Caparo Testing Technologies (CTT) has had various requests to carry out many different and diverse tasks during its existence but an enquiry from a London gallery is perhaps one of the more unusual. Recently, the London based Kallos Gallery requested that the business carry out Radiography/X Ray testing of a Corinthian Bronze Helmet of the ‘Hermione’ type dating back to the late 6th to early 5th century BC, as well as a pair of gold Lion-Head Bracelets, dating back to the 4th century BC. All items appeared visually to be in exceptionally good condition but the client wanted to determine if any remedial works had been carried out since they were discovered. The Helmet is probably one of the most recognisable emblems of Greek warfare and cultural identity, whilst the 8.8cm diameter Bracelets are in typical style of the finest Greek jewellery from the Archaic period onwards.
Caparo Testing Technologies was pleased to accept this challenge and the work was carried out at the test facility in Witney, Oxfordshire, whilst the client remained in attendance to witness the radiographic process and assess the results. The radiographic images subsequently achieved were of great interest and significance to the Kallos gallery as the fine detail of the Helmet construction was highlighted and the Bracelets were shown to be in near perfect condition.
Steve Richardson, General Manager of the Caparo Testing Technologies-Witney Branch commented: ‘It was a real pleasure to undertake a job that was different from ‘the norm’ and we were very pleased to be able to achieve results that exceeded the client’s expectations’.
For more information on the Radiography/ X Ray Testing and Inspection services carried out by Caparo Testing Technologies please email enquiries@caparotesting.com or call +44 (0) 1993 778 522.