Ferrous Attractions - The Science Behind the Magic - Magnets in Conservation
Workshop
NECA, in collaboration with Dartmouth College Library Preservation Services, is
pleased to announce the upcoming workshop Ferrous Attractions - The Science
Behind the Magic, taught by conservator and AIC Fellow, Gwen Spicer.
Location: Dartmouth College Library Preservation Lab, Hanover, NH
Date: Friday, July 13, 2018
10:00am - 4:30pm
Price: $50 NECA members; $75 non-members (includes $25 NECA annual
membership)
Deadline: Register by July 1, 2018
Please email Carolyn Frisa at
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]?subject=Magnets%20Workshop%20Registration>
to reserve your spot and coordinate
payment. NECA membership must be up-to-date to register for the workshop.
Description:
How to fasten or secure an artifact has long been a focus of art conservators
in all specialties. We have stitched, glued and adhered items for decades, and
with each method, the attempt was always to keep the conservation as reversible
as possible. The somewhat recent development of strong, permanent, rare earth
magnets has enabled them to be used as a reversible fastener. Neodymium rare
earth magnets are far stronger than earlier permanent magnets and have only
truly entered the market since 1990. They have great potential as a new tool
for conservators.
Could there really be a truly reversible tool that would not harm or create
holes that we could use? Before these new magnets can be part of our future, a
fuller understanding of how they work is needed. Moreover, a system needs to be
developed to determine precisely which attributes a magnet should have for a
specific project. Discussion will include: What makes a magnet "permanent",
when were they developed, and how magnets differ from one another (i.e. the
various types and their unique materials and properties).
The use of magnets in the past has caused damage, slowing their use among some.
However, with a full understanding of how a magnetic system is created and can
be adapted, damage can be prevented. To demonstrate a magnetic system and its
parts, participants will use a "jig" with various combinations of magnets and
metal components. They will also explore the different methods of implementing
a magnetic system and the strength of commonly available magnets. Time will be
allowed for participants to test a range of magnetic systems and materials with
small discussions after before the next one.
This hands-on experience can inspire conservators to adapt a magnetic system to
mount any specific artifact. The material will be presented in a hands-on
instructional format. Handouts will be provided.
Workshop Objectives
1. What are permanent magnets and the four types of magnetic systems
2. Learn the parts of a magnetic system and how they inter-react
3. How to adapt the parts of a system to best suit your artifact
4. How to record the parts of the system
5. Where to place the magnets and the ferromagnetic part
6. How to properly store your magnets
Instructor: Gwen Spicer, Principal of Spicer Art Conservation, LLC
Gwen is a Textile, Upholstery, Paper, and Objects Conservator, and full-time
principal of Spicer Art Conservation, LLC, located in upstate New York. She
received her Master's degree from the Art Conservation Program at Buffalo State
College, State University of New York. She has over twenty-five years of
experience, is a Fellow of AIC, and has been in private practice since 1995.
She has assisted many museums, institutions and private collectors with the
treatment of artifacts and antiquities for both display and storage. Gwen is an
AIC Kress Publication Fellowship recipient and is currently writing her first
book, "Magnetic Mounting for Art Conservation and Museums". The book will be a
practical guide for understanding magnetic systems and will assist both
conservators and museum professionals in the creation of magnetic mounts.
Limit 20 participants. A list of recommended lodging, restaurants, and thing to
do in the Upper Valley Region will be provided following registration. A
limited number of free rooms with local conservators may be available.
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