In 2022, Heritage360 produced a 3D model of one gypsum burial casing in the Yorkshire Museum as a proof of concept (see interactive 3D model below). The burial was of a family of two adults and an infant, who were wrapped in shrouds and buried together. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of capturing even the most minute details - including the imprints of textile weaves and string ties - and relate the personal tragedy of these three individuals and demonstrate the impact of this approach on the modern viewer.
3D scanning will be undertaken on 11 complete or fragmentary gypsum casings to capture morphological data on the casings themselves and, where still within a stone sarcophagus, the burial and its container. This work will utilise cutting-edge structured-light scanners (Artec Leo and Space-Spider) to capture fine details at resolutions of as little as 0.05mm. This level of detail confidence is significantly higher than that offered by older 3D capture methodologies such as photogrammetry, signficantly increasing the potential for fine analyses of fabric impressions within the gypsum micro-morphology.
In addition to producing materials that will support the project’s research foci, the 3D-scanning will also produce interactive digital media throughout the project that will be utilised for public engagement, supplement existing museum catalogue entries at partner organisations where possible, and form interactive visitor displays in the planned temporary museum exhibitions in the last year of the project.