Scholars require images of cultural heritage (CH) objects to assist them with their research. This may be for publication, teaching, peer-review, conservation related activities, as well as making the collection better known to the public. Just as for decades the art historian was satisfied with black and white images and indeed had difficulty in both trusting and using colour images when they were first made available to them, then 3D imaging faces similar questions for the scholar. They do not yet fully understand it’s potential. One of the purposes of this trial, which was undertaken within the 3D COFORM EU funded research project, is an educational exercise for scholars. Comparing results from different cultural objects made from a variety of different materials will enable scholars  to better judge the technological potential and then predict when it will be useful and for their work.

The work at the V&A Photographic Studio has been undertaken in collaboration with Breuckmann GmbH and has used their Smart Scan-HE structured light scanner. Training Photographic Studio staff in the use of this new technology was part of the trial. Rates of learning and understanding of the medium were addressed to provide a better knowledge of the effort required to adopt 3D as a routine tool.  A wide range of cultural objects was scanned from stone and wood sculpture to textiles and silverware. An analysis of the success of these was made and results validated by discussion with V&A curators. This paper will illustrate this work and offer suggestions as to the potential benefits of these models to the various disciplines in the V&A.