The activity and expertise of the laboratory of the department of the restorers are performed within the framework of the initial training. Located near the workshops, the laboratory welcomes students for experimentations and analyses and, in a broader sense, provides them with regular educational tools in the scientific field.

It is thus entrusted to collect scientific files prior to works of preservation and restoration conducted in all the specialities. Within the institution, it has at its disposal equipments of scientific imaging and several techniques of microanalysis adapted to the characterization of materials of cultural heritage. Partnerships with other laboratories belonging to the ministry of culture and with various universities have allowed it to offer a wide array of analytical approaches.

Studies focus on the determination of the techniques of production of objects, of their state of preservation and of the ancient practices of restoration. They help restorers to determine the formulation of their diagnosis. The study reports are available for consultation by professionals at the department of documentation of the works.

Examination procedure

The examination of an object starts with a complete photographic survey to establish the state of conservation of the surface as well as some of the characteristics of the artist's procedure. The object will also be photographed while the conservation work is in progress. X-radiography is often used as it provides a three-dimensional approach of the artefact.

The next step is to submit the object to a nulber of physics and chemistry tests to determine the original materials used by the artist, early restorations and the extent of damage to the object. Micro-analysis is then called upon for quantitative and qualitative examination of minute samples (sometimes no more than a picogram). Organic components can be identified by gas-chromatography and mass spectrometry. Direct light and scanning electron microscopes, X-ray micro-analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis are used for the identification of inorganic and mineral components.

Some examinations are carried out in collaboration with other laboratories of the Ministry of Culture and Communication (C2RMF, CRCDG, LRMH) or university laboratories, namely that of Paris IV.