Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Ask Me Anything on Grant proposals and project applications 2. Institute of Conservation Dynamic Objects Group Symposium & AGM Thursday 16th January 2025 Hybrid Event 3. RE: Consolidate for the walls of a padded cell. 4. Artworks and Archives damaged after the DANA disaster of October 2024 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Carmen Kramer Posted: Saturday December 7, 2024 9:22 AM Subject: RE: Ask Me Anything on Grant proposals and project applications Message: Hi Susan, Thank you for your question invite! What is the best source of information for finding grants for local historical societies? Carmen Kramer President CMI MicroClimates, Inc. Inverness FL ------------------------------ Carmen Kramer President Custom Manufacturing, Inc. Inverness FL ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 12-06-2024 16:58 From: M. Susan Barger Subject: Ask Me Anything on Grant proposals and project applications 🖊️💸📝 At Conserv, we have scheduled the last AMA (Ask Me Anything) of the year on Grant Proposals and Project Applications with <mention-react data-sgid="BAh7CEkiCGdpZAY6BkVUSSI7Z2lkOi8vanVtcHN0YXJ0LWFwcC9Db21tdW5pdHlNZW1iZXIvNjIwNTI2Nj9leHBpcmVzX2luBjsAVEkiDHB1cnBvc2UGOwBUSSIUcmljaF90ZXh0X2ZpZWxkBjsAVEkiD2V4cGlyZXNfYXQGOwBUMA==--38a29427479616fc2d706caff1c1c0f46a22f9b2"></mention-react> of Sustainable Conservation <https://www.lesscarbonmoreculture.com/>! The way this works is that you have up until 1pm ET on December 17th to type your questions as a reply to this post. Christopher will be logged into the community for an hour starting at that time to type replies to your questions. You do not have to be present while he is doing this as you and everyone else will be able to see the answers at any time following the AMA. Go ahead and start asking your specific questions now 🏁🐎. BONUS points if you ask good general questions that you think may benefit the entire community (even if you think you may know the answer)! If you have a question, you would like posted anonymously, let me know. Susan ------------------------------ M. Susan Barger, PhD Conserv Community Board [email protected] <[email protected]> Santa Fe NM ------------------------------ 2.From: Dale Sardeson Posted: Saturday December 7, 2024 12:49 PM Subject: Institute of Conservation Dynamic Objects Group Symposium & AGM Thursday 16th January 2025 Hybrid Event Message: The Institute of Conservation, In Association with the Antiquarian Horological Society, Present: Automata Then - Now - Future ICON Dynamic Objects Group 2025 Symposium & AGM Online & In-Person at: St. Mary-at-Hill Church <https://maps.app.goo.gl/11xnQokx6YAm1Vq17>, Lovat Lane, London EC3R 8EE Thursday 16th January 2025, 10am - 4pm GMT https://www.icon.org.uk/events/automata-then-now-future.html <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/automata-then-now-future.html> >From historic automata to contemporary art using time-based media, >artificially moving figures have been a subject of fascination across >centuries, generating a variety of objects now considered as part of our >cultural heritage. The Institute of Conservation <https://www.icon.org.uk/> Dynamic Objects Group presents this symposium to provide a wider view of the various challenges at play in the conservation of mechanical objects like automata, robots, animated models or performing art pieces, and in the maintenance of the many technologies involved in their working. The day will include presentations of case studies that extend our view of what automata 'are', what their future and long-term care involves, and reflect on how modern technologies (such as augmented reality & 3D scanning) may offer new opportunities to better share their understanding and preservation. With a diverse panel of eight speakers from a variety of conservation and academic backgrounds, discussing topics ranging from 18th century automata to contemporary art, each of the proposed sessions will lead us towards a thought-provoking final panel discussion. The Dynamic Objects Group AGM will take place during an extended lunch break. The symposium is presented in partnership with the AHS <https://www.ahsoc.org/> (Antiquarian Horological Society), and will be followed on site and online by their January London Lecture <https://www.ahsoc.org/events/london-lectures/>. This evening lecture is free but separate booking is essential. For further information and to book: https://www.icon.org.uk/events/automata-then-now-future.html <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/automata-then-now-future.html> Or please email [email protected] <[email protected]> with any further questions. The full Event Programme is attached to this message. ------------------------------ Dale Sardeson Horological Conservator & ICON Dynamic Objects Group Treasurer UK ------------------------------ 3.From: Yvonne Shashoua Posted: Saturday December 7, 2024 3:18 PM Subject: RE: Consolidate for the walls of a padded cell. Message: Hi Katie, My PhD research investigated the most frequent degradation pathway for plasticized PVC, its symptoms and how to slow the process. To manufacture PVC for sheeting or waterproof coatings for textiles including leatherette, PVC polymer in suspension is blended with up to 50% by weight of plasticizer. Phthalate plasticizers have been widely used since the 1950s. They are not chemically bound to the polymer but held with weak physical bonds between the polymer chains. With time they diffuse out of these amorphous areas because the plasticizer concentration is lower in the air than in the plastic. The PVC coating then shrinks as the polymer chains close up. If phthalates have been used, they also have a role as antioxidants, so when they migrate out, the PVC polymer oxidizes and yellows. It is often suggested that the plasticizer can be reintroduced but that is only a short-term solution because the original amorphous areas are lost with time ie the plasticizer is homeless. If you wish to create a cosmetic, non-reversible treatment to soften the PVC, a series of products for the automotive industry known as 'vinyl makeup sprays' that can be applied and buffed will reintroduce plasticizer, colour and gloss. I cannot suggest an effective, long term consolidant because PVC is insoluble in most usual solvents and therefore difficult to adhere to. Attaching a sheet of polyester such as Mylar to the flaking walls will prevent flakes falling, contact with visitors, will not accelerate degradation and is reversible. Yvonne Shashoua Research Professor, National Museum of Denmark YSH(at)natmus.dk ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 12/5/2024 10:16:00 AM From: George Schwartz Subject: RE: Consolidate for the walls of a padded cell. Practical answers are urgently needed on this conservation topic, both for plasticized fabrics resembling leather and for objects coated with "rubberized" grips and handles. Below is a brief result ChatGPT ( I know I'll be taken to task for using it ) after several prompts and challenges I made. You will find the references interesting, perhaps more valuable than the article itself: Good luck! George Searched 3 sites Issue Overview: The degradation of plastic and plasticized materials, particularly vinyl and synthetic coatings, is primarily due to the migration and breakdown of plasticizers and stabilizers. This process renders materials sticky or brittle over time, leading to significant challenges in conservation and archival storage. Causes of Deterioration: Plasticizer Migration: Plasticizers, which give flexibility to PVC and other plastics, tend to migrate over time. They move from the internal structure of the plastic to the surface, causing stickiness. Environmental factors like heat and humidity accelerate this process, especially in confined spaces or poorly ventilated storage Heritage Science <https://heritagesciencejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40494-020-00466-0> Encyclopedia MDPI <https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/52884> . Oxidation and Hydrolysis: These chemical reactions with oxygen and water vapor contribute to the embrittlement and crumbling of polymers. Increased humidity and UV exposure exacerbate hydrolytic degradation Encyclopedia MDPI <https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/52884> Canada <https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care-rubber-plastic.html> . Chemical Reactions with Surroundings: Interaction with materials such as acid-free paper or PET can either slow down or hasten degradation. Proper wrapping (e.g., with archival-grade tissue) helps minimize further damage by controlling these reactions Heritage Science <https://heritagesciencejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40494-020-00466-0> . Conservation Strategies: Controlled Storage Environment: Maintain low humidity and stable temperatures. Using desiccants or molecular sieves in storage environments can help absorb volatile compounds and delay deterioration Heritage Science <https://heritagesciencejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40494-020-00466-0> Canada <https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care-rubber-plastic.html> . Isolation and Encapsulation: Encasing items in materials that do not react with plasticizers, such as inert enclosures or glass displays, slows migration. Avoid storing plastics directly against materials like wood or certain textiles Canada <https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care-rubber-plastic.html> . Cleaning and Surface Treatment: Techniques like gentle wiping with non-reactive solvents can remove surface stickiness without causing further degradation. However, treatment should be minimal to avoid disturbing the remaining structure Heritage Science <https://heritagesciencejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40494-020-00466-0> . Future Directions: Further research into stabilization treatments, such as reintroducing compatible plasticizers or developing polymer stabilization coatings, could provide long-term preservation solutions Encyclopedia MDPI <https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/52884> . This area of conservation requires careful material analysis and customized treatment approaches based on each object's composition and environmental history. ------------------------------ George Schwartz Principal, Senior Conservator ConservArt, Inc. Boca Raton FL [email protected] Chair CIPP 2011-2013 Conservators in Private Practice ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 12-04-2024 08:38 From: Katie Proctor Subject: Consolidate for the walls of a padded cell. I have recently been asked how to consolidate the walls of a padded cell at a local museum. The walls are made from a polythene or polyurethane covered in vinyl. The materials has started to crack and flake. Can anyone suggest a consolidate that may be used? The padded cell is usually open for people to enter and walk around in, but it has been closed off for the moment. Ideally the museum would like to open this back up for visitors. Thank you, Katie. ------------------------------ Katie Proctor Conservator West Yorkshire Archive Service Wakefield ------------------------------ 4.From: Valeria Orlandini Posted: Saturday December 7, 2024 5:48 PM Subject: Artworks and Archives damaged after the DANA disaster of October 2024 Message: Behind the scenes of an incredible and invisible work from the media about the preservation of artworks and archives damaged after the DANA's disaster on October 29 in Valencia, Spain. Conservators, archivists and many volunteers rolled up their sleeves to save cultural heritage that had been hard hit by this disaster. The commitment and passion for preserving their collective memory are admirable. These photos show how technical and colossal the tasks have been; but how essential it is to help in the recovery. It also makes us aware of the importance of setting up a Cultural Property Safeguarding Plan (PSBC), although it is difficult to envision having enough material resources to cover everything. The current situation of Spaniards colleagues, paper and book conservators and other specialties like photographs, paintings, textiles and objects is alarming after the DANA. In more than 40 municipalities, consumption fell by more than 80%. In terms of Spain's GDP, the initial damages of the DANA are close to those caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 in the US, which resulted in the loss of 1,833 people and reached US$125 billion at the time, almost 1.0% of the US GDP that year, 20 years ago. Congratulations to everyone involved in the response for Spanish history, patrimony and culture! GVA Institut Valencia de Conservacio, Restauracio i Investigacio (These images were posted on Facebook) Valencia, Spain Associació Professional d'Arxivers i Gestors de Documents Valencians <https://www.linkedin.com/company/arxiversvalencians/> ------------------------------ Valeria Orlandini Conservator of Works on Paper and Photographic Materials Chevy Chase MD (301) 657-2682 ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e&GroupKey=757a8f16-505f-4323-8e74-e376757aa9f7.
