Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Conservator role currently advertised at the Hamilton Kerr Institute, Cambridge. 2. Call for Volunteers - CPP Community Project - Naval Lodge 3. RE: Business as usual? Updates on the Los Angeles Wildfires? 4. RE: Business as usual? Updates on the Los Angeles Wildfires? 5. Advice on removing ICA stretchers with cadmium coated springs 6. Paper Conservator Position at ECS Conservation/HF Group 7. Book-Paper Conservation Position at ECS Conservation/HF Group 8. RE: Escal Supplier 9. RE: Internship in Library Materials Conservation, University of Washington Libraries, Seattle, WA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Charlotte Quirk Posted: Friday January 17, 2025 6:34 AM Subject: Conservator role currently advertised at the Hamilton Kerr Institute, Cambridge. Message: Be a part of something amazing... The Hamilton Kerr Institute (HKI) is a department of the Fitzwilliam Museum and is one of the world's leading centres for teaching and research in paintings conservation and heritage science. We are seeking someone with practical experience and knowledge of a wide range of conservation techniques for paintings/painted surface conservation treatments, technical examination and theoretical knowledge of the material nature of easel paintings... full details available via the link: Conservator of Easel Paintings - Job Opportunities - University of Cambridge <https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/49714/> Conservator of Easel Paintings - Job Opportunities - University of Cambridge <https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/49714/> Conservator of Easel Paintings in the Hamilton Kerr Institute at the University of Cambridge. www.jobs.cam.ac.uk <http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/> Charlotte Quirk HKI Administrator & Course Coordinator Hamilton Kerr Institute Tel: 01223 330 101 Email: [email protected] 2.From: Lindsay Cross Posted: Friday January 17, 2025 7:53 PM Subject: Call for Volunteers - CPP Community Project - Naval Lodge Message: Please join the Washington Conservation Guild and the staff and members of the Naval Lodge for the 2025 Community Partnership Project: Condition Assessment and Rehousing of Selected Artifacts from the Naval Lodge #4 Collection Photo by unknown. >From Naval Lodge website, >https://navallodge4.blogspot.com/2012/03/costs-of-naval-lodge-in-1890s.html ><https://navallodge4.blogspot.com/2012/03/costs-of-naval-lodge-in-1890s.html> Used by permission of the Naval Lodge. Saturday, March 15th, 2025 9:30am – 5:30pm Location: Naval Lodge 330 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003 Transportation: Eastern Market Metro or Capital South Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver Lines) Please join us in helping to preserve 200+ books, documents, photos, and artifacts from this collection of materials related to the Naval Lodge Masonic history. Help rehouse books and documents as well as identify materials in need of more detailed conservation treatment. Please RSVP as soon as possible as volunteer slots are limited: https://forms.gle/vUdnVMLAYgF9zjxe7 <https://forms.gle/vUdnVMLAYgF9zjxe7> Priority will be given to WCG members. This is a free volunteer opportunity. Light snacks will be provided but please bring a sack lunch. For more information about this season’s meetings and events, please visit https://washingtonconservationguild.org/meeting-schedule-2024-22025-season <https://washingtonconservationguild.org/meeting-schedule-2023-2024-season>. Pictures from the event may appear on WCG’s website and social media accounts. Follow us on Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/dcconservators/>, Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonConservationGuild>, and YouTube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUWe7frisSeHDYTsJTaeSPg>! ------------------------------ Lindsay Cross Membership Secretary Washington Conservation Guild ------------------------------ 3.From: Pamela Hatchfield Posted: Friday January 17, 2025 7:54 PM Subject: RE: Business as usual? Updates on the Los Angeles Wildfires? Message: Hello everyone, Thank you for this important discussion, Christian and Carolyn. There isn't much we can do to bring back what has been lost in this heartbreaking event, although we try to help and contribute where we can. As the Coordinator of the multi-year Held in Trust <https://www.culturalheritage.org/about-us/foundation/programs/held-in-trust> initiative that FAIC created with the National Endowment for Humanities (NEH), I want to remind the community that one of the first things recognized by that project was the dire impact the climate emergency would have on all of us and the collections we hold dear. So while we worked on characterizing the state of conservation and preservation in the U.S., we immediately set about developing Climate Resilience Resources for Cultural Heritage, which, thanks to the additional support and vision of the NEH, created a way for caretakers of cultural heritage to understand their climate risk, build support communities, and plan for the future. This includes a detailed, interactive mapping resource, among other useful tools. Those resources can be found here <https://www.resilience.culturalheritage.org/>. Our hearts go out to those that have lost much in LA, and in many other communities where climate disasters strike. With all best wishes, Pam ------------------------------ Pamela Hatchfield [she/her/hers] Head of Objects Conservation Emerita Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 01-16-2025 01:28 From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: Business as usual? Updates on the Los Angeles Wildfires? Hi, thank you Carolyn for your explaining and compassionate words, I