3D digital conservation and restoration skills for the 21st century

Abstract

Emerging technologies offer many advantages for cultural heritage preservation, and as such, 3D technologies can also be considered a new tool in the conservator-restorer’s toolbox. 3D scanning and printing are particularly useful for reconstructing missing parts on cultural heritage objects. However, the application of these innovative methods and materials is difficult for inexperienced users such as emerging, academic and professional restorers. The aim of this research is to make 3D technologies more comprehensible, by bridging the gap between the restorers’ expertise and 3D specialists, and to make them more applicable to the restoration practice, by aligning 3D technologies to the needs of restoration theory and practice. The research has enabled the construction of a digital toolbox, containing relevant information and previous case studies to guide the target audience in the generation of knowledge on the applied and suitable use of 3D technologies for loss compensation of missing parts. This toolbox consists out of three tools and is presented online on www.3drestorationtoolbox.com: the first tool, the Mind maps for decision-making, lay out the documented pros and cons of using 3D technologies, the second tool is an Overview of possibilities, which guides the restorer in a 3D restoration workflow that combines traditional, digital, and hybrid restoration methodologies, and the third tool is an Inventory of cases of the cases consulted in the other tools. This dissertation and the 3D Restoration Toolbox are as such presented as a contribution to the integrated implementation of 3D technologies in the restoration practice.