The National Gallery, London, houses arguably the world's greatest collection of Western European paintings. And the processes with which National Gallery scientists study and conserve the paintings is equally impressive -- processes that rely on high technology.
Beauty fades
Careful climate control and velvet ropes cannot stop time's effects on an oil painting. Eventually, pigments will fade and varnishes discolor.
Old masters and new technology
The National Gallery trusts HP for the technological tools used in the conservation process. High-resolution digital images of originals are acquired and stored on HP servers, and large-format HP printers create accurate, life-sized reproductions of the painting. This technology allows the staff to examine the paintings and guides any needed conservation work.
Taking a masterpiece home
HP Solutions are used in other projects, from digitizing the National Gallery's entire catalogue of paintings to offering a print-on-demand service in the gift shop -- so visitors can leave with their very own Titian or van Gogh. To print your own van Gogh, click on the painting.
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