appreciate them. Let me explain what I mean with my "business as usual". Of course, business goes on everywhere, in the US and else, and has to. And of course, conservators in LA are fighting for their lives and properties. And the shock is still profound. But this is not my topic. My topic is that this 9-11-like subject is apparently not treated in this forum by conservators outside LA... My topic is that this forum could be an excellent place to report on the fires with conclusion, for example by quoting excellent sources. Many people worldwide mistrust the so-called social media as sources of hate and fake news. Or, to organize help for the LA families. Normally, conservators are not treating natural desasters like wildfires. But this case is different. This wildfire has shown that firestorms may endanger cities, communities, even cultural institutions, libraries, museums etc. These institutions normally care against fire from inside sources, but we have learned from the LA wildfire that fire may endanger buildings also from the outside. This raises the question how to protect buildings from firestorms like these in general. There are many causes of this desaster. The area is special, there is the climate change, and it may have been a wet-and-dry year. But there are also lots of human causes which include aspects which can be analyzed and described. This forum could be a place to start discussion on human causes to prevent similar desasters in LA and elsewhere. One point could be future building restrictions with regard to combustible building structures, the rection of storm-breakers etc.etc. We have had similar desasters here in Germany (flood desasters) which destroyed whole areas along rivers. One of the main reasons had been that the local authorities allowed to build houses just in front of small rivers which may turn to gigantic streams overnight after torrential rain in distant areas. We should start discussing these topics, because prevention of catastrophes is a main subject for conservators. Best Christian ------------------------------ [Christian] [Mueller-Straten] [Researcher, Publisher, Art Historian] [Owner] [Verlag Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten] [Munich] [Germany] [0049-89-839 690 43] [https://www.museum-aktuell.de] https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO <https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO> ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 01-15-2025 11:56 From: Carolyn Riccardelli Subject: Business as usual? Updates on the Los Angeles Wildfires? Full disclosure that I'm not a conservator affected by the Los Angeles fires, but thought I would chime in to respond. Because the city is in an active state of emergency, with fires still spreading in multiple locations, I'm sure the conservation community (and all Angelenos) are managing their personal lives, trying to stay out of harm's way, and caring for themselves and their loved ones. Some of them have lost all of their possessions and are facing starting over from scratch. It will be some time before the recovery of cultural heritage will be addressed, but the time will come. I have been following many informative updates from various institutions and members of the conservation community on social media platforms, which is probably the best place to gather up-to-the minute information. When the active event passes into response and recovery phases, I'm sure we'll hear more from our colleagues. For now, I'm wishing everyone in the Los Angeles region safety and strength in the coming days and weeks. ------------------------------ Carolyn Riccardelli Conservator Objects Conservation 212 396 5498 The Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10028 @metmuseum metmuseum.org Original Message: Sent: 01-14-2025 13:45 From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: Business as usual? Updates on the Los Angeles Wildfires? Dear all, Somehow I miss the voices of the restorers on the LA Wildfires in this forum. Christian ------------------------------ [Christian] [Mueller-Straten] [Researcher, Publisher, Art Historian] [Owner] [Verlag Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten] [Munich] [Germany] [0049-89-839 690 43] [https://www.museum-aktuell.de] https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO <https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO> ------------------------------ 4.From: Rosa Lowinger Posted: Friday January 17, 2025 7:55 PM Subject: RE: Business as usual? Updates on the Los Angeles Wildfires? Message: Carolyn, thank you for your compassion and good words... Christian, I think your question is valid, but we are still in active recovery mode, just managing. I also want to mention that some conservators are always dealing with disasters. Our practice is in Miami and Los Angeles and we deal with disasters every year. Fires are a particular bit of menace, as they dont end quickly. We are still in the middle of it, and we dont know, once it ends, whether a new one will erupt in several months. We are learning, as the field did in the 60s after Florence. Thanks for the concern. Rosa Lowinger, F-AIC, FAPT, FAAR 09Founder/ Principal ConservatorRLA Conservation of Art + Architecture <http://www.rlaconservation.com> Miami Los Angeles 305.573.7011 323.377.8425Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/RLAConservation> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/rlaconservation/> | Website <https://rlaconservation.com/> New Yorker on Dwell Time <https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/11/06/the-woman-restoring-basquiats-forgotten-ferris-wheel> Kirkus Starred Review of Dwell Time <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rosa-lowinger/dwell-time/> This email message and any files attached are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s), are confidential and may contain privileged information from Rosa Lowinger & Associates. The information is intended solely for use by the individual(s) or entit(ies) named as the recipient hereof and is also covered by the electronic communications privacy act (18 USC Sections 2510-2521). