Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Removing dye from ivory handles 2. *Final Week* Conservation of vegetable tanned leather survey 3. Job Alert: Objects Conservator, Manchester Museum 4. RE: Removing dye from ivory handles 5. SIMIACCI Project - Survey 6. ICCROM ~ Reducing Risks and Increasing Resilience for Sustainable Built Heritage Conservation and Management 7. Application Deadline for the Craft and Conservation Workshop - March 31 8. RE: Removing dye from ivory handles 9. KEP Workshop Announcement 10. RE: Removing dye from ivory handles 11. Sustainable perspectives in practice ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Christian Mueller-Straten Posted: Tuesday March 25, 2025 9:47 AM Subject: RE: Removing dye from ivory handles Message: Hallo Rainer, There seems to be a misunderstanding on your part. Every object is different. I advocate for modern conservation according to the Venice Charter and would hardly have been posting on this forum for years if I considered the important profession of conservator-restorer obsolete. I was speaking exclusively of this particular "set of instruments with stained ivory handles." Unfortunately, we don't know anything specific about them, not even whether the musical instruments are public or private, whether they are kept in storage or on display, or whether they are played in public. All we know is that ivory pieces were discoloured due to a leak (water damage?), namely by the colour of the protective case. There are no photos and no description of the protective case. It shouldn't be that difficult to determine what type of paint (stain?) it is and what it was diluted with. We also don't know whether the ivory pieces were dismounted or are still firmly embedded in their likely sensitive surroundings (wood?). Under these condition of knowledge, I simply pledge for more caution. Some of the methods suggested here are simply too much of a shot in the dark for me (see Mikos remark) . Ivory has already been cleaned with lasers or treated with chemicals containing chlorine. Given this level of knowledge, I would want to rule out all of these, because analysis comes before any treatment! I have been confirmed in the meantime to this approach in a private E-mail by Valerie Tomlinson of AGO, Toronto. At least: What would I recommend? At first, of course, to analyse the stain. Then, I would recommend to save the discolouration as an historical impact and to retouch it with reversible colours. This enables future generations to tell the story of the leak. Kind regards 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: 03-23-2025 13:35 From: Rainer Geschke Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Dear Mr. Mueller-Straten, is is advisable to consider the amount of restoration and conservation three times rather than just once before you start with any treatment. But what do you mean by 'preserve every impact'? Do you mean to say to stop conservation/ restoration altogether, to stop any treatment on any object and to preserve anything that has ever happened to it? If any damage would have to be considered part of the object's history and would have to be kept, conservators would no longer be required. I rather believe any objects has to be considered individually, treated differently or indeed not treated at all, depending on the individual object and what is going to happen with it. Kind regards, Rainer Geschke ------------------------------ Rainer Geschke Conservation Berlin Germany ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 03-22-2025 02:55 From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Excellent remark and warnings, Miko. The damages of the leak are part of the history of the object. Conservation has to conserve all historical impacts and does not mean to transform a musical instrument back to its presumed original status. Leave the stained ivories as they are, please, and do not replace them, as final approach, with new ivories. Respect history and age, and allow to tell the story of the leak. 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: 03-21-2025 07:12 From: Miko Vasques Dias Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Kirsty, the ivory will lighten when exposed to light/UV, not so much the stain. If the damage was caused by a leak (water?) often it'll have to be solved with another leak, in a controlled matter. Without knowing anything about the coloring material that was left in the very porous ivory your treatment remains a shot in the dark. Some of the products that were suggested in this thread are US specific brands, it would be helpful to us over the pond knowing what the active ingredients are. ------------------------------ Miko Vasques Dias Wood and Furniture Conservator Lecturer University of Amsterdam Program in Conservation and Restoration Amsterdam Netherlands Original Message: Sent: 03-21-2025 05:52 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Thank you, will definitely give UV a try if i can. ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom Original Message: Sent: 03-20-2025 23:40 From: Linda Roundhill Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles I had a minor success using alcohol to lessen a pink dye stain and then some more success with UV light, but it was a long time ago and I don't recall the details. It would depend on the dye and how deep it has migrated. ------------------------------ Linda Roundhill Conservator/Owner Everett United States Original Message: Sent: 03-18-2025 07:14 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Hello Martin. thank you so much, will give this a try if we can! ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom Original Message: Sent: 03-17-2025 20:59 From: Martin O'Brien Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Kirsty, I use a lot of dyes and inevitably will get some on my skin when a glove gets a puncture. I use a special hand cleaner called Reduran which removes the dye stain from my skin as if magic. I'm not sure if it would be suitable for ivory however. I'm a wooden objects conservator and know very little about ivory. Reduran was re-named a few years ago to Kresto Kolor Special. Sadly it was discontinued by the manufacturer/distributor here in the States, but I suspect that it might still be available in UK or Europe as it seems like a European product. If you do find it over there, let me know as my supply is running low and there is no replacement. There is an entirely different product called Amodex and it is marketed to people who use fountain pens . . . sooner or later fountain pen users get ink on their clothes. You might consider looking into this product as well. Best wishes, ------------------------------ Martin O'Brien PA-AIC Wooden Artifact Conservator in Private Practice Winston Salem, NC 336-773-1334 Original Message: Sent: 03-14-2025 11:29 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Hello, I am currently conserving a set of instruments with ivory handles. They were damaged in a leak, and the dye from the case was transferred onto the ivory. We have managed to remove some of the dye but it is still pretty obvious. We have tried humidifying, IDA and WA paste, but it has not removed the dye. I was hopping that someone may have more experience and ideas into what could be done to remove the dye. Thank you, ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom ------------------------------ 2.From: Arianne Panton Posted: Tuesday March 25, 2025 9:50 AM Subject: *Final Week* Conservation of vegetable tanned leather survey Message: Dear all, This survey will be closing at the end of the month. If you work with vegetable tanned leather and haven't already filled in the survey, please consider doing so via the link below, it only takes a couple of minutes and if you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. Results of the survey will be disseminated in due course. Approaches to the conservation of vegetable tanned leather <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQYXBhKeft0vH42bhl7Br6-u56PzQ4X_pgTNEbLW7YCqkcLg/viewform?pli=1> Thank you! ------------------------------ Arianne Panton Manager of Conservation & Research The Leather Conservation Centre Grosvenor Chambers Northampton, NN1 2EW 01604719766 ------------------------------ 3.From: Abby Stevens Posted: Tuesday March 25, 2025 9:52 AM Subject: Job Alert: Objects Conservator, Manchester Museum Message: Manchester Museum has a vacancy for an Objects Conservator, focussing primarily on the Natural Science Collections. The role provides specialist support in the conservation and care of Manchester Museum's diverse natural science collections. It focuses on ensuring the preservation, accessibility, and sustainability of the collections for research, education, and public engagement. As part of a collaborative team, the post-holder will contribute to the overall workload and priorities of the CCATS and Collections teams, supporting major conservation projects beyond natural sciences when required. The role will also involve leading and coordinating conservation projects, contributing specialist expertise to acquisitions and disposals, and supporting loans and exhibitions. See here for details: The University of Manchester - Job Information | Apply for Object Conservator (Natural Sciences) <https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=31818> Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews: [email protected] <[email protected]> General enquiries: [email protected] <[email protected]> Abby Stevens l Preventive Conservator Manchester Museum, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139PL 4.From: Kirsty Clark Posted: Tuesday March 25, 2025 2:42 PM Subject: RE: Removing dye from ivory handles Message: hello, sorry if this was not clear, it was my first post. They are surgical instruments with ivory handles and metal points used for eye surgery. They were damaged in a incident involving a burst pipe while on display in the gallery. The instruments were in a case with a purple lining which transferred the dye. I am not sure if this changes anyone's suggestions, but thank you everyone for all the suggestions so far. ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-25-2025 03:00 From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Hallo Rainer, There seems to be a misunderstanding on your part. Every object is different. I advocate for modern conservation according to the Venice Charter and would hardly have been posting on this forum for years if I considered the important profession of conservator-restorer obsolete. I was speaking exclusively of this particular "set of instruments with stained ivory handles." Unfortunately, we don't know anything specific about them, not even whether the musical instruments are public or private, whether they are kept in storage or on display, or whether they are played in public. All we know is that ivory pieces were discoloured due to a leak (water damage?), namely by the colour of the protective case. There are no photos and no description of the protective case. It shouldn't be that difficult to determine what type of paint (stain?) it is and what it was diluted with. We also don't know whether the ivory pieces were dismounted or are still firmly embedded in their likely sensitive surroundings (wood?). Under these condition of knowledge, I simply pledge for more caution. Some of the methods suggested here are simply too much of a shot in the dark for me (see Mikos remark) . Ivory has already been cleaned with lasers or treated with chemicals containing chlorine. Given this level of knowledge, I would want to rule out all of these, because analysis comes before any treatment! I have been confirmed in the meantime to this approach in a private E-mail by Valerie Tomlinson of AGO, Toronto. At least: What would I recommend? At first, of course, to analyse the stain. Then, I would recommend to save the discolouration as an historical impact and to retouch it with reversible colours. This enables future generations to tell the story of the leak. Kind regards 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: 03-23-2025 13:35 From: Rainer Geschke Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Dear Mr. Mueller-Straten, is is advisable to consider the amount of restoration and conservation three times rather than just once before you start with any treatment. But what do you mean by 'preserve every impact'? Do you mean to say to stop conservation/ restoration altogether, to stop any treatment on any object and to preserve anything that has ever happened to it? If any damage would have to be considered part of the object's history and would have to be kept, conservators would no longer be required. I rather believe any objects has to be considered individually, treated differently or indeed not treated at all, depending on the individual object and what is going to happen with it. Kind regards, Rainer Geschke ------------------------------ Rainer Geschke Conservation Berlin Germany Original Message: Sent: 03-22-2025 02:55 From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Excellent remark and warnings, Miko. The damages of the leak are part of the history of the object. Conservation has to conserve all historical impacts and does not mean to transform a musical instrument back to its presumed original status. Leave the stained ivories as they are, please, and do not replace them, as final approach, with new ivories. Respect history and age, and allow to tell the story of the leak. 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: 03-21-2025 07:12 From: Miko Vasques Dias Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Kirsty, the ivory will lighten when exposed to light/UV, not so much the stain. If the damage was caused by a leak (water?) often it'll have to be solved with another leak, in a controlled matter. Without knowing anything about the coloring material that was left in the very porous ivory your treatment remains a shot in the dark. Some of the products that were suggested in this thread are US specific brands, it would be helpful to us over the pond knowing what the active ingredients are. ------------------------------ Miko Vasques Dias Wood and Furniture Conservator Lecturer University of Amsterdam Program in Conservation and Restoration Amsterdam Netherlands Original Message: Sent: 03-21-2025 05:52 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Thank you, will definitely give UV a try if i can. ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom Original Message: Sent: 03-20-2025 23:40 From: Linda Roundhill Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles I had a minor success using alcohol to lessen a pink dye stain and then some more success with UV light, but it was a long time ago and I don't recall the details. It would depend on the dye and how deep it has migrated. ------------------------------ Linda Roundhill Conservator/Owner Everett United States Original Message: Sent: 03-18-2025 07:14 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Hello Martin. thank you so much, will give this a try if we can! ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom Original Message: Sent: 03-17-2025 20:59 From: Martin O'Brien Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Kirsty, I use a lot of dyes and inevitably will get some on my skin when a glove gets a puncture. I use a special hand cleaner called Reduran which removes the dye stain from my skin as if magic. I'm not sure if it would be suitable for ivory however. I'm a wooden objects conservator and know very little about ivory. Reduran was re-named a few years ago to Kresto Kolor Special. Sadly it was discontinued by the manufacturer/distributor here in the States, but I suspect that it might still be available in UK or Europe as it seems like a European product. If you do find it over there, let me know as my supply is running low and there is no replacement. There is an entirely different product called Amodex and it is marketed to people who use fountain pens . . . sooner or later fountain pen users get ink on their clothes. You might consider looking into this product as well. Best wishes, ------------------------------ Martin O'Brien PA-AIC Wooden Artifact Conservator in Private Practice Winston Salem, NC 336-773-1334 Original Message: Sent: 03-14-2025 11:29 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Hello, I am currently conserving a set of instruments with ivory handles. They were damaged in a leak, and the dye from the case was transferred onto the ivory. We have managed to remove some of the dye but it is still pretty obvious. We have tried humidifying, IDA and WA paste, but it has not removed the dye. I was hopping that someone may have more experience and ideas into what could be done to remove the dye. Thank you, ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom ------------------------------ 5.From: Nuno Augusto Posted: Tuesday March 25, 2025 2:42 PM Subject: SIMIACCI Project - Survey Message: We would like to inform you about SIMIACCI (Sustainable Intelligent Management of Indoor Air Quality for the Culture and Creative Industries), a new EC-funded project running between January 2025 and December 2028. This project aims to improve the preservation of Cultural Heritage artefacts in Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAMs) by addressing the challenges posed by air pollution and optimizing Indoor Air Quality management. SIMIACCI focuses on reducing energy consumption while maintaining the required conditions for long-term preservation. We are conducting a questionnaire to gather valuable insights from professionals involved in Indoor Air Quality (only gas pollutants) in GLAMs. We would greatly appreciate your participation (it should take ca. 5 min). Please answer the survey until March 31st, here you can find the survey link: <https://www.umfrageonline.com/c/SIMIACCI>SIMIACCI: Indoor Air Quality Management in Your Institution <https://www.umfrageonline.com/c/SIMIACCI> On June 3rd, we intend to organize an Online Focus Meeting with professionals in the fields of IAQ management and preventive conservation. Further information on this topic can be found in the questionnaire. Thank you in advance for your time and contribution. Best Regards, ------------------------------ Nuno Augusto Senior Conservation Technician National Coach Museum Lisboa Portugal ------------------------------ 6.From: Valeria Orlandini Posted: Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:01 PM Subject: ICCROM ~ Reducing Risks and Increasing Resilience for Sustainable Built Heritage Conservation and Management Message: RE: ICCROM training in the US Integrated Conservation Resources is working in conjunction with ICCROM and the Nantucket Historical Association to facilitate an ICCROM course this fall for mid-career professionals entitled International Training Course on Reducing Risks and Increasing Resilience for Sustainable Built Heritage Conservation and Management. Applications are due by May 31, 2025 and the course runs from September 29 to October 24, 2025 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA. The main course objectives include the following: To build the capacity of mid-career professionals from heritage and environmental fields to assess disaster risks to built heritage. To develop appropriate monitoring, mitigation and adaptation strategies at site level as part of conservation and management practice. To build an international network of heritage professionals skilled in environmental resilience and disaster risk management for built heritage. The link provided below includes additional details and application information: International Training Course on Reducing Risks and Increasing Resilience for Sustainable Built Heritage Conservation and Management 2025 | ICCROM <https://www.iccrom.org/courses/international-training-course-reducing-risks-and-increasing-resilience-sustainable-built> -- Dear Colleagues, Attached find the ink corrosion research that I will be presenting with a team of paper and book conservators, conservation scientists and microbiologists at the International Iron Gall Ink Meeting 2025: Towards Sustainable Preservation (IGI2025) that will take place from May 7 to 9, 2025 in Caparica, Portugal. Salvaging Iron Gall Ink-Based Collections from Ink Corrosion, Fungal Attack, and Climate Change: Considering the Past and the Future https://sites.fct.unl.pt/igi2025 <https://sites.fct.unl.pt/igi2025> Hope to meet many of you at the NOVA SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | NOVA FCT Universidade NOVA de Lisboa Campus de Caparica | 2829-516 Caparica | Portugal ------------------------------ Valeria Orlandini Conservator of Works on Paper and Photographic Materials Chevy Chase MD (301) 657-2682 ------------------------------ 7.From: Kristine Markle Posted: Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:10 PM Subject: Application Deadline for the Craft and Conservation Workshop - March 31 Message: The application window for the Craft and Conservation workshop <https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/craft-and-conservation> is closing soon. This workshop is taking place June 10-13, 2025, at Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, Winterthur, DE, and will be led by David Bayne, Kathy Z. Gillis, and Gregory J. Landrey. Emerging conservation and furniture-making professionals and students are encouraged to join to learn how to identify and discuss historic woodworking techniques, materials, and methods. Please follow the link above for full workshop details. Interested individuals must apply here by March 31, 2025: https://culturalheritage.secure-platform.com:443/a/solicitations/1264/home <https://culturalheritage.