Northumbria University has introduced a new, advanced X-ray radiography machine. This important investment will support education and cultural projects across the North East and beyond.
The machine is located in Northumbria’s historic Burt Hall. It will enhance the University’s well-known programmes in art conservation, design, and music.
The new equipment replaces an old medical X-ray machine. The previous machine came from Gateshead Hospital in 1978. It had served the university’s Conservation of Fine Art Master’s programme for over 40 years.
With the new system, specialists can now produce higher-resolution images. They can also examine a wider variety of materials, such as metals and wood. This allows them to study sculptures and musical instruments, as well as paintings, textiles, and works on paper.
Dr Richard Mulholland is an Assistant Professor on the Conservation of Fine Art Master’s programme. He said, “This new facility puts Northumbria alongside a few UK institutions like the British Museum and the National Gallery. These institutions have the expertise and access to advanced radiographic technology. This is a game-changer for conservation research and heritage science education.”
He added, “Our students and researchers work on real objects. They use museum-standard techniques. Our graduates become art conservators or heritage scientists. They find work in major collections around the world. This new resource will be very valuable to them.”
Burt Hall has housed the Conservation of Fine Art Master’s programme since 1994. The course began in the region in 1976 at the Shipley Art Gallery. It became an academic course in 1978 at Gateshead Technical College, which later became part of Northumbria University. Today, it is the only UK Master’s programme covering conservation of both works of art on paper and easel paintings.
X-radiography has been a key focus of the programme for many years. The new system has already provided surprising results. During initial tests, using advanced digital plates from Waygate Technologies, a global non-destructive testing firm, a 19th-century still-life painting bought on eBay was examined. Assistant Professor and easel paintings specialist Nicky Grimaldi worked closely on this.