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, copying or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email immediately and destroy copies of the original message. ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 1/16/2025 1:29:00 AM From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: RE: Business as usual? Updates on the Los Angeles Wildfires? Hi, thank you Carolyn for your explaining and compassionate words, I appreciate them. Let me explain what I mean with my "business as usual". Of course, business goes on everywhere, in the US and else, and has to. And of course, conservators in LA are fighting for their lives and properties. And the shock is still profound. But this is not my topic. My topic is that this 9-11-like subject is apparently not treated in this forum by conservators outside LA... My topic is that this forum could be an excellent place to report on the fires with conclusion, for example by quoting excellent sources. Many people worldwide mistrust the so-called social media as sources of hate and fake news. Or, to organize help for the LA families. Normally, conservators are not treating natural desasters like wildfires. But this case is different. This wildfire has shown that firestorms may endanger cities, communities, even cultural institutions, libraries, museums etc. These institutions normally care against fire from inside sources, but we have learned from the LA wildfire that fire may endanger buildings also from the outside. This raises the question how to protect buildings from firestorms like these in general. There are many causes of this desaster. The area is special, there is the climate change, and it may have been a wet-and-dry year. But there are also lots of human causes which include aspects which can be analyzed and described. This forum could be a place to start discussion on human causes to prevent similar desasters in LA and elsewhere. One point could be future building restrictions with regard to combustible building structures, the rection of storm-breakers etc.etc. We have had similar desasters here in Germany (flood desasters) which destroyed whole areas along rivers. One of the main reasons had been that the local authorities allowed to build houses just in front of small rivers which may turn to gigantic streams overnight after torrential rain in distant areas. We should start discussing these topics, because prevention of catastrophes is a main subject for conservators. Best Christian ------------------------------ [Christian] [Mueller-Straten] [Researcher, Publisher, Art Historian] [Owner] [Verlag Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten] [Munich] [Germany] [0049-89-839 690 43] [https://www.museum-aktuell.de] https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 01-15-2025 11:56 From: Carolyn Riccardelli Subject: Business as usual? Updates on the Los Angeles Wildfires? Full disclosure that I'm not a conservator affected by the Los Angeles fires, but thought I would chime in to respond. Because the city is in an active state of emergency, with fires still spreading in multiple locations, I'm sure the conservation community (and all Angelenos) are managing their personal lives, trying to stay out of harm's way, and caring for themselves and their loved ones. Some of them have lost all of their possessions and are facing starting over from scratch. It will be some time before the recovery of cultural heritage will be addressed, but the time will come. I have been following many informative updates from various institutions and members of the conservation community on social media platforms, which is probably the best place to gather up-to-the minute information. When the active event passes into response and recovery phases, I'm sure we'll hear more from our colleagues. For now, I'm wishing everyone in the Los Angeles region safety and strength in the coming days and weeks. ------------------------------ Carolyn Riccardelli Conservator Objects Conservation 212 396 5498 The Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10028 @metmuseum metmuseum.org ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 01-14-2025 13:45 From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: Business as usual? Updates on the Los Angeles Wildfires? Dear all, Somehow I miss the voices of the restorers on the LA Wildfires in this forum. Christian ------------------------------ [Christian] [Mueller-Straten] [Researcher, Publisher, Art Historian] [Owner] [Verlag Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten] [Munich] [Germany] [0049-89-839 690 43] [https://www.museum-aktuell.de] https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO <https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO> ------------------------------ 5.From: Alexandra Lawson Posted: Friday January 17, 2025 7:55 PM Subject: Advice on removing ICA stretchers with cadmium coated springs Message: We would welcome any experience members have with removing ICA stretchers with cadmium coated springs. We have two stretchers at our institution which have developed cadmium corrosion. Our normal hazardous waste disposal company wont take any waste contaminated with cadmium corrosion products. We are seeking advice on making a method statement to safely remove the paintings from the stretchers and remove any cadmium deposits, and on appropriate PPE and disposal of the stretcher and contaminated equipment. If anyone knows of a