Pigment identification – visual examination and polarised light microscopy

This virtual seminar (the third in a series* of 4 virtual seminars on the History and Identification of Pigments to be offered in October) on Zoom introduces the techniques involved in identifying pigments visually with the aid of a polarising light microscope. The different optical properties of pigments observable with the microscope will be described and demonstrated and methods by which the observed properties can then be used (either directly or from microscopic samples) to identify pigments found on decorative surfaces will be discussed.

*This series of seminars is intended to appeal to all conservators and others who would like to refresh their knowledge on the subject and also to students of conservation.

Tracey Chaplin is an Independent Scientific Consultant specialising in analysis and identification of artists’ materials and their degradation products on objects such as paintings, sculpture, furniture, manuscripts, wallpaper, textiles and architectural elements. This includes the application of microscopy, cross-sectional analysis, spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, X-ray fluorescence and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Tracey lectures in conservation science at the City and Guilds of London Art School, has published extensively and is one of four authors of The Pigment Compendium.