Research

A 3D Wikipedia of art

Published 20 October 2009

An experiment is underway that could put the world's art treasures permanently on show in a 'Wikipedia' of culture.

University researchers are paving the way for works to be recorded in a 3D form that is so real that people will be able to see them from every possible angle on their computers.

Viewings would be more comprehensive and detailed than if people were within arm's reach of the real thing because the technology would enable them to turn objects in every direction.

Recording sculpture in 3D Professor David Arnold, leading the project, said no longer would missing an exhibition mean the chance of a lifetime was lost, and there would be obvious benefits for those unable to travel to cultural centres because of health or financial reasons: They would have a world of art and culture, including thousands of artefacts in storage because of lack of display space, to enjoy at the click of a mouse.

But he stressed: "The work is still in its infancy."

The project, funded by the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme and called 3D-COFORM, 'Tools and Expertise for 3D Collection Formation', involves a collaboration of a wealth of researchers including experts from computer science, the arts and business, drawn from across the university, and 18 other partners.

Their aim is to develop effective methods for 3D documentation and to create a European Virtual Centre of Competence in 3D digitisation involving the university and other members of the 3D-COFORM's consortium.

Trials have begun at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and at Petworth House, a late 17th-century mansion in West Sussex run by the National Trust and which houses ancient and neo-classical sculptures, fine furniture and carvings by Grinling Gibbons.

The experiments are being conducted on sculptures and similar works of art. Their images are being digitally captured and processed into a 3D record. Over the next three years other sculptures, monuments and artefacts will be recorded using a mixture of tools including digital photogrammetry (remote sensing technology) and laser-scanning tools.

Creating a 3D Wikipedia of art is till in its infancy.

Another method used to capture smaller artefacts involves a portable dome in which the items are placed and photographed under controlled lighting. Not all objects lend themselves easily to 3D imaging. Jewellery and other items with reflective surfaces, for instance, are difficult to capture. The research will target these situations and improve existing methods.

Researchers in Professor Arnold's previous project (EPOCH) developed a website which permits users to turn pictures into 3D models, allowing the viewer to rotate and examine the artwork from all angles and close up.

Professor Arnold stressed that the day when people can switch on PCs and expect to find the world's treasures in 3D is still a long way off: "We really are right at the beginning of this and when you look at how many visitor centres there are around the world, then you will realise how much work there is involved."

"In Britain, for instance, there are about 10,000 centres while in France there are probably four times as many. The number of cultural venues is huge." But, he said, the benefits would be profound: "What you see at any given time in a museum is only the tip of the iceberg. There are many more things in storage than on display and all these could be recorded and made available for 3D viewing."

"And if you miss an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum (a partner in the project), then the items may not be on view again for another 35 years. This is where digital access comes into its own."

"Everything a museum holds could be available and accessible at almost any time. Virtual handling of the objects is a different challenge but with this technology you'll be able to see details invisible on a visit to the museum."

Recording and cataloguing items is a massive enterprise but Professor Arnold sees the day when members of the public will themselves be able to assist by uploading their own records to the 'Wikipedia of heritage' website. "We are also looking at how we can empower people to do the work on their own heritage."