Clare Lab Research

Research in the Lasseter Clare Lab focuses on the intersection of materials chemistry and the conservation of artistic and historic works.

We study newly emerging technologies, such as those in nano-materials chemistry, to advance preservation practices. We are interested in improving the performance, reducing the environmental impact, and facilitating the commercialization of these new materials to make them widely accepted and available for use by conservators worldwide. We are also developing new diagnostics and methods to better preserve material cultural heritage.

Airborne pollutants, like sulfur dioxide, have a deleterious effect on outdoor artwork often leading to corrosion of the metal. These effects may be mitigated by the use of protective coatings. We are currently collaborating with the Philadelphia Museum of Art to develop protective coatings for use on outdoor metalwork, such as bronze sculptures and architectural ironwork. In a project with the Seattle Art Museum, we are developing diagnostic tools to detect the early breakdown of coatings to observe changes before damage occurs to artwork.

We support and collaborate with conservators of artistic and historic works throughout the Pacific Northwest applying the unique capabilities of the Regional Lab for the Science of Cultural Heritage Conservation at Portland State University. To learn more about some of the instruments used in our lab, click here. Analytical instrumentation at Portland State University, which includes Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Powder X-radiography, and Mass Spectrometry, enhance the capabilities of the Lab.