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/1264/home> Registration to participate is free and participants will each receive a $1,000 travel stipend. This workshop is organized and supported in part by WAG, with additional funding from FAIC and a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. ------------------------------ Kristine Markle Washington DC ------------------------------ 8.From: Rainer Geschke Posted: Tuesday March 25, 2025 7:51 PM Subject: RE: Removing dye from ivory handles Message: Dear Kirsty, I understood it was a kind of recent and disfiguring accident that happened to your ivory handles. Even though the accident now is part of the piece's history, as Christian rightly pointed out, I personnally wouldn't mind at all to try and remove the discolouration, if possible. Christian wrote: "The damages of the leak are part of the history of the object. Conservation has to conserve all historical impacts and does not mean to transform a musical instrument back to its presumed original status. Leave the stained ivories as they are, please, and do not replace them, as final approach, with new ivories. Respect history and age, and allow to tell the story of the leak." This counsel is debatable. It seems, these are pretty general terms even though we do not know much of the piece in question, its place and importance in the collection and possible didactic issues. Last but not least there are all kinds of opinions and circumstances around, and many are worth considering. Restoration is not 'one size fits all'. All the best, Rainer Geschke Conservation Berlin ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 3/25/2025 10:06:00 AM From: Kirsty Clark Subject: RE: Removing dye from ivory handles hello, sorry if this was not clear, it was my first post. They are surgical instruments with ivory handles and metal points used for eye surgery. They were damaged in a incident involving a burst pipe while on display in the gallery. The instruments were in a case with a purple lining which transferred the dye. I am not sure if this changes anyone's suggestions, but thank you everyone for all the suggestions so far. ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-25-2025 03:00 From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Hallo Rainer, There seems to be a misunderstanding on your part. Every object is different. I advocate for modern conservation according to the Venice Charter and would hardly have been posting on this forum for years if I considered the important profession of conservator-restorer obsolete. I was speaking exclusively of this particular "set of instruments with stained ivory handles." Unfortunately, we don't know anything specific about them, not even whether the musical instruments are public or private, whether they are kept in storage or on display, or whether they are played in public. All we know is that ivory pieces were discoloured due to a leak (water damage?), namely by the colour of the protective case. There are no photos and no description of the protective case. It shouldn't be that difficult to determine what type of paint (stain?) it is and what it was diluted with. We also don't know whether the ivory pieces were dismounted or are still firmly embedded in their likely sensitive surroundings (wood?). Under these condition of knowledge, I simply pledge for more caution. Some of the methods suggested here are simply too much of a shot in the dark for me (see Mikos remark) . Ivory has already been cleaned with lasers or treated with chemicals containing chlorine. Given this level of knowledge, I would want to rule out all of these, because analysis comes before any treatment! I have been confirmed in the meantime to this approach in a private E-mail by Valerie Tomlinson of AGO, Toronto. At least: What would I recommend? At first, of course, to analyse the stain. Then, I would recommend to save the discolouration as an historical impact and to retouch it with reversible colours. This enables future generations to tell the story of the leak. Kind regards 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: 03-23-2025 13:35 From: Rainer Geschke Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Dear Mr. Mueller-Straten, is is advisable to consider the amount of restoration and conservation three times rather than just once before you start with any treatment. But what do you mean by 'preserve every impact'? Do you mean to say to stop conservation/ restoration altogether, to stop any treatment on any object and to preserve anything that has ever happened to it? If any damage would have to be considered part of the object's history and would have to be kept, conservators would no longer be required. I rather believe any objects has to be considered individually, treated differently or indeed not treated at all, depending on the individual object and what is going to happen with it. Kind regards, Rainer Geschke ------------------------------ Rainer Geschke Conservation Berlin Germany Original Message: Sent: 03-22-2025 02:55 From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Excellent remark and warnings, Miko. The damages of the leak are part of the history of the object. Conservation has to conserve all historical impacts and does not mean to transform a musical instrument back to its presumed original status. Leave the stained ivories as they are, please, and do not replace them, as final approach, with new ivories. Respect history and age, and allow to tell the story of the leak. 