Science
Antibody Research
This project uses the analytical technique of Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to identify proteins in binding media, such as animal glue, egg, and milk, as well as polysaccharides in plant gums.
This project uses the analytical technique of Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to identify proteins in binding media, such as animal glue, egg, and milk, as well as polysaccharides in plant gums.
Characterization of Asian and European Lacquers
This project aims to develop a comprehensive analytical method to identify organic materials present in Asian and European lacquers.
This project aims to develop a comprehensive analytical method to identify organic materials present in Asian and European lacquers.
Collections Research Laboratory
The primary focus of the Collections Research Laboratory's work is scientific research relating to objects in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum and other museums with which the Museum is collaborating.
The primary focus of the Collections Research Laboratory's work is scientific research relating to objects in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum and other museums with which the Museum is collaborating.
Herculaneum Project
This collaborative project aims to address conservation issues critical to the preservation of the archaeological site of Herculaneum through a combination of scientific investigation and fieldwork, including the conservation of decorated architectural surfaces.
This collaborative project aims to address conservation issues critical to the preservation of the archaeological site of Herculaneum through a combination of scientific investigation and fieldwork, including the conservation of decorated architectural surfaces.
Modern Paints
The project addresses questions regarding the character of modern paint materials through the development of analytical techniques for identifying modern paint media and the evaluation of cleaning methods and techniques for modern paintings. Part of the Modern and Contemporary Art Research Initiative.
The project addresses questions regarding the character of modern paint materials through the development of analytical techniques for identifying modern paint media and the evaluation of cleaning methods and techniques for modern paintings. Part of the Modern and Contemporary Art Research Initiative.
MOSAIKON: A Regional Strategy for the Conservation of Mosaics in the Mediterranean
A partnership of the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Foundation, ICCROM, and the International Committee for the Conservation of Mosaics, this project addresses the need for enhanced capacity in the conservation and management of archaeological mosaics in the Mediterranean region through strategic targeting of priorities and deployment of resources.
A partnership of the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Foundation, ICCROM, and the International Committee for the Conservation of Mosaics, this project addresses the need for enhanced capacity in the conservation and management of archaeological mosaics in the Mediterranean region through strategic targeting of priorities and deployment of resources.
Museum Lighting Research
This project seeks to reduce the damage to works of art on paper caused by museum lighting through the reevaluation of current illumination guidelines and the testing and design of new lighting.
This project seeks to reduce the damage to works of art on paper caused by museum lighting through the reevaluation of current illumination guidelines and the testing and design of new lighting.
Outdoor Painted Surfaces
The Outdoor Painted Surfaces project aims to improve conservators' understanding of paints used for twentieth- and twenty-first-century outdoor painted works of art and to establish procedures to improve their preservation. Part of the Modern and Contemporary Art Research Initiative.
The Outdoor Painted Surfaces project aims to improve conservators' understanding of paints used for twentieth- and twenty-first-century outdoor painted works of art and to establish procedures to improve their preservation. Part of the Modern and Contemporary Art Research Initiative.
Preservation of Plastics
This long-term project aims to rapidly gather information on the properties of a wide range of plastics to understand why certain plastics are more unstable than others, and to establish protocols that help to slow down this process. Part of the Modern and Contemporary Art Research Initiative.
This long-term project aims to rapidly gather information on the properties of a wide range of plastics to understand why certain plastics are more unstable than others, and to establish protocols that help to slow down this process. Part of the Modern and Contemporary Art Research Initiative.
Research on the Conservation of Photographs
The goal of this project is to advance techniques for identifying important variations in photographic processes, thereby providing insight into postprocessing chemistry and chemical treatment of photographs.
The goal of this project is to advance techniques for identifying important variations in photographic processes, thereby providing insight into postprocessing chemistry and chemical treatment of photographs.
Alternative Climate Controls for Historic Buildings (2003–2010)
The goal of this project was to demonstrate the application of controlled ventilation and heating or dehumidification as viable climate control strategies for improving collection environments in historical buildings in hot and humid regions.
The goal of this project was to demonstrate the application of controlled ventilation and heating or dehumidification as viable climate control strategies for improving collection environments in historical buildings in hot and humid regions.
Organic Materials in Wall Paintings (2003–2010)
The objective of the project was to improve the practice of wall paintings conservation by developing a methodology for identification of organic materials used as binders, which are particularly vulnerable during intervention.
The objective of the project was to improve the practice of wall paintings conservation by developing a methodology for identification of organic materials used as binders, which are particularly vulnerable during intervention.
Asian Organic Colorants (2006-2010)
This project aimed to develop a strategy for the analysis of organic colorants used as textile dyes and organic pigments in Asia.
This project aimed to develop a strategy for the analysis of organic colorants used as textile dyes and organic pigments in Asia.
Desalination of Porous Building Materials (2006-2010)
This project addressed the knowledge gap concerning poulticing of salts from carved stone and wall paintings and works to establish guidelines for conservators on the use of desalination systems for building materials.
This project addressed the knowledge gap concerning poulticing of salts from carved stone and wall paintings and works to establish guidelines for conservators on the use of desalination systems for building materials.
