Rutherford John Gettens (January 17, 1900 – June 17, 1974) was a chemist and pioneering conservation scientist.
The laboratory was designed to conduct technical research as well as undertake conservation treatments of museum objects.
[2] Gettens was a founding member of the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, which was incorporated in 1948.
[2] He also received a Fulbright lectureship in Greece, and was the inspiration behind the American Institute for Conservation Oral History Project.
His works include The Freer Chinese Bronzes (Volume II), and, with George L. Stout the seminal, Painting Materials: A Short Encyclopedia.