Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Hanwell RH and T sensors and VOCs 2. RE: Hanwell RH and T sensors and VOCs 3. RE: Hanwell RH and T sensors and VOCs 4. RE: Austin Art In Public Places Artwork Conservator Reports 5. AIC – Annual Meeting – Early Registration Rate Extended to January 30 – Registration for Workshops Now Open ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Andrew Calver Posted: Sunday January 26, 2025 10:59 AM Subject: RE: Hanwell RH and T sensors and VOCs Message: Hi Sarah, The first thing I would do is to double check the RH isn't 75% in the case with a hand held device - as you mention you have a case based environmental control system and have had condensation inside cases before you may have a high RH. However, assuming it is a sensor anomaly are you using Hanwell EMS or Radiolog? I've seen similar problems in the past were either the RH or temperature went very high and this turned out to be a battery issue. So I suggest changing the batteries to eliminate that as an issue. Have you looked at the raw data by eporting a .csv fiile - if the high value is consistently the same number then this often indicates a sensor data error. If you would like to send me a .csv file I will happily look a it for you as I realise there is an issue with support at present in the UK. Best wishes Andy ------------------------------ Andrew Calver Consultant Manningtree United Kingdom ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 01-23-2025 11:40 From: Sarah Coggins Subject: Hanwell RH and T sensors and VOCs Hello conservation community We have two Hanwell RH and T sensors inside a showcase that are reading an RH of >75%. The temperature readings are in an acceptable range of 19-21 degrees centigrade. We cannot determine the cause of the high RH, the small HVAC systems in the case are turned off and isolated and there is no source of water anywhere near the case. The RH in the gallery is low, at around 30-40% although the case is well sealed at 0.23 air exchanges/ day. I have also put a good quantity of silicag gel in the case that has not brought the RH down as would be expected. Equally in the past when cases have had high RH there has been condensation on the interior of the cases and this is not visible on the case in question. The objects inside the case are regularly monitored and we have seen no changes or degradation that would be expected if the RH was in fact >75%. I have replaced the sensors in the case with ones from a very stable area that maintains 55% RH and the sensor quickly read the same high RH but when I put it back in the area with a constant RH of 55% the RH reading has not come down in line with the other sensor in the area. Does anyone have any experience of this happening in their collection? I think I heard once that VOCs can have an effect on the accuracy of RH sensors but I can't remember where I heard that. There may be painted MDF in part of the display mounts or on the objects may be off gassing. I would love to hear your ideas or advice. Thank you ------------------------------ Sarah Coggins Conservation Engineer Mary Rose Trust Southsea United Kingdom ------------------------------ 2.From: Christian Mueller-Straten Posted: Sunday January 26, 2025 11:00 AM Subject: RE: Hanwell RH and T sensors and VOCs Message: Kim, unfortunately, your answer does not address Sarah's question, which was actually directed at you. In your recent post, you wrote about a coherence between light and rH. You probably assume that the display case is illuminated in an outdated way, i.e. with radiating heat from either outdated lamps or a transformer. But the showcase is illuminated with leds, and transformers are usually located properly outside the showcase. If your idea would apply, the temperature would have to be higher than measured and the humidity would have to be lower than measured. If there would be the coherence between light and rH, Sarah would have noticed a difference between day and night measurement results, because museum display cases are not likely to be lit at night. In addition, you are suggesting a measure that IMHO can only be considered as a short-term emergency measure. However, since the objects show no moisture damage, there should be enough time to investigate the actual causes. Your measure also assumes that there is actually excessive humidity. However, there seems to be no evidence of this. There are only noticeable measurement results, but no moisture precipitation. That's why I tend to think that there is a measurement error somewhere, possibly due to incorrectly calibrated data loggers or an IT bug. If my theory is correct, your suggestion would be dangerous for the objects, because then the actual humidity of around 52% would be dramatically reduced, perhaps even permanently, and at the same time the temperature in the display case would be raised. We do not know what's been displayed in the showcase, but to certains categories of objects this could cause cracks. ------------------------------ [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: 01-24-2025 22:47 From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: Hanwell RH and T sensors and VOCs Hi Sarah, I forgot to ask you two questions: a) what is the reaction of your Hanwell providers? They were probably No 1 to ask. b) When was the data logger last calibrated and by whom? Is there a certificate for the last calibration? 