Description
Book SynopsisThe faking and forgery of works of art and antiquities is probably now more extensive than ever before. The frauds are aided by new technologies, from ink jet printers to epoxy resins, and driven by the astronomic prices realised on the global market.
This book aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the subject over a wide range of materials, emphasising how the fakes and forgeries are produced and how they may be detected by technical and scientific examination. The subject is exemplified by numerous case studies, some turning out not to be as conclusive as is sometimes believed.
The book is aimed at those likely to have a serious interest in these investigations, be they curator, collector, conservator or scientist.
Paul Craddock has recently retired from the Department of Conservation, Documentation and Science at the British Museum, where he was a materials scientist.
Table of ContentsForeword;Introduction; Examination: Microscopy, Radiography; Examination: Physical analytical techniques applied to authenticity;Methods of copying in 3 dimensions:Appropriate technology, Moulding,Pointing & Electroforming;Dating 1:Radiocarbon;Dating 2: TL and Dendrochronology; Metals: Compositional;Metals: Metalworking and coins;Ceramics and Faience;Glass and Enamels;Stone and Sculpture;Fine Art:Painting;Copying in 2 dimensions:Printing. Fine Art on Paper and Documents;A History of Patination on Bronze;Gold and Silver in Jewellery and Plate;Jewellery: Gems and Jade;Organics;Natural Materials:Ivory, Amber, and Wood;Organics: Synthetic Materials: Plastics and Textiles;Scientific Fraud and Charles Dawson;Conclusion: Problems of Conservation and Deceptive restoration;Glossary;Bibliography
