Talk - Metalwork treasures scanned for pioneering 3D archive (Sheffield)

a PIONEERING project using the latest 3D technology is set to sharpen the cutting edge of Sheffield’s 800-year-old tradition of metalwork.

Funded by JISC, the UK’s expert on information and digital technologies for education and research, it has seen Museums Sheffield working in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University to create a virtual 3D archive of key pieces from the city’s world–famous metalwork collection.

The Objects in 3D project has allowed Museums Sheffield to create three dimensional images of over 200 objects. Using fast scanning technologies, researchers from Sheffield Hallam University have captured 3D images of pieces, including a Sheffield-made Britannia metal mustard pot and an ornate silver card case from late 19th century Bombay. Objects which aren’t normally displayed, or are too delicate for handling, can now be experienced ‘virtually’ from anywhere in the world.

Lucy Cooper, curator of Metalwork, Museums, Sheffield, said: “Metalwork is such an important part of the city’s heritage and it’s fantastic to be able to share these objects in this unique way.

“Sheffield’s metalworking reputation was built on innovation, so it’s fitting that we’ve been able to showcase the collection using such pioneering techniques.”

The 3D fast-scanning technology used in the digitisation process has been developed by Sheffield Hallam University’s Geometric Modelling and Pattern Recognition Research Group.

To find out more about how the Objects in 3D project was developed, join Ms Cooper at the Millennium Gallery on Thursday at 1pm for a free lunchtime talk.

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/metalwork_treasures_scanned_for_pioneering_3d_archive_1_3990340

News – Field Survey Study at Braithwell (Priories Historical Society)

Priories Historical Society took part in its first field survey at Braithwell, South Yorkshire on Sunday 27^th March.  The morning was very cold as I arrived, the sky was scattered with grey cloud which made the day look daunting but during the day the sky cleared leaving a beautiful blue sky.  The field was originally five fields over time these boundaries have been removed.  At least one of these boundaries seems to have been made from stone due to the change in soil colour and blocks of limestone present although this could have been a hedge and the limestone in this area might not have been cleared during field improvements.  

 

There were many finds during the day. The field is littered with bits of clay pipe throughout although there is a concentration to the northern hedge possibly indicating where the labourers rested and ate whilst working in the field.  Glass and modern pottery is also numerous so care was taken when inspecting shards. Roman finds were quite numerous in one section of the field so this will be inspected further on the next few visits.  This pottery comprised mainly greyware but other more exquisite pieces were also found.  The star find of the day was a Charles II farthing coin from 1674 (with the date below Britannia).  At some point livestock have been kept in the field as there are numerous bone fragments.

 

To be able to go on Field Surveying with the society you need to become a member which is a nominal amount of £5 per year (due in April), this also gets you £1 off meetings and free copies of the societies magazine.  There is also a Health & Safety document which needs to be signed.  If you wish to metal detect with us you will need to have approved Metal Detector Insurance (NCMD or FID) and have to be vetted by the committee before being allowed on-site.