Paper conservation research 1974-2010

Material and the Arts Research Centre (MATAR)
MATAR was founded in 2005 to build on a well-established base of scientific research at UAL. During its time, MATAR has undertaken research at the intersection of the sciences and the arts in order to apply science and technology in the fields of communication, conservation, fashion, art and design.
A considerable amount of research into the behaviour of prints and printing materials has been carried out at Camberwell College of Arts and the London College of Communication. This has resulted in a numerous research publications as well as the successful completion of doctoral research projects by eight PhD students. Their theses have been concerned with a wide range of topics related to the intersection of science with art, design and communication, including print recognition, stability of printed materials, ultrasonic deinking, conservation of 19th century watercolours and ink transfer mechanisms in flexographic printing
Prior to the establishment of MATAR, the University had established a high international standing and a solid body of research output in the core areas of materials science especially as they applied to conservation and printing.

From its foundation in 2005, MATAR was led by Dr Andrew Manning, who had an outstanding record of research and successful PhD supervision and completions. The Centre attracted researchers in other specialist subject fields and thus provided a framework for emerging as well as existing research strengths in science and technology subjects. The Research Centre was a centre of excellence for ink/substrate projects, as well as having a wider portfolio which included conservation science, colour imaging and document security.
In MATAR subjects, published papers are the primary vehicle for disseminating research outcomes. Research is also disseminated through symposia, conferences and seminars, and MATAR has made such events a priority. MATAR research has had a direct impact on undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, a number of MATAR members being also course directors and able to readily integrate research results with the curricula. Students are encouraged to produce publishable research as part of their course.

MATAR was not redesignated beyond 2010, but closed in July of that year. Despite the unit’s closure, in the specialist laboratories across the University, the Centre had an outstanding range of powerful and up-to-date measurement and test equipment which is still available for use.