Face Lab
Learn more about Face Lab
Face Lab is an interdisciplinary research group focusing on facial depiction and representation, at the interface of art and science.
Face Lab, lead by Professor Caroline Wilkinson, is a research group that carries out forensic/archaeological research and consultancy work, including craniofacial analysis, facial depiction and forensic art. Face Lab specialises in facial identity, population demographics, portraiture and depiction.
From skeletal remains, death masks and portraits, we analyse, authenticate and/or depict the faces of key historical figures. This work has directly influenced current research into digital human representation, especially in relation to the creation of 3D facial avatars and facial recognition.
Face Lab’s research includes:
- the further development of a 3D computerised craniofacial depiction system, utilising existing 3D modelling software and haptic technology
- the development of a database of anatomical structures and facial features
- the use of cutting edge technology in facial depiction, animation and recognition
Research areas
Faces are central to our human identity, self-perception and our perception of others. Faces are also used as biometric technologies for legal identification. Researching facial appearance and presentation therefore has social, cultural, scientific and forensic relevance. Representing faces from the past provides an opportunity to connect with historical figures both known and unknown, as individuals rather than concepts. As scientific methods and visualisation techniques develop, these representations become more nuanced, presenting new knowledge about past populations, and in turn, how this knowledge is shaped by visual representations. It is through visual representations of the face that we are able to study perception, cognitive bias, population diversity, social status, and the ethics and practices of post-mortem representation and display, as well as develop knowledge that can be applied to forensic contexts.
Faq Items
Facial appearance and cognitive bias
Representing and displaying the dead
Facial appearance and population demographics
Facial appearance and status
Archaeological casework
Forensic identification
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3D facial depiction
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Face Lab facial depictions
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Manual facial depiction
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3D scanning human remains
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Facial depiction of the mummy Ta-Kush
Professor Wilkinson has an international reputation and contributes to international policy, cultural enrichment and expert training. She has collaborated frequently with museums, the media and other organisations, including the National Museum of Scotland, National Museum of Ireland, Museum of London, Egyptian Museum of Cairo, FBI Academy, Interpol, Moesgaard Museum, Manchester Museum and the Fraunhofer Institute.
Face Lab collaborates with internationally renowned artists and has previously worked with Turner Prize nominees Jane and Louise Wilson on Undead Sun: We Put the World Before You and Gina Czarnecki on Heirloom.
Facilities in Face Lab to carry out forensic/archaeological research and consultancy work:
- 3D scanning: High precision, portable metrological 3D scanning solution based on blue-light technology
- 3D modelling: The Touch haptic device provides force feedback and allows users to feel virtual objects and producing true-to-life touch sensations as you manipulates an on-screen 3D objects
- 3D sculpting and painting: Enable users to use customizable brushes to shape, texture and paint virtual clay in a real-time environment
- 3D animation station: Powerful computers to explore CGI animation in facial depiction
- Skull casts: Manual sculpting for training and demonstration purposes
Faq Items
Awards
Highlighted publications
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Facial depiction of Robert the Bruce
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Facial depiction of Goucher Mummy - Johns Hopkins University
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Facial depiction of a medieval Norwegian female
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19th century average convict faces
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Facial depiction of 19th century POW found on Rat Island
Academic staff
PhD staff
Get in touch with researchers from Face Lab
If you’d like to ask a question or find out more information, please contact the team using the details below.
Contact: facelab@ljmu.ac.uk
Address:
Face Lab, Liverpool John Moores University
Aquinas,
Maryland Street,
Liverpool,
L1 9DE