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CHERISH

The Cambridge Heritage Science Hub

The Cambridge University Library Research Institute is proud to be part of the Cambridge Heritage Science Hub (CHERISH), a partnership with the Department of Archaeology, Fitzwilliam Museum, Hamilton Kerr Institute and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

CHERISH aims to build a connected research community for Archaeological and Heritage Science in Cambridge through the development of partnerships and collaborative projects.

Graphic map depicting CHERISH partnerships and disciplines

Graphic of CHERISH partnerships by Raffaella Losito

Graphic of CHERISH partnerships by Raffaella Losito

"At the core of this initiative is our conviction that scientific approaches are key to the characterisation, preservation, understanding and dissemination of heritage but also that these studies should be grounded in the broader intellectual frameworks of the arts and humanities, in order to maximise benefits to communities, economies and the environment."

Professor Marcos Martinón-Torres, University of Cambridge

The impact of CHERISH on research at Cambridge University Library

Capability for Collections (CapCo) Fund

In 2021, CHERISH was awarded almost £3m from the AHRC's Capability for Collections (CapCo) Fund, of which £700,000 was used to refurbish our Cambridge Heritage Imaging Laboratory and purchase state-of-the-art specialist imaging equipment.

"It is the convening power of Cambridge’s extraordinary collections that makes an ambitious project such as CHERISH possible. Through this funding, CHERISH can strengthen its foundation for world-leading, innovative Heritage Science research that will be more accessible both to the Cambridge and wider community."

Dr Jessica Gardiner, University Librarian and Director of Library Services

This investment has enabled new engagement with the library collections, through techniques including Multispectral Imaging (MSI), Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and 3D modelling.

Multispectral imaging (MSI)

MSI captures image data across visible and near visible electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths.

This technology allows us to examine and manipulate image data to uncover text and markings which are difficult to view or entirely invisible to the naked eye.

For example, researchers have used this technology to decipher palimpsests. Palimpsests are manuscripts where the original content has been scraped or washed off in order for the parchment to be used to copy a new text. This means there is often hidden or barely visible content underneath the first layer of ink. MSI allows us to explore the layers of the manuscript to view its original usage.

10th-century Jewish poetry manuscript, once viewed with MSI uncovers, Origen’s Hexapla, which is among the earliest manuscripts in the Genizah from around 7th century CE

10th-century Jewish poetry manuscript, once viewed with MSI uncovers, Origen’s Hexapla, which is among the earliest manuscripts in the Genizah from around 7th century CE

Reflective Transformation Imaging (RTI)

RTI is a photographic method which involves using different lighting angles to produce interactive rendered images known as Polynomial Texture Maps. It is a type of photogrammetric digital object which gives us the chance to uncover surface features and texture characteristics that would otherwise be investible. 
Source: (https://culturalheritageimaging.org/Technologies/RTI/)

[15503(CGE)] Nepenthes pitcher plant specimen viewed using RTI, Cambridge University Herbarium. Video credit: Amélie Deblauwe.

[15503(CGE)] Nepenthes pitcher plant specimen viewed using RTI, Cambridge University Herbarium. Video credit: Amélie Deblauwe.

CHERISH has increased cross-departmental collaboration on the University’s collections. Explore the map below for examples of these projects.

Dr Orietta Da Rold, an Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of St John’s College, describes how multi-spectral imaging technology has been used as a powerful tool to examine the history of paper.

Reflective Transformation Imaging has been applied to botanical specimens from Cambridge University Herbarium as part of the Darwin Correspondence Project.

[00316(CGE)], Phlebodium Areolatum specimen collected by Charles Darwin in the Galapagos in 1835, Cambridge University Herbarium

[00316(CGE)], Phlebodium Areolatum specimen collected by Charles Darwin in the Galapagos in 1835, Cambridge University Herbarium

The RTI allows to examine the texture of the specimans and provide high-quality microscopic imaging.

Two examples of microscopic RTI imaging revealing the surface’s texture. Image credit: Amélie Deblauwe.

Two examples of microscopic RTI imaging revealing the surface’s texture. Image credit: Amélie Deblauwe.

Dimensions of Darwin used advanced 3D imaging techniques to bring physical items owned and collected by Charles Darwin into the virtual space.

3D scan of Darwin's microscope

Read more about the impact of the CapCo investment in the Library’s press release linked below.

Project team

Dr Paola Ricciardi

Principal Investigator

Formerly Senior Research Scientist, Fitzwilliam Museum.

Suzanne Paul

Co-Investigator

Keeper of Rare Books and Early Manuscripts, Cambridge University Library

Maciej Pawlikowski

Technical Expert

Head of the Cambridge Heritage Imaging Laboratory, Cambridge University Library

Amelie Roper

Project Manager

Head of Research, Cambridge University Library

Jo Vine

Project Manager

Head of Research and Impact, Fitzwilliam Museum.

Professor Marcos Martinón-Torres

Co-Investigator

Pitt-Rivers Professor of Archaeological Science, Department of Archaeology.

Professor Nicholas Thomas

Co-Investigator

Director and Curator, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Dr Lucy Wrapson

Co-Investigator

Senior Painting Conservator, Hamilton Kerr Institute.

Published 27 February 2023
With thanks to:

Maciej Pawlikowski and Amelie Roper for contribution.

The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

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Collection items featured
Background of MSI section: Mingana-Lewis Palimpsest [MS Or.1287] (photographed by Blazej Mikula)
10th-century Jewish poetry manuscript: T-S 12.182. A
Photography
XRF analysis of an illuminated MSS at the Fitzwilliam Museum
Imaging at CUL
CUL camera set up timelapse
CUL staff imaging for Whipple Museum
HKI UV examination

Illustration
CHERISH partnerships graphic by Raffaella Losito