Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Launch of the Microfading Tester International Discussion Group (MFT-IDG) 2. RE: Valchromat boards Oddy test? 3. WCG Meeting Announcement - February 6th 4. Continued Professional Development: Colour Filling Using Epoxy Resins 5. Job Posting: Book Conservator at the University of Glasgow 6. RE: expertise needed in upholstery conservation 7. Virtual seminar: Pigment identification – visual examination and polarised light microscopy 8. RE: Valchromat boards Oddy test? 9. Call for Papers: CAC-ACCR Conference, October 2025 10. 2025 Online Meetings for Professional Practitioners Start 5 February 11. LA Fires NHR Update ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Vincent Beltran Posted: Wednesday January 22, 2025 6:15 AM Subject: Launch of the Microfading Tester International Discussion Group (MFT-IDG) Message: Dear all, We are happy to officially launch the Microfading Tester International Discussion Group (MFT-IDG), which can be accessed at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/5b6ash6n <https://tinyurl.com/5b6ash6n> Approved in 2024 by the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and sponsored by AIC's Preventive Care Network (PCN), this community is open to all, only requiring the creation of a free login for the AIC website. The microfading tester (MFT) was introduced in the mid-1990's by conservation scientist Paul Whitmore, and has become an important preventive conservation tool for assessing the light sensitivity of an object and supporting the development of evidence-based lighting policies. The MFT-IDG aims to advance MFT practice and support a global network of MFT users. Our audience includes prospective, emerging, and expert MFT users, as well as allied colleagues interested in how MFT data can impact collection care. The MFT-IDG maintains an online community with a discussion board and resource library; the latter includes the results of a needs assessment survey and a directory of MFT users and institutions with MFT. We are committed to continuing the development of an information repository (including the AIC Wiki) and in-person and virtual programming for professional exchange. The MFT-IDG officers would like to thank everyone who helped us reach this point, including colleagues at AIC (Katelin Lee, Carmina Lemare-Bertrand, and Bonnie Naugle) and PCN (Priscilla Anderson, Kelly McCauley, and Samantha Springer), and our advisory board and organizing committee (listed below). We hope you'll join us in building the MFT-IDG community! Officers: Vincent Laudato Beltran (Chair), JP Brown (Vice-Chair), Rio Lopez (Secretary), Kirsten Dunne (Information Repository), Cindy Connelly Ryan (Programming) Advisory Board: Grylle Beck Carstensen, Abed Haddad, Christel Pesme Organizing Committee: Priscilla Anderson, Vincent Laudato Beltran, Mark Benson, JP Brown, Kirsten Dunne, Abed Haddad, Dawn Jaros, Rio Lopez, Laura Maccarelli, Cindy Connelly Ryan, Greg D. Smith ------------------------------ Vincent Laudato Beltran Scientist Getty Conservation Institute Los Angeles CA [email protected] ------------------------------ 2.From: Angeliki Zisi Posted: Wednesday January 22, 2025 6:15 AM Subject: RE: Valchromat boards Oddy test? Message: Hei Helena I Oddy tested Valchromat (black) in August 2022 and indeed, it did not pass the test (BM protocol). It failed the lead and it 'temped' the copper. But passed the silver. Hope this helps. All the best, Kiki ------------------------------ Angeliki Zisi Archaeological Conservator Kulturhistorisk Museum Oslo Norway ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 01-21-2025 10:23 From: Helena Jaeschke Subject: Valchromat boards Oddy test? Dear Colleagues Can anyone tell me whether Valchromat boards have been Oddy tested? I recently discovered some small toy figures (presumably lead alloy) that are suffering aggressive corrosion, in a case made from glass and Valchromat. The paint is flaking off in small pieces and there are odd crystalline growths from the metal ([photo enclosed). The case is not RH controlled. The Valchromat has a stippled grey colour (see photo of underside of case) Many thanks Helena Museum Development South West 3.From: Lindsay Cross Posted: Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:48 AM Subject: WCG Meeting Announcement - February 6th Message: Please join the Washington Conservation Guild for the 2nd virtual meeting of the 2024/2025 Season: The Role of Conservators in Art Crime Investigations with Catherine P. Foster, Ph.D., and Geoffrey Kelly of Argus Cultural Property Consultants courtesy of the FBI Thursday, February 6th Online via zoom Social time 5:15-5:30, Lecture 5:30-6:30 Dr. Catherine P. Foster is a foreign affairs expert, archaeologist, and former curator with two decades of experience in museum collections management, university teaching, archaeological fieldwork, and federal service in support of cultural heritage protection and preservation. As one of the original members of the FBI’s Art Crime Team, Geoff Kelly managed numerous high-profile investigations, utilizing sophisticated techniques, veteran interviewing skills, and good old-fashioned detective work. If you are not a member of WCG and wish to attend, please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/y7PsBzYFDuE1hYFX9 <https://forms.gle/y7PsBzYFDuE1hYFX9> If you have paid membership contributions for the 2024-2025 season, you will be emailed the link in advance of the meeting and do not need to RSVP. 2024/2025 WCG season memberships are $35 for professionals, $25 for renewing emerging professionals, and free to emerging professionals who are entering their first season as a WCG member. Join or renew at www.washingtonconservationguild.org/membership <http://www.washingtonconservationguild.org/membership>. For more information about this season’s meetings, please visit https://washingtonconservationguild.org/meeting-schedule-2024-2025-season/ <https://washingtonconservationguild.org/meeting-schedule-2024-2025-season/> Our meetings are public, and pictures may appear on WCG’s website and social media accounts. