Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Reminder - Art Bio Matters Seminar - Perceptions of Human Remains 2. IAP Virtual seminar: Insect pheromones and their use in Integrated Pest Management 3. RE: Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and Archives Commission 4. Cosmolloid 80H emulsion recipe 5. FINAL WEEK! UK survey on clear coatings for indoor metalwork conservation. 6. RE: Plastics, Plastics, Plastics - Learn how to identify the plastic objects in your collections 7. RE: Seeking assistance for fabricating custom oversize boxes for storage of garments ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Ashley Bowersox Posted: Monday March 24, 2025 6:46 PM Subject: Reminder - Art Bio Matters Seminar - Perceptions of Human Remains Message: Art Bio Matters Seminar - Perceptions of Human Remains Dear all, We're excited to announce Art Bio Matter's first member conversation of 2025 with Katherine "Kat" McFarlin, a conservator from the American Museum of Natural History and Cynthia Hahn, a professor of Art History at Hunter College and the Graduate Center at CUNY. As with all Art Bio Matter events, membership is required to attend and participate in the discussion. If you haven't joined yet, you can easily do so on the main website: artbiomatters.org/join-abm <http://artbiomatters.org/join-abm> Best, Ashley ------- Perceptions of Human Remains with Katherine "Kat" McFarlin and Cynthia Hahn Thursday, March 27, 2025, 11:00 am ET Read the full description for the conversation below. An Art Bio Matters Membership is required to attend this event. Visit artbiomatters.org/join-abm <https://artbiomatters.org/join-abm> to become a member (it's free!). This discussion centers around one question - how do practices around interacting with bodily remains vary across cultures and time periods? Two branching lines of inquiry immediately arise from this initial query. First, how do we define (or identify) human remains, and subsequently what then constitutes respect for the deceased? Does reverence for the dead only extend to the physical body, or does it extend to - or even originate from - the applied cultural practices, associated objects and artworks, or religious contexts? Second, how were these remains intended to be seen and how should we 'see' them? Is visibility only possible for certain audiences? How should these concepts influence the modern study and display of human and non-human remains in institutional contexts? Where is the line between what can be scientifically known, and what ethically should be known? Cynthia, an art historian, and Kat, a conservator, will be holding an informal conversation on these topics, which may well be of interest to a wider range of scholars and practitioners: curators, scientists, and academics whose work involves human remains, and anyone else who may be concerned with thoughtful approaches regarding the study and stewardship of physical remains and associated belongings. The event will be followed by a discussion with members in attendance. ------------------------------ Ashley Bowersox Preventive Conservator & Graduate Candidate in Painting and Sculpture Conservation HKB, Bern, Switzerland ------------------------------ 2.From: James Black Posted: Monday March 24, 2025 6:47 PM Subject: IAP Virtual seminar: Insect pheromones and their use in Integrated Pest Management Message: Date: Wednesday, 2 April 2025 Time: 3pm BST Tutors: Patrick Kelley and David Pinniger Platform: Zoom Price: £25.00 Registration: Eventbrite <https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1227744509879?aff=oddtdtcreator> This seminar examines insect pheromones and their function in the natural world and how they can be harnessed to prevent pest insects from harming heritage collections. The identification, synthesis and commercial development of pheromones will be followed by examples of their value in practical pest management. This will be illustrated by case studies from the UK and USA and there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion. Patrick Kelley is a Board Certified Entomologist with an undergrad degree in Science from Purdue University and a Master of Science degree in Entomology from the University of Nebraska. He has been working closely with museums and in the field of pest management for more than 38 years. David Pinniger is an entomologist and international pest management consultant. He has worked with IAP in offering short courses on IPM and Insect Identification since 1984. ------------------------------ James Black Co-ordinator International Academic Projects London www.academicprojects.co.uk ------------------------------ 3.From: Rebecca Romanchuk Posted: Monday March 24, 2025 6:47 PM Subject: RE: Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and Archives Commission Message: Please note that the closing date for this position has been extended to April 30, 2025. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has an opening for this full-time position: Conservator (Curator IV) - $6,250-$7,084 monthly The conservator manages the daily activities of the well-equipped book and paper Summerlee Conservation Lab at TSLAC and performs complex treatments on rare and unique archival and library materials in accordance with the AIC code of ethics. This position develops and monitors work procedures for the unit, establishes priorities, and makes treatment decisions. The conservator is called on to assist with outreach and educational programs, preservation planning and surveys, emergency response, and environmental control. This position may also instruct and monitor interns, students, or volunteers assigned to assist with conservation tasks. Learn about the work undertaken in our conservation lab at our TSLAC Conservation blog, https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/ <https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/>. To review this job posting go to https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs <https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs>. ------------------------------ Rebecca Romanchuk, MLIS Archives Supervisor Texas State Library & Archives Commission Austin TX ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-03-2025 11:47 From: Rebecca Romanchuk Subject: Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and Archives Commission Please note that the closing date for this position has been extended to March 21, 2025. