Research Stories
Christina Young: Lasers, Art, and Seeing the Unseen
Art Conservator Professor Christina Young explains how her background in physics informs her work in art conservation, and how she uses technology to reveal the hidden histories of artworks.
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In this episode of Research Stories, host Nick Bruce speaks with Professor Christina Young, an expert in Conservation and Technical Art History, whose work sits at the crossroads of art and science.
Christina shares how physics and optical design led her into the world of art conservation, where technology uncovers hidden layers in paintings. Nick and Christina explore the complexity of cultural heritage objects, the ethics of conservation, and the stories behind artworks that go far beyond what meets the eye.
In this episode:
- How science and creativity combine in conservation practice.
- Why preserving cultural heritage matters for communities, nations, and history itself.
- The social histories hidden in Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre paint frames.
- Practical tips for anyone who has ever felt unsure how to “get” art in galleries and museums.
- How public engagement and simple tools can ignite curiosity.
Christina Young Biography
Christina is a Physics graduate who laterally found herself in the world of art conservation and never looked back. Her current research interests include:
- The history and significance of painted stage cloths (The Power To Transform).
- Crack formation and fatigue in painted wooden cultural heritage (IMPASTOW).
- Photonic Imaging Strategies for Technical Art History and Conservation.
- Structural Conservation of Paintings on Canvas combining technical art history, conservation and curatorial practice.
Christina’s other long term research interests include:
- The conservation of modern and contemporary art.
- The development of non-invasive monitoring techniques, methods, and materials for structural conservation.
- The history of painted canvas in fine and decorative art, theatre and performance, social, political and religious contexts.
Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, and original music by Nick.
