Item TAA i.2.12a - Notes: Alfred Lucas, Tutankhamun conservation, 1922-1931

Identity area

Reference code

TAA i.2.12a

Title

Notes: Alfred Lucas, Tutankhamun conservation, 1922-1931

Date(s)

  • 1922-1931 (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

Loose lined pages (TAA i.2.12a.1-4) and 1 notebook containing lined pages (TAA i.2.12a.5-6)

Context area

Name of creator

(1867-1945)

Biographical history

British chemist. Born, Chorlton-upon-Medlock 1867. Died, Luxor 1945. Educated, School of Mines, London, and the Royal College of Science. Worked for the British Government as an assistant chemist, until ill health prompted a move to Egypt. There he was engaged as an assistant chemist to the Government Salt Department, 1898. He initially managed the Survey Department and Assay Office laboratories, he was then appointed Chemist for the Antiquities Service, 1923-32. Honorary Consulting Chemist, 1932-45. He was able to put his expertise in cleaning, consolidating, and conserving antiquities to good use when he was lent by the Antiquities Service to H. Carter during the excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamun. He also worked at Tanis with P. M. Montet. Published many books about his work in this field.

Archival history

Formerly in the possession of Alfred Lucas.

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Presented by Alfred Lucas to the Griffith Institute for placement with the rest of the Tutankhamun archive, November 1945.

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Alfred Lucas's notes on the conservation of objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun, compiled between 1922 and 1931.

  • Alfred Lucas's manuscript conservation notes
  • Arranged by Lucas in six sections
  • See below under "Notes" for transcription of Lucas's typewritten label affixed to the notebook cover
  • Contents include:
    • ‘Methods and Treatment used. [Antechamber objects]’;
    • ‘Scarlet colour on gold’;
    • ‘Objects and Treatment in Burial Chamber and Antechamber’;
    • Luxor Season 1925-6.
    • Account and treatment of Coffins and Mummy;
    • Seasons 1926-7, 1927-8;
    • Account and treatment of Coffins (contd.) and objects in Treasury, beginning of Annexe;
    • Season 1928-9;
    • Account and treatment of objects in Annexe.

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Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Property of the Griffith Institute. No restrictions.

Conditions governing reproduction

Copyright Griffith Institute, University of Oxford.

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Script of material

Language and script notes

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Finding aids

Allied materials area

Existence and location of originals

Existence and location of copies

Archived scans in Griffith Institute.

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Notes area

Note

  • Formerly catalogued as Tutankhamun MSS 12 (1) to (6)
  • Also formerly referred to as Tutankhamun notebook 12 (1) to (6)

Note

The typed label on the outer front cover of notebook:

  • Lucas's typewritten label affixed to the outer front cover:
    • "Notes on work done on some of the objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Meant for private use and reference only. In addition, formal notes were made by me on many of the Index Cards giving treatment of objects."
    • "A. LUCAS 10/6/43."
    • "(1) Sheets 1 to 77 Earliest Season 1922-23"
    • "(2) Sheets 1 to 16 Probably season 1923-24 or 1924-25"
    • "(3) Sheets 1 to 18 Probably season 1929-1930 or 1930-31"
    • "(4) Season 1925-26. Sheets 1 to 22"
    • "(5) Seasons 1926-27 and 1927-28. Book pages 1 to 51 "
    • "(6) Season 19228-29. Book pages 1 to 18 "

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