On the 12-13th of November, iPhotoCult and IESL/FORTH, together with the Benaki Museum and Holometrica, hosted at Benaki Museum, a live demonstration of the Digital Holographic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (DHSPI) structural diagnostics system based on a unique laser technology that detects hidden subsurface defects in artworks with unparalleled precision. Moreover, conservators and heritage science professionals had the opportunity to delve more into this technology and its benefits, developed at IESL/FORTH and advanced within iPhotoCult through a series of talks from Vassilis Paschalis (Benaki Museum), Dr. Anastasia Giakoumaki (FORTH), Dr. Vivi Tornari (FORTH), Michalis Andrianakis (FORTH), Jenny Anagnostopoulou (Holometrica), and Dr. Michalis Doulgeridis (Athens School of Fine Arts).
Visitors had the opportunity to observe real-time measurements on exemplary paintings from the Museum collection — with El Greco’s Adoration of the Magi (ca. 1565–1567) being the most emblematic example —, explore how invisible structural issues are transformed into detailed interferometric maps, and learn how this innovation is driving the shift toward preventive conservation.
A warm thank-you to all speakers, conservators, partners, and participants who joined us in advancing the future of cultural heritage preservation.
