museum's collection on display would also be a real possibility! And this could be done by anyone whether working for the museum or otherwise (see earlier post here).
Museum Podcasts
go to weblog post
As barriers to technology get lowered with each passing day, in terms of cost and ease of use for both content providers and users, we'll get to see greater flexibility and creativity in presenting museum content. Podcasting would be an easy way to distribute new content to an audience rather inexpensively. Using this technology to highlight conservation-related information based on the museum's collection on display would also be a real possibility! And this could be done by anyone whether working for the museum or otherwise (see earlier post here).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
