Modern microscope helps to preserve the past

Architectural paint research unit at English Heritage is using a top-of-the-range microscope to investigate stratigraphy of paint samples from two historic buildings

English Heritage has recently invested in a top-of-the-range microscope from Leica Microsystems for its architectural paint research unit.

The Leica DM LM is used to investigate the decorative development of historic buildings, most recently on major restoration projects at Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire and Danson House in London.

Efficient equipment is essential if the unit is to gain the most information from the paint samples taken.

The conservation team takes small samples of paint layers and substrate, mounts them in resin blocks, and grinds down to reveal a cross-section of the stratigraphy of the paint.

Examining these mounted cross-sections under high magnification helps the team to interpret the decoration of an interior through time.

The Leica DM LM replaced the unit's old microscope which dated back to the 1960s, and whose limitations had been affecting the scope of the unit's research.

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