Eleni Kotoula

My PhD research examines the application of computer graphics for conservation of artefacts, including documentation, examination, analysis and presentation, as well as restoration. My case study is the Derveni collection, currently located in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Greece. I have also used hellenistic pottery from the Archaeological collection of the University of Southampton, roman bronze and glass artefacts from Winchester and medieval artefacts from the Archaeological collections of Southampton.
In 2011 I develop the microscopic Highlight RTI methodology and in 2012 I designed the first microscopic RTI dome. Moreover, I explored the RTI’s potential in the infrared spectral region using an RTI arm. I completed a case study on the use of reflected Ultraviolet and Ultraviolet incuced visible fluorescence RTI. Among other material and artefact types I examined the application of RTI in numismatics study and conservation.
I evaluated the use of 3d photogrammetry models for virtual visual analysis af artefacts, mainly focused on classical and hellenistic pottery.
Currently I examine the use of CT scanning, 3d modeling and 3d printing in restoration of artefacts, using fragmented faenza maiolica and bronze vessels as case studies.

The key elements of my research aims are the following:

  • to review traditional and digital approaches towards conservation and determine their advantages and disadvantages, as well as to provide an insight into the relationship between traditional approaches and advanced digital analogues
  • to investigate the contribution of digital technology in conservation, focusing not only on recording and documentation, but including examination, analysis and restoration, either virtually or physically
  • to present limitations and test the efficacy of advanced digital techniques on a demanding sample of artefacts, which presents a variety of types and materials
  • to propose a new methodology for digital technology and computer graphics in the field of conservation and artefacts’ studies, based on synergy rather than the denial of traditions
  • to examine the changes introduced to the profession due to the wider application of digital techniques and provide the ethical framework for this methodological approach

I earned my BSc in Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art from the Technological Educational Institution of Athens in 2007. My BSc thesis was dealing with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) monitoring of the artificial ageing of commercial acrylic and vinyl adhesives/consolidants, in the form of thin films on glass as well as applied on clay mortars. In 2008 I transferred to the MSc in Archaeological Computing (Virtual Pasts), University of Southampton. My MSc thesis was focused on virtual reconstruction and ageing analysis of a glass, an enamelled metal and a painted ceramic from the collection of the Archaeological Museum of Southampton. I further developed my skills in Hawk University of Applied Sciences and Arts – Hornemann Institute, Germany, following a continuing education programme for professional conservators in 2009. In 2010 I started my PhD, which examines the application of computer graphics in conservation-restoration of artefacts.

I am working either as museum conservator (painted surfaces, wood, bone, metal, glass, stone, ceramic) or in monuments and archaeological sites (wall painting, mortar, stone, mosaics) since 2004. My working experience includes cooperation with museums, cultural organizations and research centres in Greece, such as:
The National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF)
KH’ Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Amphipolis
ΚΖ’ Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Makrigialos
Archaeological Institute of Macedonian and Thracian Studies, Thessaloniki
8th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, Ioannina
Institute of Nuclear Physics, NCSR Demokritos, Athens
Building Materials Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Art Diagnosis Centre Foundation Ormylia, Chalkidiki
American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Pylos

 

 

 

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I earned my BSc in Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art from the Technological Educational Institution of Athens in 2007. My BSc thesis was dealing with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) monitoring of the artificial ageing of commercial acrylic and vinyl adhesives/consolidants, in the form of thin films on glass as well as applied on clay mortars. In 2008 I transferred to the MSc in Archaeological Computing (Virtual Pasts), University of Southampton. My MSc thesis was focused on virtual reconstruction and ageing analysis of a glass, an enamelled metal and a painted ceramic from the collection of the Archaeological Museum of Southampton. I further developed my skills in Hawk University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Hornemann Institute, Germany, following a continuing education programme for professional conservators in 2009. In 2010 I started my PhD, which examines the application of computer graphics in conservation-restoration of artefacts. I am working either as museum conservator (painted surfaces, wood, bone, metal, glass, stone, ceramic) or in monuments and archaeological sites (wall painting, mortar, stone, mosaics) since 2004. My working experience includes cooperation with museums, cultural organizations and research centres in Greece, such as: The National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF) KH' Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Amphipolis ΚΖ’ Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Makrigialos Archaeological Institute of Macedonian and Thracian Studies, Thessaloniki 8th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, Ioannina Institute of Nuclear Physics, NCSR Demokritos, Athens Building Materials Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Art Diagnosis Centre Foundation Ormylia, Chalkidiki American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Pylos      

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