Biography
I am an archaeologist and art conservator, specializing in the scientific analysis and conservation treatment of inorganic materials, particularly metals, ceramics, and glass.
I previously received a M.Sc. in archaeological science from UCL (University College London), a M.A. in art conservation from Buffalo State College, and a B.A. in archaeological studies from Yale University. Prior to moving to the U.K., I completed post-graduate fellowships in art conservation at the Harvard Art Museums and Historic New England. I have also undertaken archaeological fieldwork in the United Kingdom, Turkey, Italy, and the United States.
Research
Within the field of archaeology, my research centres on pyrotechnology and its products, particularly metals, with a cultural and temporal focus on the Roman Empire and associated pre-Roman cultures. I am interested in combining scientific analysis and archaeological research to look at questions of craft production, innovation, and craft-related human-environment interactions, especially fuel procurement. My other academic interests include the history of restoration and contemporary issues in cultural heritage preservation
Key Publications
Costello, S.D., Rayner, G., Chang, A. and E. La Duc, forthcoming. Preserving Plastics in the Collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Plastics in Peril: Conservation of Polymeric Materials in Cultural Heritage, Conference Proceedings. Cambridge: Fitzwilliam Museum.
La Duc, E., Montero-Ruiz, I., Freestone, I.C., Fanlo Loras, J., Jabalquinto Expósito, I.M., Martín de la Cruz, J.C., Pérez-Lambán, F., Picazo Millán, J.V. and M. Martinón-Torres, 2022. Diverse strategies for copper production in Chalcolithic Iberia. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 46, 1 - 11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2022.103683
La Duc, E., Eremin, K., Costello, S. and Helfenstein, E., 2018. Shades of grey: Issues in dating grisaille Limoges painted enamels in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. In Eggert, G. (ed.): ENAMEL 2018. Stuttgart: Staatliche Akademie Der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart, 76 – 81.
La Duc, E., 2018. When in Rome, do as the Romans do? The conservation of an Italian marble and micromosaic tabletop. Objects Specialty Group Postprints, 44th Annual Meeting. Washington, D.C.: American Institute for Conservation, 179 – 198.
La Duc, E. and Chang, A., 2017. Analysis and replication studies of prehistoric Chinese ceramics from the Qijia Culture. MRS Advances (Material Issues in Art and Archaeology XI) 2:35-36, 1849 – 1867.
Teaching and Supervisions
Supervisor: Prof Marcos Martinón-Torres
Advisor: Prof Martin Millett
Other Professional Activities
Member of Corpus Christi College
