Call Number:

0076

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Penn Museum Archives

Extent:

5.0 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1978-2009 (inclusive)

Creator:

Fleming, Stuart J., b. 1943

Form:

Photographic prints

Abstract:

Fleming was appointed as Scientific Director of MASCA starting in 1978. Under his direction MASCA broadened its analytical techniques from a focus on Carbon 14 dating, to the inclusion of many other specialized scientific approaches to answering anthropological/archaeological questions, including other dating techniques such as Thermoluminescence and materials analysis techniques such as Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE).

Born July 4th 1943, physicist Stuart Fleming received his B.A. in Natural Sciences from Oxford University in 1964, and his doctorate from the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and History of Art at Oxford in 1969, with his thesis The Acquisition of Radioluminescence by Ancient Ceramics.

Fleming was appointed as Scientific Director of MASCA starting in 1978. Under his direction MASCA broadened its analytical techniques from a focus on Carbon 14 dating, to the inclusion of many other specialized scientific approaches to answering anthropological/archaeological questions, including other dating techniques such as Thermoluminescence and materials analysis techniques such as Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE).

His primary body of publications is concerned with the use of scientific processes to ensure authenticity of art objects, as well as various dating techniques on materials such as metals, ceramics and mummified human remains. He was an instigating force behind the 1997 Penn Museum exhibition on Roman Glass.

The Stuart Fleming Papers consists largely of textual records pertaining to Fleming’s personal research as well as his position as Scientific Director of MASCA. A number of photographs, x-rays, and drawings are also included and have been left in their original folders pending future accessions and reprocessing. The collection contains the following series 1) Research/Projects 2) Correspondence 3) Biographical 4) Exhibits.

Research/Projects

This series contains photos and textual records pertaining Stuart Fleming’s individual research including numismatics and the authenticating of art objects using analytical scientific techniques, as well as individual projects for outside institutions.

Correspondence

This series contains the professional correspondence of Stuart Fleming.

Biographical

This series contains biographical information, including Stuart Fleming’s CV.

Exhibits

This series contains records pertaining to Stuart Fleming’s exhibition planning activities, most notably the Roman Glass exhibition at the Penn Museum, including textual records, photographs and technical drawings. Additionally, some lecture notes are included.