The Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation (FAIC) presents the Gels in Paper Conservation workshop September 19 - 21, 2018 at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries in Philadelphia, PA. The workshop will be instructed by Anne Maheux and Michelle Sullivan, and organized by Sarah Reidell.
While gel systems have been used within other conservation specializations for decades, their adoption by paper conservators is relatively recent. This workshop will provide theoretical background and practical experience working with two rigid gels systems-agarose and gellan gum-for treating paper-based works of art and historic artifacts. Both agarose and gellan gum are naturally-occurring polysaccharide gels used primarily in the biological sciences and food and cosmetic industries. Through this workshop, paper conservators will develop an understanding of the gels' physical and chemical properties and how they can be tailored to suit a specific treatment. The workshop will begin with an introduction to the chemistry and mechanics of agarose and gellan gum followed by demonstrations of preparation and application. Significant time will be dedicated to hands-on work with expendable paper objects and mock-ups. Applications covered in the workshop will include both overall treatments-bathing, backing removal, and humidification-and local treatments-stain reduction, attachment removal, and solvent-based adhesive reduction-among others. There are many possible applications yet to be explored for these materials and this workshop is intended to provide an introduction to its current and potential uses. The fee for this course is $499 for AIC members and $649 for non-AIC members. Registration is limited to 15 participants and is first come first serve. This workshop is appropriate for mid-career paper conservators. For details and registration information, visit <URL:http://www.conservation-us.org/gels>. This workshop is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Scholarships are available to support costs associated with participating in this workshop. Applications for funding are due May 15. Visit the following webpage to see if you are eligible: <URL:http://www.conservation-us.org/grants/professional-development/faic-neh-individual-professional-development-scholarship>. ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