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube! ------------------------------ Lindsay Cross Membership Secretary Washington Conservation Guild ------------------------------ 4.From: Sarah Peek Posted: Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:49 AM Subject: Continued Professional Development: Colour Filling Using Epoxy Resins Message: Sarah Peek ACR and Jasmina Vuckovic ACR are pleased to announce the next colour filling course, using epoxy resins, at their studio in Brighton, England. The course runs for 4 full days Tuesday 25th -Friday 28th February 2025 at a cost of £600 + vat lunch included. Aimed at conservators interested in colour filling technique. Participants will learn the advantages and limitations of the colour filling technique and its application in the repair of ceramics, enamel and related materials. We will be considering various epoxy resins, a range of bulking materials and tinting methods. Polishing and finishing techniques will be covered. Attendees will benefit from being part of a small focused group with a student to tutor ratio of 1:3 working in a bespoke studio. Participants are tutored by Icon Accredited Conservators, who operate a well established commercial studio, working to achieve the highest standards. We will be providing case study objects but participants are also welcome to bring their own pieces suitable for this techniques Please follow the link for more information https://www.sarahpeek.co.uk/colourfilling <https://www.sarahpeek.co.uk/colourfilling> Sarah Peek ACR Senior Conservator Sarah Peek Limited Many thanks for your time Sarah Sarah Peek ACR [email protected] <[email protected]> www.sarahpeek.co.uk <http://www.sarahpeek.co.uk> Redwins rear of 6 Preston Park Avenue Brighton BN1 6HJ +441273 243 744 5.From: Louisa Coles Posted: Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:53 AM Subject: Job Posting: Book Conservator at the University of Glasgow Message: We are recruiting for a Book Conservator to join the Collections Management team at Archives & Special Collections, part of the Library Collections Directorate here at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. The successful candidate will bring professional knowledge, expertise and skill for the conservation treatment of items from across our collections. This role directly enables delivery of ASC's Collections Classroom service and supports the College of Arts & Humanities' research project 'Take Me and Make It Happen! <https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/mlc/aboutus/events/index.html/event/13752>'. The post is full time (35 hours p/w) and fixed term to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months. Further details, including how to apply, are available here: www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/book-conservator <http://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/book-conservator> Please share, and for informal conversations about this opportunity, please contact: Louisa Coles, Head of Conservation & Preservation: [email protected] <[email protected]> We are also advertising for two posts that will be part of our growing Collections Discovery & Systems team and contribute to our programme of innovation within collections discovery, preservation, and access. These roles are offered on a full-time, open-ended basis. Archivist (Digital Preservation) (www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/archivist-digital-preservation <http://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/archivist-digital-preservation>): delivering expertise in the management and preservation of the University's growing born-digital heritage collectionsDigital Collections Systems Specialist (www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/digital-collections-systems-specialist <http://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/digital-collections-systems-specialist>): bringing high quality skills to the development of the digital infrastructure supporting the management, discovery and preservation of the Library's heritage collections Together these posts will support the management, discovery and preservation of the University's internationally significant collection of books, manuscripts and archives. The Library Collections Directorate sits within Library Services. A team of around 50 people, we work across preservation and conservation, book and heritage collections processing and cataloguing, metadata and online discovery, engagement services, digital preservation, photography and digitisation. Applications for all positions are open until 23:45 on 9th February 2025 For informal conversations about these opportunities please contact: Book Conservator: Louisa Coles, Head of Conservation & Preservation: [email protected] <[email protected]> Archivist (Digital Preservation) & Digital Collections Systems Specialist: Leo Konstantelos, Head of Collections Discovery & Systems: [email protected] <[email protected]> Louisa Coles Head of Conservation and Preservation Archives & Special Collections Room 235, University of Glasgow Library Hillhead Street Glasgow G12 8QE https://www.gla.ac.uk/archivespecialcollections/ <https://www.gla.ac.uk/archivespecialcollections/> t: +44 (0)141 330 6214 e: [email protected] <[email protected]> 6.From: Chris Shelton Posted: Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:53 AM Subject: RE: expertise needed in upholstery conservation