The ongoing research project is being funded through a Small Research Consultancy established with the University of Sydney. It is pushing the boundaries of scientific illustration into new domains, as Drabsch, Howells and O’Donnell explore, through their practice, the question of whether it is possible to digitally replicate the hand drawn aesthetic of the ancient Egyptian artists by combining traditional line drawings with the latest digital technology. The team are utilising traditional research methods such as historical research, comparative iconographical studies and collaborative discussions along with practice-based methods such as storyboarding, colour enhancement, digital rendering and animation, using a suite of software packages, such as D-Stretch, Substance Painter, Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender and Premiere Pro. The process is iterative in nature, with many creative problem-solving moments, technical challenges and dead ends. The final animated outcome will tell two narratives: the first focuses on current research relating to the scanning and re-colourisation of the sarcophagus; and the second explores the iconographical elements of the coffin, illuminating Mer-Neith-it-es’ name, the protective goddesses, sons of Horus and the Anubis tableau.

There have been many successes and challenges during the course of the research project, however, through experimentation the team have evidenced that the combination of traditional skills, such as hand-drawn scientific illustrations, with the latest digital techniques, can provide an accurate and visually appealing aesthetic suitable for cutting-edge museum display. The animation of the digitally recoloured 3D model will be the first of its kind in the field of museum displays and it will be on permanent display in the new Chau Chak Wing Museum at Sydney University. Drabsch, Howells and O’Donnell have recently been invited to present their pioneering work at the British Museum and are leading the way in the arena of digitally enhanced artefact displays, cultural heritage conservation and educational animations.

National Geographic Article.

BBC News Article.