Context
To answer these questions, we are developing the lightshow technology to produce a ‘virtual’ colour reconstruction of a tapestry.
This technology will provide images of the scientifically-derived original appearance of a tapestry.
This will then either be projected onto large screens or – as has been successfully done in the preliminary study – on to the existing hanging tapestry. You will be able to see the tapestries in their original splendour for the first time in centuries.
Approach
We need to accurately measure the fading and colour properties of both sides of the tapestry and produce a digital archive of images. Using this data, we will reconstruct the original appearance of the tapestry, and project this on to a tapestry on display.
This project will help us to better understand the precise fading characteristics of the materials used in the historic tapestries.
Our partner in this project is the University of Manchester. We are also very grateful for funding provided by the Clothworkers’ Foundation.
Our partners:
University of Manchester
www.manchester.ac.uk
Clothworkers' Foundation
www.clothworkers.co.uk
Getting results
This project began in October 2006, and the projection show will be finished ready for 2009, when Hampton Court Palace will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s ascension to the throne.
More conservation science research