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has an opening for this full-time position: Conservator (Curator IV) - $6,250-$7,084 monthly The conservator manages the daily activities of the well-equipped book and paper Summerlee Conservation Lab at TSLAC and performs complex treatments on rare and unique archival and library materials in accordance with the AIC code of ethics. This position develops and monitors work procedures for the unit, establishes priorities, and makes treatment decisions. The conservator is called on to assist with outreach and educational programs, preservation planning and surveys, emergency response, and environmental control. This position may also instruct and monitor interns, students, or volunteers assigned to assist with conservation tasks. Learn about the work undertaken in our conservation lab at our TSLAC Conservation blog, https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/ <https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/>. To review this job posting go to https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs <https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs>. Rebecca Romanchuk, CA Archives Supervisor | Archives and Information Services Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission 512-475-1734 | www.tsl.texas.gov <http://www.tsl.texas.gov/> ------------------------------ Rebecca Romanchuk, MLIS Archives Supervisor Texas State Library & Archives Commission Austin TX ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 01-29-2025 11:18 From: Rebecca Romanchuk Subject: Job announcement: Conservator position at Texas State Library and Archives Commission The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has an opening for this full-time position: Conservator (Curator IV) - $6,250-$7,084 monthly The conservator manages the daily activities of the well-equipped book and paper Summerlee Conservation Lab at TSLAC and performs complex treatments on rare and unique archival and library materials in accordance with the AIC code of ethics. This position develops and monitors work procedures for the unit, establishes priorities, and makes treatment decisions. The conservator is called on to assist with outreach and educational programs, preservation planning and surveys, emergency response, and environmental control. This position may also instruct and monitor interns, students, or volunteers assigned to assist with conservation tasks. Learn about the work undertaken in our conservation lab at our TSLAC Conservation blog, https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/ <https://www.tsl.texas.gov/conservation/>. To review this job posting go to https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs <https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs>. Closing date is February 28, 2025. Rebecca Romanchuk, CA Archives Supervisor | Archives and Information Services Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission 512-475-1734 | www.tsl.texas.gov <http://www.tsl.texas.gov> 4.From: Natasha Waddell Posted: Monday March 24, 2025 6:47 PM Subject: Cosmolloid 80H emulsion recipe Message: Does anyone have a recipe for making up their own cosmolloid 80H wax emulsion, or know where I can find one? Thanks! ------------------------------ Natasha Waddell PhD Student, Clear Coatings in Metalwork Conservation Imperial College London Chichester United Kingdom ------------------------------ 5.From: Natasha Waddell Posted: Monday March 24, 2025 6:48 PM Subject: FINAL WEEK! UK survey on clear coatings for indoor metalwork conservation. Message: Closing date for this survey is 31st March! The survey is open to object and metals conservators, and anyone who handles, treats or manages metalwork objects in the UK. If you or anyone you know believe can contribute, please send it round :) https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=B3WJK4zudUWDC0-CZ8PTB4LUvelMPMdDiS5OB9KiYf1UQTE2MFFXWVM5UjhUQTg5VjVXTVBUUkZJQS4u Context: This survey is aimed at UK based metal conservators in the field of cultural heritage who work on object, sculpture, archaeological and industrial archaeological based items. This PhD project intends to research past and present clear coatings used within the conservation of metalwork and composite objects, particularly those stored indoors with fluctuating, uncontrolled environments. The projects intends to reassess current treatments used on metalwork objects and devise a more suitable protocol where commonly used coatings or corrosion inhibitors may not provide the most suitable protection as advertised or first thought. This survey aims to understand what conservators are using in their treatments; devise what materials are working well and what are not; if conservators have discovered/created successful coating treatments within their own disciplines that are not yet widely known within the field; which coatings are still widely used but are not the most beneficial for the object; most of all, what conservators, and emerging professionals, would like to see in this field of research. This project is an AHRC funded Collaborative Doctoral Partnership working in conjunction with English Heritage and Imperial College London, using J. W. Evans Silver Factory and Dover war tunnels as key case studies. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Thank you all for your contributions so far! Natasha :) ------------------------------ Natasha Waddell PhD Student, Clear Coatings in Metalwork Conservation Imperial College London Chichester United Kingdom ------------------------------ 6.From: Brenda Keneghan Posted: Monday March 24, 2025 6:49 PM Subject: RE: Plastics, Plastics, Plastics - Learn how to identify the plastic objects in your collections Message: REMINDER Come and join us for a 2 day course covering all aspects of plastics in collections. 13th & 14th May in the beautiful surroundings of West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. The course covers: 1. What is a plastic? 