PhD studentship at Northumbria University

PhD opportunity

Using Analytical techniques for the Study and Authentication of
Works of Art attributed to Francis Bacon (1909-1992).
Our ref: RS10-APS06.

This interdisciplinary project will involve the combination of
analytical chemistry and art conservation science, and would suit
applicants with a degree in chemistry, forensic science or art
conservation with a strong scientific background.

The aim is to:

    Investigate and catalogue any work already carried out on the
    materials and techniques of Francis Bacon by other workers.

    Interact with other scientists, conservators and art historians
    working on Francis Bacon's legacy. -Collect samples from the
    Francis Bacon Studio situated in the Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin.
    Carry out chemical analysis on these samples using established
    techniques such as FTIR, py-GC-MS, ESI-LCMS and GC-MS.

    Investigate other methods of analysis, which may be useful for
    the unequivocal identification of materials for which none of
    the above techniques are applicable, If possible the development
    of in situ analysis techniques.

    Carry out chemical analysis on materials sampled from known
    works of art by Bacon and also carry out technical analysis such
    as UV photography, X-rays and IR photography. We have arranged
    ongoing access to works held in a number of collections.

    Compile a "living" database of the materials and techniques used
    by Francis Bacon.

    Investigate works of art thought to be by Bacon but which
    require authentication.

    Investigate the ways in which science helps in the
    authentication of artwork and how the scientific methods used
    might complement the expertise of art historians and forensic
    scientists.

The student will be expected to undertake a tailored programme of
training by attending subject specific training delivered within the
School and generic skills development training delivered by the
Graduate School. Students will also attend compulsory training
sessions related to their milestones. They will be expected to
reflect upon their training requirements by using a training needs
plan.

Training in handling Works of Art and taking samples will be given
in the Tate Gallery, London and in the Department of Arts, at
Northumbria University.

Enquiries regarding this studentship should be made to
Brian Singer <brian.singer<-at->northumbria<.>ac<.>uk>

Applicants should hold a first or upper second class
honours degree (in a relevant subject) from a British higher
education institution, or equivalent. Students who are not UK/EU
residents are eligible to apply, provided they hold the relevant
academic qualifications (together with an IELTS score of at least
6.5).

A demonstrable knowledge of analytical chemistry and some
knowledge of, or interest in, art conservation science or art
history would be an advantage.

You should apply using the University's Research
Studentship Application Form. Further details on the University's
Research Studentship Scheme, together with the Application Form,
can be found on

    <URL:http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/researchstudentships>

Applications should be submitted to:

    Linda Barlow <researchadmin<-at->northumbria<.>ac<.>uk>

or

          Linda Barlow
          School of Applied Sciences
          D111
          Ellison Building
          Newcastle upon Tyne
          NE1 8 ST

Deadline for applications: 28 June 2010
Interview date (if known): 8-16 July 2010
Start Date: September 2010

Recent publications by supervisors relevant to this project

    Bronwyn. A. Ormsby, Joyce. H. Townsend, Brian. W. Singer and
    John. R. Dean. 'An Analytical and Historical Investigation into
    British Watercolour Cakes from the 17th to Early 20th
    Centuries.', Studies in Conservation, 50, 2005 pp45-66.

    Brian W Singer and Colin A. Liddle 'A Study of Unusual
    degradation on a Seascape Painting Associated with the Use of
    Zinc White Pigment', The Paper Conservator, Volume 29 2005
    pp5-14

    Brian Singer and Ross McGuigan, 'The Simultaneous Analysis Of
    Proteins, Lipids, And Diterpenoid Resins Found In Cultural
    Objects', Annali di Chemica, vol 97, 2007. p405-416

    Justin J Perry, Lauren Brown, Ewa Jurneczko, Edwin Ludkin, and
    Brian W Singer*, 'Identifying the plant origin of artists'
    yellow lake pigments by electrospray mass spectrometry',
    Archaeometry, in press (probable publication date 3rd quarter
    2010)

Forthcoming papers:

    The identification of organic pigments in 20th century paintings
    using pyGC-MS, Joanna Russell, Justin J Perry and Brian W.
    Singer*, in preparation for Journal of Analytical and Applied
    Pyrolysis,

    Brian Singer, Trond Aslaksby, Biljana Topalova-Casadiego and Eva
    Storevik Tveit. "Investigation of Materials used by Edvard
    Munch", submitted to Studies in Conservation

Funding Notes: This studentship is funded by Northumbria University
and includes a bursary of UKP13590 and fees at Home/EU rate. Funding
for Consumables and Travel from the Estate of Francis Bacon for
three years. Support for training at the Tate Gallery, London.


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 24:5
                   Distributed: Friday, June 18, 2010
                        Message Id: cdl-24-5-022
                                  ***