Message: Robin- Hope I am not too late! I would be happy to discuss these projects with you. I am a furniture conservator and I have worked with both American and European upholstery for museums since 1992. I do both traditional and minimally intrusive compensations and have spoken at AIC meetings on the subject. Beyond what I do in the studio, I also have contacts with upholstery and textile conservators, historians, and suppliers that could be helpful for your project. You can contact me at [email protected] or on the phone at 617-364-4054. Thanks! Chris Shelton ------------------------------ Chris Shelton Principal Christopher Shelton Conservtion, LLC Jamaica Plain United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 10-24-2024 07:33 From: Robin Hanson Subject: expertise needed in upholstery conservation The Cleveland Museum of Art is in the planning phase of a project to reinstall its French decorative arts galleries. It is expected that this project will happen in a couple of years; the conservation department is being asked to provide cost estimates now for projects to be included in this reinstallation. Among the objects to be included are several pieces of furniture requiring new upholstery, including a pair of Fauteuil https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1927.423 <https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1927.423>, an armchair https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1989.160 <https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1989.160>, and a bed headboard and footboard https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1954.151 <https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1954.151>. I would appreciate hearing from conservators who would be in a position to reupholster these objects for us-to discuss cost estimates, lead times needed, and time frame needed for the actual upholstery itself. It is my assumption that we would need to send the objects to the conservator's studio for reupholstery; we also are open to having the work done onsite here in Cleveland if that makes more sense. Please be in touch with me if you have questions. I would like to be able to discuss project budget estimates with those knowledgeable about this type of project. Thanks. ------------------------------ Robin Hanson Conservator of Textiles Cleveland Museum of Art Cleveland OH 216 707 2259 ------------------------------ 7.From: James Black Posted: Wednesday January 22, 2025 4:58 PM Subject: Virtual seminar: Pigment identification – visual examination and polarised light microscopy Message: Pigment identification – visual examination and polarised light microscopy Date: Thursday, 6 February Time: 3pm GMT, there will be a 55 minute presentation followed by 15 minutes of discussion. Tutor: Tracey Chaplin Price: £25.00 Platform: Zoom Please register on Eventbrite <https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1096058563669?aff=oddtdtcreator> This virtual seminar on Zoom introduces the techniques involved in identifying pigments visually with the aid of a polarising light microscope. The different optical properties of pigments observable with the microscope will be described and demonstrated and methods by which the observed properties can then be used (either directly or from microscopic samples) to identify pigments found on decorative surfaces will be discussed. Instrumental methods of identifying pigments will be presented in an IAP virtual seminar on March 6th. Tracey Chaplin is an Independent Scientific Consult specialising in analysis and identification of artists’ materials and their degradation products on objects such as paintings, sculpture, furniture, manuscripts, wallpaper, textiles and architectural elements. This includes the application of microscopy, cross-sectional analysis, spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, X-ray fluorescence and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Tracey lectures in conservation science at the City and Guilds of London Art School, has published extensively and is one of four authors of The Pigment Compendium. ------------------------------ James Black Co-ordinator International Academic Projects London www.academicprojects.co.uk ------------------------------ 8.From: Helena Jaeschke Posted: Wednesday January 22, 2025 4:58 PM Subject: RE: Valchromat boards Oddy test? Message: Many thanks to kind members who have replied. It's possible that the figures are zinc alloy rather than lead alloy, but the corrosion does not resemble zinc pest (swelling and cracking) so the jury is still out on that one. Either way the corrosion has to be treated with caution as we don't know what the constituents are. The knowledge that Valchromat boards have failed Oddy tests is extremely helpful. Thank you very much. I wish museums would consult conservators more BEFORE they commission the use of new materials in proximity to objects. You are a great community! Thank you All the best Helena ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 1/22/2025 5:15:00 AM From: Angeliki Zisi Subject: RE: Valchromat boards Oddy test? Hei Helena I Oddy tested Valchromat (black) in August 2022 and indeed, it did not pass the test (BM protocol). It failed the lead and it 'temped' the copper. But passed the silver. Hope this helps. All the best, Kiki ------------------------------ Angeliki Zisi Archaeological Conservator Kulturhistorisk Museum Oslo Norway ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 01-21-2025 10:23 From: Helena Jaeschke Subject: Valchromat boards Oddy test? Dear Colleagues Can anyone tell me whether Valchromat boards have been Oddy tested? I recently discovered some small toy figures (presumably lead alloy) that are suffering aggressive corrosion, in a