2. History & Development of plastics 3. Degradation of plastics 4. Basic care & preventive conservation of plastic materials 5. Different approaches to identification of plastics - historical research / analytical techniques 6. Practical identification of plastic objects in your collection. Practical sessions and plenty of time for questions. Tutors- Brenda Keneghan, David Howell, Hugh Morrison Early Booking advised Identification of Plastic Materials | West Dean <https://www.westdean.ac.uk/short-courses/m2d34380-identification-of-plastic-materials> Dr Brenda Keneghan FRSC Preservation Consultant for Plastics in Heritage Collections email: [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 2/17/2025 5:34:00 PM From: Brenda Keneghan Subject: Plastics, Plastics, Plastics - Learn how to identify the plastic objects in your collections Come and join us for a 2 day course covering all aspects of plastics in collections. 13th & 14th May in the beautiful surroundings of West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. The course covers: 1. What is a plastic? 2. History & Development of plastics 3. Degradation of plastics 4. Basic care & preventive conservation of plastic materials 5. Different approaches to identification of plastics - historical research / analytical techniques 6. Practical identification of plastic objects in your collection. Practical sessions and plenty of time for questions. Tutors- Brenda Keneghan, David Howell, Hugh Morrison Early Booking advised Identification of Plastic Materials | West Dean <https://www.westdean.ac.uk/short-courses/m2d34380-identification-of-plastic-materials> Dr Brenda Keneghan FRSC Preservation Consultant for Plastics in Heritage Collections email: [email protected] <[email protected]> 7.From: Margaret Geiss-Mooney Posted: Monday March 24, 2025 6:49 PM Subject: RE: Seeking assistance for fabricating custom oversize boxes for storage of garments Message: Hi Wendy – Speaking from many years of experience making custom sized boxes for oversize costume from all cultures and all time periods for different storage scenarios I have some a few questions (always!) and some recommendations. Since you already have the oversize blueboard (paper-based, yes? corrugated, yes? which corrugation pattern and size? made from buffered or non-buffered board?) boards in hand, the least expensive solution is to make the boxes themselves on site, whether that is by you, by someone who is working with you or by someone who comes to the site to construct them. Is it possible to construct the boxes on site? (you would need to have clean well-lit tablespaces that can hold the board while it is being cut, folded and secured to the sizes needed and to hold supplies) As you know, the shipping costs of oversize blueboard and/or completed boxes can be way more than the board stock itself and the possibility of damage occurring goes up dramatically. It is very difficult to package oversized custom boxes so that they remain clean and undamaged during the whole transit process, whether being shipped just across town or across country. Before any board is worked, it should be carefully wiped down with a microfibre cloth on all sides and edges. It is truly amazing how much dust will be picked up by the microfibre cloth. The completed boxes should also be wiped again to remove any bits of cut board that have showed up during the construction process. Also, before any storage box is moved once in use, I wipe down the box surfaces with a microfibre cloth every time during the moving process – once again the amount of dust that accumulates even in the cleanest of museum environments is amazing. Are all the custom boxes to be the same size and depth? Or are different sizes/depths needed? The boxes are to be two separate pieces – i.e. a bottom and a top? Is the top to be a full-depth top or less than full-depth? If they will be the same size/depth, the construction process usually goes more quickly as only one set of calculations will be needed. I recommend, for durability sakes, that the box corners are constructed with fasteners and not just double-sided adhesive tape or high temp/low temp melt glue. To secure box corners, I have used screw posts/Chicago posts (made from either polypropylene or from aluminum) – 2 per corner for oversize boxes. I have also used a more sewing-like technique that uses 1/8" wide polyester grosgrain ribbon as a 'tacking thread' and a blunt tapestry needle in the box corners (the polyester does not absorb moisture and is not bug food). To increase the stiffness of the oversize boxes, I recommend using a piece of the blueboard sheet cut to the inside size of the box bottom with the corrugations being perpendicular to the corrugations of the box bottom when the cut piece is put in to the box bottom. I also recommend that 1.5" or 2" wide Tyvek® tape (pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive) is used to covered any box edges that have open corrugations. This prevents any insects from setting up housekeeping in the corrugations and keeps out dust/debris from accumulating in the corrugations as well. I also recommend that at least two ties per box be used to help keep the top and bottom sides of the boxes snug to each other on the short sides and to provide 'handles' to make it easier for those moving these oversized boxes. I have also used a tie on the long side for oversized boxes that are also very deep (i.e. 10" – 12"). I have used successfully 1" wide polyester grosgrain ribbon as ties. The ties are bow tied on the sides of the box so that the boxes can still be stacked on one another if needed. My last recommendation is to label both the top and the bottom (on all 4 outside corners, ideally) so when you have multiple boxes opened, it is quicker and much easier to match up the bottom with its top. Happy to answer any further questions and/or to come to NYC/Philadlephia area! ------------------------------ Margaret Geiss-Mooney Costume/Textile Conservator [email protected] (707) 763-8694 Springfield, OR ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-22-2025 11:59 From: Wendy Jessup Subject: Seeking assistance for fabricating custom oversize boxes for storage of garments Greetings all - I am currently working on a project in New Jersey and we need to have at least 10 custom boxes fabricated for oversize garments. We have the oversize blueboard sheets and are looking for someone to make the boxes. Looking for a referral to a company or someone in the NYC/Philadelphia area. We will be reaching out to TALAS soon. Are there others that can provide this service that we should contact? ------------------------------ Wendy Jessup Conservator Wendy Jessup and Associates, Inc. Arlington 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. 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.
