Introduction

Archaeologists, conservators, engineers and scientists at the Getty Conservation Institute use modern technology to preserve cultural icons of immeasurable value. They rely on electronic equipment, including analytical instruments, computers and printers made by Hewlett-Packard, to conserve art and cultural heritage sites such as América Tropical, a mural painted by the Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros.

Michael Schilling, a chemist at the Conservation Institute, uses an HP 6890 Gas Chromatograph along with an HP 5972 Mass Spectrometer and an HP 9000 computer to identify organic materials contained in varnish and paint. The HP GC/MS helps conservators select a solvent, enzyme, emulsion or gel to remove the varnish from works of art without damaging the underlying paint.

While chemists analyze swatches of varnish and paint from their lab overlooking Los Angeles, researchers gather laboratory samples from all over the world. Most recently, Michael Schilling analyzed samples from cave paintings in the Mogao Grottoes of northwestern China. Currently, the Institute and its partners have projects underway in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas.

Browse the map to explore seven archaeological sites that the Getty Conservation Institute helps preserve.

Written and researched by Thomas Ulrich
Design by Christina Lopp