Browsing by Subject "Historic Clothing"

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    Comparative Analysis of Structured Light Scanning and Photogrammetry for 3D Digitization of Costume Collections: Towards a Model for Best Practices
    (2022-06) Cloet, Alison
    The purpose of this mixed methods study is to develop best practices in workflows and equipment specifications for 3D digitization of costume. Recent advancements in 3D technologies are providing new means of preserving and disseminating cultural and historical collections. However, the comparison of structured light scanning and photogrammetry (structure from motion) for 3D imaging costume has received little attention. This research proposes a model for best practices in 3D imaging costume to advance digitization practices for cultural institutions. A review of the literature discussed previous developments in digitization of costume collections. Research activities were completed in two phases using a mixed methods design. First, structured light scanning and photogrammetry were compared to evaluate the advantages and limitations of both technologies for 3D digitization of costume. One Swedish folk costume and one contemporary blouse were selected as appropriate candidates to evaluate the performance of these technologies. Second, three institutions with costume collections participated in interviews to discuss the feasibility of 3D digitization of costume. Data were analyzed according to qualitative descriptions of 3D model texture, color, and geometry quality. In addition, 3D models were analyzed using descriptive statistics to report metadata and color accuracy. Qualitative interviews were coded using thematic content analysis. The results of the comparative 3D models revealed both technologies had strengths and weakness in capturing an accurate representation of the real object. Structured light scanning delivered high precision of geometry, but had lower resolution of texture and color. By comparison, photogrammetry provided photorealistic texture and color, but lower accuracy of geometry. Both techniques encountered distortions due to challenging materials, such as reflective and dark surfaces. Moreover, neither technology had a greater accuracy capturing the true color of the real object. The results of the qualitative interviews revealed the state of the art in collections digitization may not be positioned for 3D practices just yet. Smaller institutions continue to face significant barriers to 2D digitization, such as funding and access to equipment. While there is interest in 3D digitization, further work needs to be done to establish 3D digitization standards and imaging guidelines. The findings of this study contribute to advancing best practices in 3D digitization of costume collections. The recommendations discuss the feasibility according to accessibility, usability, and performance of 3D scanning and photogrammetry for digital preservation of costume. By expanding the knowledge of 3D imaging techniques for costume collections, best practices in 3D digitization will support institutions in advancing preservation and accessibility for research, teaching, and public programming.
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    A Phenomenological Study of Costumed Interpreters and the Wearing of Period Clothing at Living History Museums
    (2021-09) Oberg , Caren
    This study explored the phenomenological experiences of costumed interpreters who wear period dress while working at living history museums, specifically the meanings they gave to their clothed experiences. This study highlights the wearer of period clothing, rather than the producer or viewer, of such clothes. Data collection included qualitative in-depth interviews with 22 costumed interpreters from eight living history sites. Purposive sampling was used and prospective participants were reached through the Association of Living History, Farms and Museums, the National Council for Public History, and the researcher’s professional contacts. Participants were all over the age of 18, represented 17 women and five men, and had an average of 12 years of experience wearing period clothing at living history sites. Participants were overwhelmingly white, with one Black participant. Interviews took place between July 2020 and January 2021. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all interviews were conducted virtually through Zoom. Participants sent a picture of themselves in their period clothes, and interview questions were answered based on the clothing in those images. Interviews ranged from 45 minutes to 2 hours, 15 min. Data were coded using NVivo analysis software. Analysis of data revealed two interpretive themes: (1) The lived experience wearing period clothing at living history museums advances’ the wearer’s knowledge of history and, (2) the lived experience with period clothing promotes and challenges personal and collective memories of the past. Because the wearer advances their knowledge of history, they may extend that understanding to the viewers of their period clothing. Future research could study the wearer’s experience of period clothing while facilitating discussions of slavery, racism, and settler colonialism with living history museum visitors.