Dates and Times
25 September 2025
12:30 - 13:30
Event for
Location
Organiser
Centre for Cultural and Creative Research (CCCR), Faculty of Art and Design
Speakers
Julia Brand
Enquiry
Centre for Cultural and Creative Research (CCCR)
Event about:
Culture and Creativity Seminar – Laser Cleaning at the Victoria and Albert Museum: Summary of a one-year Fellowship
Speaker: Julia Brand
Date\Time: Thursday 25 September 2025, 12:30-13:30
Location: Building 1 Level A Room 1A21, University of Canberra (NB Room 1a21 is accessed from the foyer joining Building 1 and Mizzuna café);
or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95029077504
Abstract
Laser cleaning provides a highly controlled, non-invasive method for removing surface contaminants without damaging the underlying material, making it especially valuable in the preservation of sensitive cultural artifacts. Over the past year, the Victoria and Albert Museum’s conservation team has applied this approach across various materials and object types, such as plastics, micromosaics, ceramics, and paintings. This seminar will offer an overview of how laser cleaning works, its advantages, and the results obtained during the projects undertaken in 2024. It will also share practical insights, highlight challenges and benefits, and demonstrate the growing role of laser technology in the preservation of cultural heritage.
All are welcome!
Bio
Julia is a postdoctoral research fellow specialising in the application of laser technologies for the conservation of cultural heritage materials. She completed her PhD at University of Canberra in 2023, focusing on the use of femtosecond pulse lasers to clean the granite cladding of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Following her doctoral studies, she undertook a laser cleaning fellowship at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, where she worked closely with conservators to integrate laser cleaning into routine treatment practices. Julia has since returned to Canberra, where her research will explore the application of laser cleaning to Aboriginal rock art.
Supports and fundings
This fellowship was funded by Ed and Anne Teppo
The Culture and Creativity Seminar Series is hosted by the Centre for Cultural and Creative Research (CCCR), Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Canberra. To discover upcoming seminars, please follow us on Facebook @uccccr, or Instagram and Twitter @uc_cccr. Alternatively, join our mailing list by emailing cccr@canberra.edu.au.
Any questions and accessibility requests please contact: cccr@canberra.edu.au.
UC acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, traditional custodians of the lands where Bruce campus is situated. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of Canberra and the region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose lands we gather.