Abstract
TOWARDS the end of 1934, the Trustees of the National Gallery approved a scheme for the establishment of a laboratory to undertake the physical examination of pictures by means of X-rays, ultraviolet and infra-red radiations, and by micrographic methods. They also appointed a committee, consisting of Sir Henry Lyons, Sir William Bragg, and Dr. H. J. Plenderleith, to act as an advisory body, should need arise: the laboratory is in charge of Mr. F. I. G. Rawlins. A considerable amount of the plant has already been installed, and work has begun with photomicrographic investigations, and to some extent with ultra-violet light. At the present rate of progress it is expected that the laboratory will be fully equipped by the end of April. The X-ray apparatus will contain several novel features. In addition, a number of ancillary researches are being initiated, including the microscopical examination of woods used for panels: it is hoped that this inquiry will produce valuable data for making the description of works in future editions of the catalogue more exact, as well as being a help in the question of attribution.
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Research Laboratory at the National Gallery. Nature 135, 259–260 (1935). https://doi.org/10.1038/135259c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/135259c0