Applications are invited for an AHRC‐funded collaborative PhD to research colour in Renaissance embroidery, with a particular focus on the outstanding group of over 30 Scottish and English embroideries dating from the mid‐16th to the late‐17th century at National Museums Scotland. This studentship is one of three fully‐funded awards made by the National Museums Scotland as part of the Scottish Cultural Heritage Consortium under the AHRC’s Collaborative Doctoral Partnership scheme. The project will be supervised by Prof Alison Hulme (University of Edinburgh) and Dr Lore Troalen (National Museums Scotland). The student would be based both at the EaStCHEM School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh (which is among the top ranked departments within the EU) and at Collections Science, National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh (which has one of the largest multidisciplinary collections in the UK).
NMS' internationally significant collection of European textiles and dress is 50,000 objects strong, dating from the 14th century to the present day, and is the third largest in the UK after the V&A and the Bath Fashion Museum. At the heart of this collection is an outstanding group of over 30 Scottish and English embroideries dating from the mid‐16th to the late‐17th century. Its quality and breadth, as well as the techniques represented, make this collection of national significance. Despite the significance of workshop production in England and Scotland to textile scholars, very little art historical research has been undertaken. The PhD will seek to answer key questions about the manufacture of these objects, the raw materials and dyestuffs used and their relationship to continental European examples. The development of non‐destructive analytical platforms [e.g. direct desorptive MS techniques such as Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption Electrospray Ionization (MALDESI)] which will underpin this study, is essential for the future scientific analysis of museum collections. Thus this PhD will bring fundamental progress to both the heritage science community and the field of historical textile analysis. Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a 2.i or 1st class MChem degree, or an MSc level degree in chemistry or a related discipline; although applicants with history, and technical art history degrees will be also considered, providing that the student can demonstrate a strong interest and some practical knowledge in chemistry. The student also needs to satisfy AHRC residency eligibility criteria. Preference may be given to candidates with prior experience in working with historical objects and/or analytical chromatography, though others are encouraged to apply. The full studentship award for students with UK residency includes fees and a stipend of £14,777 per annum plus £550 p.a. additional stipend payment for Collaborative Doctoral students for 3 years. In addition, the Student Development Fund (equivalent to 0.5 years of stipend payments) is also available to support the cost of training, work placements, and other development opportunities. Students with EU residency are eligible for a fees‐only studentship award. International applicants are not eligible to apply. The NMS will provide up to £1000 a year to cover travel and other costs the student incurs traveling to carry out research at the Museum and other locations. Applicants should submit a CV, a sample of academic writing and a cover‐letter describing your previous research experience, reasons to apply and justifying your eligibility in pdf format. The names and contact details of two academic referees should also be supplied. Applications should be sent to Alison Hulme ([email protected]) and Lore Troalen ( [email protected]) no later than 30th May 2018. Interviews are scheduled to be held at the University of Edinburgh, in the week of 18‐22 June 2018. (Alternative arrangements for remote interviews can be made if required.) For further information concerning the project, please contact Alison Hulme ([email protected]) or Lore Troalen ([email protected]). Deadline: 30th May 2018. Lore Troalen, PhD, MRSC Analytical Scientist Dept of Collections Services National Museums Scotland Tel: +44 (0) 131 247 4110 Email: [email protected] ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