Magnesian Limestone Project (2004-2009)
The goal of the project was to provide a scientific foundation for the development of conservation interventions for magnesian limestone.
The goal of the project was to provide a scientific foundation for the development of conservation interventions for magnesian limestone.
Lime Mortars and Plasters (1998-2009)
The general aim of this research project was to enhance knowledge of the fundamental properties and performance of high-calcium lime mortars and plasters in order to provide a wider basis for the appropriate choice of materials and methods in the conservation of this widely used building material.
The general aim of this research project was to enhance knowledge of the fundamental properties and performance of high-calcium lime mortars and plasters in order to provide a wider basis for the appropriate choice of materials and methods in the conservation of this widely used building material.
Salt Research: Mechanisms of Salt Decay and Methods of Mitigation (2003-2008)
The objective of this project was to improve scientific understanding of how stone deteriorates due to the action of water and salts, and to develop effective mitigation and conservation procedures.
The objective of this project was to improve scientific understanding of how stone deteriorates due to the action of water and salts, and to develop effective mitigation and conservation procedures.
Gels Cleaning Research (1998-2003)
The objective of this research was to answer important questions regarding the use of solvent-based gels as cleaning systems for surfaces.
The objective of this research was to answer important questions regarding the use of solvent-based gels as cleaning systems for surfaces.
Performance of Pollutant Adsorbents
(2001-2003)
The objective of this project was to increase the protection of objects placed in display cases or other microenvironments from attack by indoor-generated gaseous air pollutants.
The objective of this project was to increase the protection of objects placed in display cases or other microenvironments from attack by indoor-generated gaseous air pollutants.
Collections in Hot & Humid Environments
(1997-2002)
The project goal was to demonstrate the efficacy of sustainable climate control strategies for improving collection environments in historical buildings in hot and humid regions.
The project goal was to demonstrate the efficacy of sustainable climate control strategies for improving collection environments in historical buildings in hot and humid regions.
Environmental Guidelines
for Collections (1999-2002)
This project developed a reference within the mechanical engineering professional literature for engineers responsible for designing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for museums, archives, and libraries.
This project developed a reference within the mechanical engineering professional literature for engineers responsible for designing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for museums, archives, and libraries.
Binding Media (1989-1999)
The Getty Conservation Institute's scientific program developed methodologies to identify binding media in paint.
The Getty Conservation Institute's scientific program developed methodologies to identify binding media in paint.
Nitrogen Anoxia Research (1987-1999)
The Institute investigated the efficacy of nitrogen environments as a safe, effective means to prevent museum objects from deterioration caused by biological factors and oxidation.
The Institute investigated the efficacy of nitrogen environments as a safe, effective means to prevent museum objects from deterioration caused by biological factors and oxidation.
Pollutants in the Museum Environment
(1985-1998)
The Getty Conservation Institute researched the risks posed to museum collections by atmospheric pollutants, studied passive sampling devices, and investigated mitigation methodologies.
The Getty Conservation Institute researched the risks posed to museum collections by atmospheric pollutants, studied passive sampling devices, and investigated mitigation methodologies.
Selective Preventive Conservation Research
(1985-1998)
Focusing on management and preventive measures that stabilize materials and slow the rate of deterioration, the Getty Conservation Institute studied environmental controls, appropriate storage, and the monitoring of objects.
Focusing on management and preventive measures that stabilize materials and slow the rate of deterioration, the Getty Conservation Institute studied environmental controls, appropriate storage, and the monitoring of objects.
Permanence and Application of Conservation
Materials (1983-1996)
The Getty Conservation Institute researched selected conservation materials, including cellulose ethers, acrylic and alkoxysilane stone consolidants, parylene, water-borne resins, and common generic abrasives, and studied the effects of aqueous light bleaching.
The Getty Conservation Institute researched selected conservation materials, including cellulose ethers, acrylic and alkoxysilane stone consolidants, parylene, water-borne resins, and common generic abrasives, and studied the effects of aqueous light bleaching.
Seismic Stabilization of Historic
Structures (1990-1996)
The Getty Conservation Institute researched and developed methods to provide seismic stabilization for historically and culturally significant buildings located in earthquake regions.
The Getty Conservation Institute researched and developed methods to provide seismic stabilization for historically and culturally significant buildings located in earthquake regions.
Stone Deterioration and Treatment (1986-1991)
The Getty Conservation Institute assessed the biodeterioration susceptibility of stone consolidants, evaluated the deterioration of monumental stones in situ, and examined the use of epoxy resins for stone consolidation.
The Getty Conservation Institute assessed the biodeterioration susceptibility of stone consolidants, evaluated the deterioration of monumental stones in situ, and examined the use of epoxy resins for stone consolidation.
Insect Control with the Fumigant Vikane
(1986-1990)
The Getty Conservation Institute investigated potential adverse effects of pest control agents—especially the fumigant Vikane—on the materials of museum artifacts and historic structures.
The Getty Conservation Institute investigated potential adverse effects of pest control agents—especially the fumigant Vikane—on the materials of museum artifacts and historic structures.
Last updated: March 2012