In Memoriam: James Hanlan

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CCI Newsletter, No. 27, June 2001

In Memoriam: James Hanlan

It is with sadness that CCI marks the passing of a colleague and, for many, a gifted mentor. James Hanlan died at his home in Kingston on August 1, 2000. His long and brilliant scientific career touched a wide variety of disciplines, and included work for DuPont, the National Gallery of Canada, CCI, and Queen's University.

While at the National Gallery, Jim contributed to the development of an analytical chemistry and research capability and pioneered the use of X-ray energy spectrometry for non-destructive elemental analysis of works of art. One early application of this technique was the compositional analysis of French-Canadian church silver. His work helped lead to the creation of CCI in 1972, and he worked at the Institute for two years before moving to Queen's University.

While at Queen's, Jim was responsible for the science component of the Master's of Art Conservation program. As one of the founders of conservation science in Canada, he guided his students through areas of science he felt were fundamental to their profession: the physics of light, surface chemistry, polymer science, colorimetry, microscopy, and instrumental analysis. He also drew in the Chemistry, Physics, and Geology departments for demonstrations of other analytical instruments, a multidisciplinary approach that conservators often require. A large number of his students now work in the conservation profession across Canada and around the world.

Under Jim's supervision and guidance in studying conservation treatment methods and material, designing experiments to test the theories, and analysing and reporting the results, the research projects of his graduate students generated a remarkable quantity of diverse and interesting work. Over the years, he also identified a number of different chemical compounds with potential applications in conservation treatments.

Anecdotes abound about Jim's academic and scientific work, not to mention the social events he hosted with his wife Camille where long-lasting friendships developed among his students. One recalls a certain 'experiment' that left Jim and some colleagues stumped. On a fall duck hunting trip, the group found that beavers had built a dam on Jim's plot of land and the resulting pond made access to the site difficult. To outsmart the beavers and drain off the water, they inserted a large-diameter perforated pipe at the base of the dam. When next they visited, the pond was still intact and the pipe was sitting on the top of the dam!

CCI extends our deepest sympathy to Jim's family. He—and his contributions to conservation science—will always hold a special place for us.