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EDITORIAL1051
July 2010
Back to Basics?
The technologies which have had the most profound effects
on human life are usually simple. Freeman Dyson
In the 70’s my father acquired some electronic tools that I now own and still use. Their simplicity always fascinated me as after some 40 years they still work perfectly, aside some natural wear out, of course. I doubt that the tools made today will pass the test of time as those of my father did.
Over the years several high-tech devices were developed that helped to move forward the knowledge we have of art materials, either helping us to take conservation decisions or just for the sake of research and knowledge. In that same way, much of our education in art conservation focuses on 21st century technologies that can be used in the analysis of materials or for diagnosis, such as spectroscopy techniques, 3D, and, more recently, even nanotechnology. However, once the young professional starts his career in the private sector it is unlikely he will use most of these high-tech tools only at the reach of big budget institutions. And we should not forget that the most recently developed high-tech products are also those experiencing the fastest obsolescence. Conservators are (or should be) trained with problem-based methodologies which means they should know how to resolve an intricate conservation issue, although their training should also include the development of new tools when needed, often low-tech ones, to help resolve those same problems. I would like to point out that using low-tech conservators could often achieve the same level of information that high-tech could provide. Not everyone can use Raman spectroscopy on a daily basis for pigment identification, for example. But there are several new technologies available at affordable cost that can be employed quite easily. For example, a digital camera, some filters and an open access software can generate high-end imaging data, allowing the identification of materials, etc., without the hassle of high-tech analytical tools. Low technology solutions are everywhere. Need to know if a certain metal is iron? You can always use a magnet. Their only requirement is creativity. They are often of high fiability, inexpensive, off-the-shelf, and although they are fairly simple by definition they should not be confused with DIY (Do-It-Yourself) philosophy. Although DIY is characterised by the use of low-tech solutions, it always has a strong amateur character which is undesirable in our field. We, conservator-restorers, are said not to need creativity in the course of our work. However, creativity and ingenuity are the two most powerful tools that we should use in problem-solving. After all, it is in the making of these low-tech tools that we can show our highest creativity. Perhaps the everyday presence of too much technology around us has made us lose track of what the simplest technologies can still achieve. Perhaps before embracing 21st century products we should go back to basics and re-evaluate what has already been achieved. Rui Bordalo, Executive Editor
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