specialist company in the UK that might deal with similar materials or cases please let us know. 6.From: Matt Johnson Posted: Friday January 17, 2025 7:55 PM Subject: Paper Conservator Position at ECS Conservation/HF Group Message: Paper Conservator Position ECS Conservation/HF Group ECS Conservation is seeking a full-time paper conservator for its Greensboro, North Carolina conservation lab. ECS, a division of the HF Group, was founded in 1987 by Don Etherington, and is a privately held regional book and paper conservation center serving a nationwide client base of institutions and individuals. ECS offers a collegial, spacious and well-equipped work environment, with continuing professional development opportunities available, as well as in-house training and mentorship. The central North Carolina location offers easy access to mountain and coastal areas as well as major metropolitan centers such as Atlanta and Washington, DC, an affordable cost of living, and mild climate. Applicants for this position must be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge and comprehension of paper conservation theory and practice, be able to treat a wide range of paper-based artifacts including, but not limited to artwork, documents and oversized map/poster materials, and perform museum-quality matting/framing. In addition, applicants should have excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, be able to work collaboratively in a group setting, and a proficiency with office software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel. The following qualifications are also required: -Successful completion of a post-graduate program in paper conservation -Minimum of two years post-graduate professional experience -Full certification to work in the US -A valid US driver's license -A portfolio of past treatments -Profession-relevant references Additional ideal, but not required, qualifications include: -Photograph conservation experience -AIC Professional Associate status -Participation/membership in conservation organizations Starting annual salary begins at $48,500 per year, with higher compensation rates considered for applicants with demonstrated extensive practical and supervisory experience. Health, dental/vision, vacation and 401K benefits are available. Interested applicants may submit resumes/CV's and a digital portfolio to the Director of Conservation Services Matt Johnson at [email protected] <[email protected]>. ECS/HF Group hopes to fill the position by early March of 2025. Questions regarding this posting may be submitted to the same email address. Initial interviews will be conducted by telephone or online, with finalists invited to Greensboro for in-person meetings. All qualified candidates will be considered; ECS Conservation/HF Group is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national origin or sexual orientation. For more information about ECS Conservation/HF Group, please visit the www.hfgroup.com <http://www.hfgroup.com> . ------------------------------ Matt Johnson Senior Rare Book Conservator/Director of Conservation Services HF Group/ECS Conservation Greensboro NC 336-665-1317, ext. 2203 ------------------------------ 7.From: Matt Johnson Posted: Friday January 17, 2025 7:56 PM Subject: Book-Paper Conservation Position at ECS Conservation/HF Group Message: Book/Paper Conservation Position ECS Conservation/HF Group ECS Conservation is seeking a full-time book/paper conservator or conservation technician for its Greensboro, North Carolina conservation lab to fill an upcoming retirement vacancy. ECS, a division of the HF Group, was founded in 1987 by Don Etherington, and is a privately held regional book and paper conservation center serving a nationwide client base of institutions and individuals. ECS offers a collegial, spacious and well-equipped work environment, with continuing professional development opportunities available, as well as in-house training and mentorship. The central North Carolina location offers easy access to mountain and coastal areas as well as major metropolitan centers such as Atlanta and Washington, DC, an affordable cost of living, and a pleasant climate. This position is open to both applicants who have experience in the field or have completed a conservation post-graduate program. The ideal candidate has abilities to work with both paper items and bound materials, or is proficient in one or the other, but would like to develop a wider range of skills. Applicants for this position must be able to demonstrate a strong working knowledge of conservation theory and practice, be proficient/comfortable working with wide range of paper-based artifacts including, but not limited to artwork, documents and oversized map/poster materials, and/or books, bindings and enclosures. In addition, applicants should have excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, be able to work collaboratively in a group setting, and a proficiency with office software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel. The following qualifications are also required for all applicants: -Full certification to work in the US -A valid US driver's license -A portfolio of past treatments -Profession-relevant references For applicants who have completed a conservation program, additional required qualifications include: -Minimum of two years post-program professional experience For applicants who have conservation experience/training, additional required qualifications include: -Minimum of five years professional experience The following qualifications are ideal, but not required: -Photograph conservation experience -AIC Professional Associate status -Participation/membership in conservation organizations For applicants who have completed a conservation program: Starting annual salary