David Bayne
Readily accessible graphics on the Macintosh computer can help solve a wide variety of problems in museum conservation. Graphics on a computer can be incorporated very easily into word processing programs and can elucidate complex descriptions of objects. With these programs replacement pieces or other modifications can be designed if necessary. The proposed changes can be modelled directly on the screen without time and materials spent in the studio. Another application is for proportional analysis. Dimensional proportions that are difficult to understand with words can be intuitively explored on a computer. Scanners allow the inputting of historic drawings into a computer graphics program where proportions and dimensions can be studied. Colour graphics can be used to examine the composition of microscopic varnish and paint samples. Although experimental, colour graphics will help determine original colours for reproductions and interpretations.