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: 01-23-2025 11:40 From: Sarah Coggins Subject: Hanwell RH and T sensors and VOCs Hello conservation community We have two Hanwell RH and T sensors inside a showcase that are reading an RH of >75%. The temperature readings are in an acceptable range of 19-21 degrees centigrade. We cannot determine the cause of the high RH, the small HVAC systems in the case are turned off and isolated and there is no source of water anywhere near the case. The RH in the gallery is low, at around 30-40% although the case is well sealed at 0.23 air exchanges/ day. I have also put a good quantity of silicag gel in the case that has not brought the RH down as would be expected. Equally in the past when cases have had high RH there has been condensation on the interior of the cases and this is not visible on the case in question. The objects inside the case are regularly monitored and we have seen no changes or degradation that would be expected if the RH was in fact >75%. I have replaced the sensors in the case with ones from a very stable area that maintains 55% RH and the sensor quickly read the same high RH but when I put it back in the area with a constant RH of 55% the RH reading has not come down in line with the other sensor in the area. Does anyone have any experience of this happening in their collection? I think I heard once that VOCs can have an effect on the accuracy of RH sensors but I can't remember where I heard that. There may be painted MDF in part of the display mounts or on the objects may be off gassing. I would love to hear your ideas or advice. Thank you ------------------------------ Sarah Coggins Conservation Engineer Mary Rose Trust Southsea United Kingdom ------------------------------ 3.From: Fareed AlShishani Posted: Sunday January 26, 2025 11:10 AM Subject: RE: Hanwell RH and T sensors and VOCs Message: Hi Sarah, The only cause that I can think of in this case is that the RH sensor has been affected or damaged by VOCs or other substances in the showcase. The delayed response of the sensor to normal RH levels after being replaced further suggests contamination. To confirm the issue, I'd suggest using a non-electronic RH measuring system, to cross-check the readings. Additionally, check for potential sources of VOCs or other emissions from the displayed items, not just the display materials that could be affecting the sensor's performance. I hope this helps. ------------------------------ Fareed AlShishani Archaeological Conservator ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 01-23-2025 11:40 From: Sarah Coggins Subject: Hanwell RH and T sensors and VOCs Hello conservation community We have two Hanwell RH and T sensors inside a showcase that are reading an RH of >75%. The temperature readings are in an acceptable range of 19-21 degrees centigrade. We cannot determine the cause of the high RH, the small HVAC systems in the case are turned off and isolated and there is no source of water anywhere near the case. The RH in the gallery is low, at around 30-40% although the case is well sealed at 0.23 air exchanges/ day. I have also put a good quantity of silicag gel in the case that has not brought the RH down as would be expected. Equally in the past when cases have had high RH there has been condensation on the interior of the cases and this is not visible on the case in question. The objects inside the case are regularly monitored and we have seen no changes or degradation that would be expected if the RH was in fact >75%. I have replaced the sensors in the case with ones from a very stable area that maintains 55% RH and the sensor quickly read the same high RH but when I put it back in the area with a constant RH of 55% the RH reading has not come down in line with the other sensor in the area. Does anyone have any experience of this happening in their collection? I think I heard once that VOCs can have an effect on the accuracy of RH sensors but I can't remember where I heard that. There may be painted MDF in part of the display mounts or on the objects may be off gassing. I would love to hear your ideas or advice. Thank you ------------------------------ Sarah Coggins Conservation Engineer Mary Rose Trust Southsea United Kingdom ------------------------------ 4.From: Mark van Gelder Posted: Sunday January 26, 2025 8:17 PM Subject: RE: Austin Art In Public Places Artwork Conservator Reports Message: Hello Everyone, Speaking of conservation opportunities in Austin, TX - after a successful 35+ year career as a program-trained paintings conservator here in Austin - I'm RETIRING!. [I'm turning 70 in April, and an unexpected opportunity arose to purchase a property out on the Northern California coast, where my partner & I am originally from, & where most of our extended families still reside]. So.... we've just put our Austin residence on the market - a property which features a separate, custom built conservation studio, (convertible to a 2nd living unit), at the back of our 1/4 acre lot in a truly great, centrally-located Austin neighborhood. Conservation-wise, my business, Art Conservation Services of Austin, has built up an extensive client list over the years, including many government, educational, and other public institutions, as well as notable private collectors. I first came to Austin to work as a staff conservator at the main University of Texas campus's highly regarded art museum, (now named the Blanton Museum of Art); and since going into private practice, I've always had more opportunities for conservation work here than I can keep up with. (I currently still have an extensive waiting list of projects remaining to be addressed). Overall context-wise, Austin is the state capitol, yet the city is culturally, politically, & most-every-which-ways quite different than elsewhere Texas. Austin is home to one of the largest universities in the U.S., (over 50,000 students), and currently has a population that's ranked the 11th largest in the country. Due to Austin's non-commercial economic sectors, it's well-buffered against downturns, and Texas having no state income tax also contributes to Austin's appeal for basing major corporations here, (e.g., Whole Foods, Dell Computer, Silicon Labs, Tesla, Oracle, etc., etc.). I could go on