begins at $48,500 per year, with higher compensation rate considered for applicants with demonstrated extensive practical and supervisory experience. For applicants who have conservation experience/training: Salary range is $20-25 per hour, with compensation based on practical and supervisory experience. Health, dental/vision, PTO, and 401K benefits are available. Interested applicants may submit resumes/CV's and a digital portfolio to the Director of Conservation Services Matt Johnson at [email protected] <[email protected]>. ECS/HF Group hopes to fill the position by early March of 2025. Questions regarding this posting may be submitted to the same email address. Initial interviews will be conducted by telephone or online, with finalists invited to Greensboro for in-person meetings. All qualified candidates will be considered; ECS Conservation/HF Group is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national origin or sexual orientation. For more information about ECS Conservation/HF Group, please visit the www.hfgroup.com <http://www.hfgroup.com> . ------------------------------ Matt Johnson Senior Rare Book Conservator/Director of Conservation Services HF Group/ECS Conservation Greensboro NC 336-665-1317, ext. 2203 ------------------------------ 8.From: Jean Dendy Posted: Friday January 17, 2025 7:56 PM Subject: RE: Escal Supplier Message: If you're in the US, you can also just order from Mitsubishi Gas Chemical directly. The sales rep in the US is Sean Hael. ------------------------------ Jean Dendy Senior Conservator, Organic Materials Royal Ontario Museum Toronto Canada ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 01-16-2025 08:36 From: Rebecca Latourell Subject: Escal Supplier Hi Kaela, We order our Escal from Keepsafe in Toronto - Price List – Keepsafe <https://www.keepsafe.ca/?page_id=454>. Rebecca ------------------------------ Rebecca Latourell Specialist, Preventive Conservation Canadian Museum of History Gatineau, QC 819-776-8236 ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 01-15-2025 11:49 From: Kaela Nurmi Subject: Escal Supplier Hello, Does anyone have a distributor for Escal, either in the US or can ship to the US relatively easily? We are in need of Escal for a few different projects soon, and are having difficulty procuring it. The Escal will be used both for anoxia treatment for pests and long-term anoxic housing for a latex rubber artwork, both need to be viewable without opening the package. If you have other suggestions of a low-permeability, transparent barrier film material that is suitable for anoxia, that would be great to hear about as well. Thank you! ------------------------------ Kaela Nurmi Objects Conservation Fellow Harvard Art Museums, Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies ECPN Chair CAN! Communications Chair ------------------------------ 9.From: Leith Calcote Posted: Friday January 17, 2025 7:56 PM Subject: RE: Internship in Library Materials Conservation, University of Washington Libraries, Seattle, WA Message: This is a reminder that the application deadline for this internship is just over two weeks away, Monday February 3th. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! ------------------------------ Leith Calcote Senior Conservator for Books & Paper University of Washington Libraries Seattle United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 12-17-2024 12:33 From: Leith Calcote Subject: Internship in Library Materials Conservation, University of Washington Libraries, Seattle, WA With generous funding from the Mellon Foundation, the University of Washington Libraries is pleased to offer a 10-week summer internship open to qualified applicants. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply and affiliation with the University of Washington is not required, but please note that we are unable to sponsor a visa for this internship. Application deadline is Monday, February 3, 2025. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) summer program. Duration is 10 weeks, with exact dates to be arranged between June and September 2025. The internship provides a $8,000 stipend. We are looking for interns who: Have good hand skills and attention to detail.Are interested in pursuing a career in the conservation of library materials.Have some previous experience with sewn book structures.Are actively preparing for or enrolled in a graduate level conservation program.Have a portfolio of work to share that includes examples of bookbinding, artwork or other hand crafts, and/or other conservation experiences.Working mainly under the supervision of the Senior Conservator of Books and Paper, the intern will have the opportunity to perform a range of conservation treatments on rare books, manuscripts, and other archival and special collections materials on paper. The intern will develop skills in treatment decision making, prepare condition and treatment reports with appropriate photo documentation, and gain additional experience in conservation treatment. The intern will also have the opportunity to learn about other aspects of the work of the preservation department as desired. A discussion will take place before the internship to help align the projects to the intern's skills and interests as much as possible. For additional information, or to apply, see: https://www.lib.washington.edu/about/employment/internships/conservation <https://www.lib.washington.edu/about/employment/internships/conservation> To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00 pm (PST), Monday, February 3rd, 2025. ------------------------------ Leith Calcote Senior Conservator for Books & Paper University of Washington Libraries Seattle WA ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. 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