case made from glass and Valchromat. The paint is flaking off in small pieces and there are odd crystalline growths from the metal ([photo enclosed). The case is not RH controlled. The Valchromat has a stippled grey colour (see photo of underside of case) Many thanks Helena Museum Development South West 9.From: Jessica Lafrance-Hwang Posted: Wednesday January 22, 2025 4:59 PM Subject: Call for Papers: CAC-ACCR Conference, October 2025 Message: Call for Papers 50th Annual CAC Conference and Workshops Canadian Museum of History | Gatineau, Quebec October 20-25, 2025 The Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC) invites abstracts for its 50th Annual Conference and Workshops, "Surveying the Past, Treatments for the Future." This milestone event will take place from October 20 to 25, 2025, at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, situated on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg. We welcome submissions for: Full-length presentations (20 minutes) Lightning/short talks (5 minutes) Digital posters Submissions can address any aspect of conservation, with a special focus on projects that revisit the past with fresh perspectives or highlight forward-thinking approaches. Topics may include, but are not limited to: Preventive conservation strategies Treatment innovations Advances in collections management Conservation science and research Community collaboration and engagement in conservation Reassessing historical treatments and methodologies Postprints Publication: Authors of full-length presentations may opt to submit a full paper for publication in the postprints. Abstracts of short talks and full presentations without accompanying papers will also be included in the postprints. Visit our website for detailed submission guidelines. <https://www.cac-accr.ca/our-conferences/conference-program/> ABSTRACTS ARE DUE MARCH 31, 2025 The Canadian Museum of History is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg. This land has held, and continues to hold, great historical, spiritual and sacred significance. We recognize and honour the enduring presence of the Algonquin people. We also know that you may be joining us from many places near and far, and we acknowledge the traditional owners and caretakers of those lands. Questions? Please direct all questions about the conference to [email protected] <[email protected]>. Conference Chair, Jessica Lafrance-Hwang, Manager, Conservation and Preservation, Canadian Museum of History Program Chair, Erika Range, Conservator, Canadian Museum of Nature ------------------------------ Jessica Lafrance-Hwang Manager, Conservation and Preservation Canadian Museum of History Gatineau Canada ------------------------------ 10.From: Sarah Lowengard Posted: Wednesday January 22, 2025 4:59 PM Subject: 2025 Online Meetings for Professional Practitioners Start 5 February Message: I'm pleased to announce the 2025 schedule of Professional Practitioners' Online Business Meetings <https://www.s-4-s-p.com/p/professional-practitioners-roundtable.html> will begin on Wednesday 5 February, with the annual "Looking Forward" session, a discussion of the current environment for professional practitioners. This and all sessions will meet the first Wednesday of each month, and start at 12:00 noon, US Eastern Time (UTC -5:00). I've planned 8 meetings for 2025, including an optional 2-meeting series for those in the early days of their professional practice.* Join me and other artists, artisans, academics (yes, academics), and other independent practitioners who want to know more about being business-like without the soul-crushing business-speak. I look forward to "seeing" you in February. Sarah Sarah Lowengard Owner Strategies for Solo Practitioners <https://www.s-4-s-p.com/p/strategies-for-solo-practitioners.html> Expert Advice for Individual Practitioners [email protected] *Ask me about the discount I offer to groups of 6 or more. ------------------------------ Sarah Lowengard New York United States ------------------------------ 11.From: Christina Cain Posted: Wednesday January 22, 2025 5:00 PM Subject: LA Fires NHR Update Message: Hello community members, I want to provide an update on the work of the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation's National Heritage Responders regarding the LA fires. Volunteers have been monitoring our 24/7 hotline (202.661.8068), and we've fielded a few questions from the public via our public helpline email ([email protected]). We are sharing resources widely and are updating our After the Fires webinar series (https://youtu.be/n74zCl0f7Nc <https://youtu.be/n74zCl0f7Nc>). Local institutions and individuals are tremendously proactive, creating resources and Q&A sessions. As always, we defer to the local team and our volunteers stand by, ready to respond as needed. We have been in close contact with a couple of networks of museums, cultural institutions, and conservation professionals who are actively building resources in LA. We'd like to highlight the work of LA County Arts & Culture, Your Neighborhood Museum, Balboa Art Conservation Center, Site & Studio Conservation, Los Angeles Arts Conservation, and many individuals who are developing needs surveys, resources, and will be hosting Preservation Mutual Aid: For Fire and Water Damaged Artwork and Cherished Belongings <https://www.instagram.com/p/DE8bCC2SEvu/?img_index=1> on Instagram Live this Thursday, January 23rd and Saturday, January 25th. ------------------------------ Christina Cain Emergency Programs Manager American Institute for Conservation and Foundation for Advancement in Conservation Washington, D.C. 202.661.8069 ------------------------------ 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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