In memory of Paolo Calvini: The conservation world has lost a good friend, mentor and a great scientist with his passing on 3rd October 2018. Paolo greatly contributed towards our understanding of the chemistry of cellulose and paper, the mechanisms correlated to the makeup of cellulose causing degradation and methodologies in the approach to the conservation of paper objects. Paolo began his career at the Institute of Patologia del Libro in Rome. In 1998 he became a member of the Institute for the Protection of Graphic and Visual Arts (ITOG). He lectured in Pola (Croazia) for a project financed by UNESCO - National Training Course on Conservation of Library Heritage on "Conservation of Paper Material and Books in Central and Eastern Europe".
Paolo was a pioneer with FTIR, building a large database of spectra for cellulose. Together with a small group of scientists they developed an identification system regarding the kinetics of degradation based on information obtained from FTIR analysis; he worked on understanding the enigma of the origins of foxing. With ITOG he becomes pioneer with his research determining the characteristics of chemical and modern papers. In 2006 he becomes professor at the University of Venice- UNIVE, with great dedication and energy he participates with his research to identify the causes of degradation between paper base materials and its interactions with inks. His last publication summarises his great interest and his main life's work which was devoted to paper materials. He invited young researchers to "come out from the shadows that have accompanied research over the second half of the 20th Century, to not remain anchored to past methodologies, but to have courage to be Pioneers themselves". Both the conservation and scientific profession have lost a great scientist, teacher, and leader, we have lost a genuinely great man. You will be sadly missed by all of us that have had the opportunity to work with you, share and learn from you. Cristina Albillos Senior Conservator State Library of Western Australia ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
