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In this Focus issue, researchers from Sorbonne Université in Paris and the British Museum in London discuss the contribution of material scientists in understanding the techniques and materials used by painters, sculptors and other artists, and in developing effective strategies to preserve our heritage.
Art historians have joined forces with material scientists in order to better understand the objects of interest but also develop better conservation treatments and preservation approaches.
Carl Heron and Joanne Dyer from the British Museum in London talk to Nature Materials about the research activities at the museum and how scientists can impact cultural heritage.