The preservation and conservation of our cultural heritage is a significant contemporary worldwide concern. Advanced scientific methods and techniques are essential for the identification of materials present in historic objects of cultural heritage and processes occurring therein. These methods can also help to give a deeper understanding of the technology and craftsmanship of old masters. Modern analytical methods are important in studies of authenticity and can be applied as diagnostic techniques in practical conservation.
The aim of the conference is to promote the development and use of X-ray and other modern techniques in order to extract information from objects of cultural heritage. The conference is also a forum to bring together scientists whose major expertise is in a high-tech field and museum professionals (art historians, conservators and curators) whose particular responsibility is the organization and preservation of collections, and to disseminate the newest results in the area of scientific investigation of art objects.
The conference will focus on investigations of historic materials such as pigments, stone, mortar, glass, ceramics, and metal alloys, as well as on corrosion and deterioration processes in historic objects, using X-ray and other techniques applied in the field.
As Krakow is one of the most important heritage complexes in Poland, the conference will also afford an occasion to visit museums, galleries and the famous Salt Mine in Wieliczka.