Hello all,
It was great to talk to those of you who were present at the AIC meeting's MFT-IDG meetup, and I was enlightened and inspired by the presentations in the Lighting the Way sessions!
Those of you who have used Instytut Fotonowy MFTs may have seen this post on the forum:
A new stand for Microfading Tester
It announces the development of a modular bridge-type stand for the MFT, for use on large-format objects, and an attachment for previously-available Hirox-brand microscope arms, that allows for MFT use at various angles and heights for 3-D objects.
Both of these products were designed for the Department of Textile Conservation at The Met, and developed/troubleshot with feedback from conservators here. The overall shape of the bridge was inspired by a setup for tapestries used by Tomasz Lojewski at Wawel Castle.
The picture above shows the bridge "in action." The Qing dynasty temple wall hanging pictured here (MMA.15.95.154) has an image made through various techniques including applique and embroidery. Some colors exist only in areas further than 20" from any edge, and the piece itself is not in a condition to allow rolling or unrolling for analysis, so the MFT's built-in arm was not sufficient to measure the colors in question. Thus, the bridge was necessary.
It is modular and can be set to accommodate either a 48" or 96"-wide table (96" pictured here). It's relatively easy to assemble and does not vibrate too readily, though as is usually the case with MFT setups, it is best not to make too many footfalls nearby mid-measurement. It is invaluable for looking at large-format objects.
Please let me know if there are any questions about this equipment (or the Hirox arm attachment); I will be happy to share!
Thanks!
-Oliver
Oliver Orr
Associate Manager of Laboratory
Department of Textile Conservation
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
212-570-2831
------------------------------
Oliver Orr
Associate Manager of Laboratory
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Textile Conservation Department
New York
United States
------------------------------