Biography
Published in 2009
Known as the “space-age art restorer” and the “grandfather of laser conservation”, American laser physicist John Asmus, (born in 1937), traces his interest in lasers as a means of restoring art to the 1970s. As a scientist with a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology, Asmus understood how science could be harnessed for the benefit of art.
His 1990 Rolex Award for his pioneering work to restore the colours decorating the Chinese Qin Dynasty Terracotta Warriors inspired many more art conservators to carry out a wide range of arts restoration programmes around the world.
The Award also contributed to the founding, in 1994, of the professional society LACONA (LAsers for the CONservation of Artworks).
A research physicist at the University of California, San Diego, since 1973, Asmus is currently establishing a consortium to provide laser technologies for art conservation programmes in Latin America.
- Project Location
- Related Links
- Similar Projects
Sabine Cotte
Produce a manual on conserving Bhutan’s fortified monasteries
Martine Fettweis-Viénot
Create the first complete catalogue of Mayan wall paintings
- Other 1990 Laureates
- Contact Information
Dr John Fredrich Asmus
Department of Physics 0319
Rm 3651, Mayer Hall
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92093-0319
United States
