A 3D farewell to Dr John Hodgson

The Imaging Team were recently tasked with producing 3D reproductions of the John and Enriqueta Rylands statues in the Historic Reading Room, as a small farewell gift for Dr John Hodgson, Head of Special Collections, who is leaving us after 35 years of service.

The statues occupy prominent positions at each end of our Historic Reading Room. The statue of John Rylands was commissioned by Enriqueta Rylands in 1894 and has been an integral part of the library, dedicated to her late husband, since it first opened in 1900. Sculptor John Cassidy created both statues in white Seravezza marble. Enriqueta Rylands statue was later commissioned by supporters of the library and unveiled on 9^th December 1907, a few months before her own death on 4^th February 1908.  

The statue of John Rylands stands at almost 3 metres high, and Enriqueta Rylands at 2.5 metres. 

Scanning and processing

Previous special collections 3D imaging utilised photogrammetry, however for these models we have used an Artec Leo scanner. Luckily we have access to Artec Leo and Artec Space Spider scanners, shared with other departments within the University. 

The Artec Leo is a handheld wireless 3D scanner that uses a Class 1 laser projector to display a pattern onto an object’s surface that’s invisible to the human eye. As the scanner moves around the object, it takes a series of frames and uses tracking to automatically align them based on overlapping areas. It works surprisingly well. 

Data capture via the handheld scanner is much quicker than with photogrammetry. Within minutes a preview of the captured areas appears on the scanner screen, showing areas of accuracy and missing data. We did, however, soon find that the scanner can be a little cumbersome and heavy after extended use with outstretched arms. 

The data is then processed in Artec Studio software. Processing the data can be time-consuming, especially as it can very computer processor intensive, but the user interface is relatively easy to use and within a matter of hours a highly detailed 3D rendered model can be produced. The original scan resulted in several hundred million polygons.

Unfortunately, the Artec Leo scanner had difficulties with some of the smaller detailed areas, such as between the fabric creases and individual fingers. This meant some remodelling and editing was needed. In particular, John Rylands left hand was skilfully remodelled by Senior Photographer Jo Castle in the free and open-source software Blender.

Both 3D models are now available via our Sketchfab page.

Printing and finishing

The amazing 3D prints were produced by PrintCity at Manchester Metropolitan University. 

PrintCity is a cutting-edge 3D printing and digital manufacturing hub that supports students, businesses, and researchers in bringing their innovative ideas to life. It offers a range of additive manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing, scanning, and advanced design software, to create prototypes, products, and models across various industries such as engineering, healthcare, and architecture. With a focus on sustainability and industry collaboration, PrintCity provides training, consultancy, and access to state-of-the-art facilities to foster innovation and promote practical learning. 

Our two models were printed with an off-white matte finish PLA on a Bambu P1S 3D printer, and each model took around 12 hours to print. Each printed model is about 20cm tall. The models required only minimal finishing by us with some delicate sanding below a nose and a chin.

We are very grateful to PrintCity for their assistance in printing our 3D models. Thanks especially to Gary Buller and Emma Rothwell.

We chose not to digitise and print the statue bases, due to difficulties in scanning glossy flat dark areas. Instead, we opted for a commercial lacquered wooden base that gave a nod to the original. Several tests were then performed to find an appropriate adhesive to join the PLA model to the lacquered wooden base. 

Storage and presentation

We asked Senior Conservator, Mark Furness, if he could make a storage box for the models. He did not disappoint. 

“Creating a box with a little more style and refinement takes a bit more effort.  For creating this box, the challenge was making something strong but not too bulky and covering it in appealing materials. 

I have made similar boxes in the past but most of our box making needs can be satisfied by our box making machine. I sketched out the dimensions and design of what I needed by hand and then used the box maker to cut them accurately and quickly. 

Each wall of the box was made up of several pieces laminated together, to give strength, with an inner layer to offset the addition of covering material, allowing the two pieces to slot together smoothly. 

The covering is perhaps the trickiest, precisely cutting, folding and gluing the marbled paper around each wall.  The dark blue buckram covering for the base and the lid was each a single piece of cloth each, cut and glued down a side at a time, with recesses cut to accommodate overlaps in the walls of the box.” 

The statues were presented to John on Thursday 29th August, when staff and friends gathered to thank him for the 35 years of hard work and commitment that he has given to the John Rylands Library and its staff, researchers and visitors. His decency, expertise, and leadership will be sorely missed.