Conservation and research lab

Studies and documentation

The diversity of of materials used in making musical instruments is the major factor in determining the research projects, tool development, techniques of observation and analysis and protocols of conservation and restoration of the research lab at the Musée de la musique.

Current research

The collections of various heritage institutions contain instruments that are maintained in playing condition and require particular attention. The consequences of this type of conservation need to be precisely identified, particularly in relation to the evolution kinetics of wood.

• > European action COST IE0601
• > Ministry of Culture PNR “Preventative conservation of stringed musical instruments maintained in playing condition: Evolution of the mechanical properties of wood caused to vibrate in a variable thermal and hygrometric environment”.
• > Examples of work are presented in the proceedings of the Study day on Conservation today: “ageing” in wood
• > To find out more

The chemical composition of varnishes applied to early lutes and violins is studied by means of microscopy, spectroscopy and analytic microchemistry.

• > Examples of work are presented in the proceedings of the study day on Violin varnishes
• > Colloquium “From painting to musical instruments: varnishes, binders and colours”
• > To find out more

cience in the service of the facsimile of an Erard piano of 1802.

• > Physicochemical characteristics and mechanics of leather piano hammer coverings (research programme funded by the ANR )
• > Mechanism dynamics through experimentation with ultrafast cameras and digital simulation (post doctoral study funded by the Fondation Singer Polignac)

Equipement

The lab is a space dedicated to restoration and research. In addition to the classical equipment for observation and treatment, it has an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, a radiography system, a real-time analyser equipped for modal analysis, a mechanical testing machine and a climatic chamber.

Scientific collaboration

These projects are carried out in collaboration with different institutions.

• > Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France (C2RMF)
• > Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation des Collections (CRCC)
• > Laboratoire de Recherche des Monuments Historiques (LRMH)
• > Institut National du Patrimoine (INP)
• > Conservare – IRRAP
• > National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, Scientific Research Department
• > Intitute for Analytical Sciences (ISAS), Dortmund
• > SOLEIL
• > LMGC
• > Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil (LMGC)
• > Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon (IGFL)
• > Institut Jean le Rond d'Alembert
• > Laboratoire de Mécanique et Technologie (LMT)
• > Centre des matériaux, Ecole des Mines de Paris
• > Master de Conservation Restauration des Biens Culturels - Université de Paris I

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