extolling Austin's virtues, but suffice it to say that economically and culturally, Austin has been booming for years now. [Incidentally, regarding Zachery's sales tax question from a week or so ago, "art conservation" work is indeed considered a "taxable service" in Texas, (as per the "repair, remodel, maintain, or restore" clause mentioned); similar to auto repair, HVAC servicing, or whatever. However, if you collect less than $400 in "Sales & Use Tax" per year, you can file & send in the collected sales tax annually rather than quarterly. The "Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts" sends you a "Texas Sales and Use Tax Return", along with a letter stating which filing schedule you're currently on, (e.g., "Congratulations on your growing business... this year you need to file quarterly..."). It did take a year or 2 after I first officially registered my business for them to start sending me the forms, but there was no mention of my not having filed a return during my first year or so in business.] Anyway, I now have a lot of conservation supplies I probably won't have much need for anymore, (from tubs of B-72 pellets to big rolls of "classic-formula" BEVA Film, & too much other stuff to even start listing. I also have a library of conservation & related publications, including some rarer old stuff, (e.g., "An Exhibition of Cleaned Pictures (1936-1947)", printed for the Trustees of the National Gallery, London, in 1947; etc., etc.). In any case, if you'd like to know more about any of these categories of things I've mentioned here, please feel free to contact me directly. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks! Mark E. van Gelder Art Conservation Services of Austin work: (512) 458-9809 home: (512) 323-0540 email: [email protected] ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 1/23/2025 5:47:00 PM From: Sean Harrison Subject: Austin Art In Public Places Artwork Conservator Reports A new slate of contract opportunities are posted at: https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=141899 Application <https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAANAAdk81R9UOVBCVUtERzlRWjQzREI3NjNHTE1STUE3MS4u> to serve on AIPP Panel (advisory panel) Link tree <https://linktr.ee/cityofaustinarts>: City of Austin Cultural Arts Please subscribe to our Economic Development newsletter <https://analytics.clickdimensions.com/cn/aviac/AustinEconDev> Sean Harrison Senior Coordinator Collections Manager Economic Development Department 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 400 512-978-2041 [email protected] <[email protected]> www.austintexas.gov/edd <http://www.austintexas.gov/edd> <https://x.com/AustinEconDev> <https://www.facebook.com/AustinEconDev/> <https://www.youtube.com/@AustinEconDev> 5.From: Ruth Seyler Posted: Sunday January 26, 2025 8:17 PM Subject: AIC – Annual Meeting – Early Registration Rate Extended to January 30 – Registration for Workshops Now Open Message: Make your plans to join us in Minneapolis May 27-3 for the 53rd AIC Annual Meeting. You can view the draft program here <https://aic53rdannualmeeting2025.sched.com/>. With over 200 talks encompassing all conservation specialties the meeting promises to be up to five days of thought-provoking dialogue, networking, developing a greater understanding the latest products and services for the field and so much more. Because we are currently experiencing database issues which are causing some members difficulty in registering for the Annual Meeting - we are extending the early registration rate until January 30. Don't forget to join us for the pre-session May 27-28. We are rolling out the pre-session events in three stages. The workshops are posted online and are currently available for registration. A sample of pre-session seminars and tours are posted online and will be available for registration in a few days, along with the lunch programs. More pre-session tours and seminars are coming soon. Many of our workshops have a limited class size – learn more about the workshops below. Level up your professional skills with our Annual Meeting pre-session workshops on May 27-28! Whether you're a seasoned expert or an emerging professional, these hands-on, in-depth workshops are designed to help you build new knowledge, expand your expertise, and connect with fellow professionals. Don't miss your chance to participate - space is limited! Applications for Nanocellulose Gels and Films in Conservation <https://aic53rdannualmeeting2025.sched.com/event/1teC6/workshop-applications-for-nanocellulose-gels-and-films-in-conservation> - May 27-28, 9am-5pm; Registration fee: $330 Exploring Flexible Adhesives for Leather Treatments <https://aic53rdannualmeeting2025.sched.com/event/1teCU/workshop-exploring-flexible-adhesives-for-leather-treatments> - May 27, 1-5pm; Registration fee: $66 Inclusive Mentorship: The Stories We Tell Ourselves <https://aic53rdannualmeeting2025.sched.com/event/1teBZ/workshop-inclusive-mentorship-the-stories-we-tell-ourselves> - May 28, 9am-12:30pm; Free registration! Contract Couriers <https://aic53rdannualmeeting2025.sched.com/event/1tnBq/workshop-contract-couriers> - May 28, 9am-4pm; Registration fee: $132 Crating 101 <https://aic53rdannualmeeting2025.sched.com/event/1teCi/workshop-crating-101> - online April 30 and May 7, 1-4:30pm ET, and in-person May 28, 9am-5pm; Registration fee: $285 View the workshop descriptions on Sched and add the workshops to your Annual Meeting registration to participate! We look forward to seeing you in Minneapolis. ------------------------------ Ruth Seyler Meetings & Advocacy Director American Institute for Conservation and Foundation for Advancement in Conservation Washington United States ------------------------------ 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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