Technical Examination Network

Scientific technology offers huge potential for museums and galleries to discover more about the works in their collection. Investigating processes, materials and techniques can give us insight into how, why, when and where a work was produced, and how it has changed over time. Many new non-invasive analytical imaging techniques have become available in recent years, such as X-ray fluorescence scanning and hyperspectral imaging, enhancing and complementing long-established tools such as infrared reflectography, X-radiography and paint sample analysis.   

However, only a few major institutions in the UK have access to these facilities. Art Fund and the National Gallery are partnering to create the Technical Examination Network, which will support 3-6 organisations to access the technical equipment and expertise of one of the National Gallery, Courtauld Institute of Art and Hamilton Kerr Institute to analyse a painting in their collection and hopefully unearth new stories.  

The programme will support projects with the most interesting and urgent research questions and a strong chance of benefitting from technical examination. It will prioritise projects that demonstrate:  

• Potential for new discoveries about a poorly understood painting in a collection, or a work that has not been regularly displayed.  

• Compelling plans for how the conservation and findings will benefit their audiences, for example through displays, exhibitions or digital media.  

We do not expect applicants to have existing knowledge of technical examination, or to know which techniques would best answer the research questions. 

An email helpdesk is available to help applicants formulate proposals, including advising on feasibility and which instruments or technologies should be requested. We strongly advise you to contact the email helpdesk when you begin to prepare an application.