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: 03-21-2025 07:12 From: Miko Vasques Dias Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Kirsty, the ivory will lighten when exposed to light/UV, not so much the stain. If the damage was caused by a leak (water?) often it'll have to be solved with another leak, in a controlled matter. Without knowing anything about the coloring material that was left in the very porous ivory your treatment remains a shot in the dark. Some of the products that were suggested in this thread are US specific brands, it would be helpful to us over the pond knowing what the active ingredients are. ------------------------------ Miko Vasques Dias Wood and Furniture Conservator Lecturer University of Amsterdam Program in Conservation and Restoration Amsterdam Netherlands Original Message: Sent: 03-21-2025 05:52 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Thank you, will definitely give UV a try if i can. ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom Original Message: Sent: 03-20-2025 23:40 From: Linda Roundhill Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles I had a minor success using alcohol to lessen a pink dye stain and then some more success with UV light, but it was a long time ago and I don't recall the details. It would depend on the dye and how deep it has migrated. ------------------------------ Linda Roundhill Conservator/Owner Everett United States Original Message: Sent: 03-18-2025 07:14 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Hello Martin. thank you so much, will give this a try if we can! ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom Original Message: Sent: 03-17-2025 20:59 From: Martin O'Brien Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Kirsty, I use a lot of dyes and inevitably will get some on my skin when a glove gets a puncture. I use a special hand cleaner called Reduran which removes the dye stain from my skin as if magic. I'm not sure if it would be suitable for ivory however. I'm a wooden objects conservator and know very little about ivory. Reduran was re-named a few years ago to Kresto Kolor Special. Sadly it was discontinued by the manufacturer/distributor here in the States, but I suspect that it might still be available in UK or Europe as it seems like a European product. If you do find it over there, let me know as my supply is running low and there is no replacement. There is an entirely different product called Amodex and it is marketed to people who use fountain pens . . . sooner or later fountain pen users get ink on their clothes. You might consider looking into this product as well. Best wishes, ------------------------------ Martin O'Brien PA-AIC Wooden Artifact Conservator in Private Practice Winston Salem, NC 336-773-1334 Original Message: Sent: 03-14-2025 11:29 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Hello, I am currently conserving a set of instruments with ivory handles. They were damaged in a leak, and the dye from the case was transferred onto the ivory. We have managed to remove some of the dye but it is still pretty obvious. We have tried humidifying, IDA and WA paste, but it has not removed the dye. I was hopping that someone may have more experience and ideas into what could be done to remove the dye. Thank you, ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom ------------------------------ 9.From: Elisabetta Bosetti Posted: Tuesday March 25, 2025 7:51 PM Subject: KEP Workshop Announcement Message: KEP Workshop Announcement Join us for an exclusive workshop on Care and Conservation of Fluid Preserved Collections for Exhibition and Outreach, hosted by KEP. This non-practical session, led by Julian Carter, Principal Conservator at National Museum Cardiff, offers a comprehensive look into preserving and showcasing biological specimens. About KEP KEP is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization where members act as coordinators. We organize and facilitate courses led by professional instructors and speakers-both national and international. Our goal is to bring the latest knowledge in conservation to Denmark through paid courses, lectures, and presentations, with a practical and/or scientific theoretical focus. About NKF-DK NKF-DK (Nordic Association of Conservators Denmark) is a professional interest organization for conservators in Denmark. It is part of the Nordic Association of Conservators (NKF) and the ICC Nordic Group, working to support and promote conservation expertise across the Nordic region. Workshop Details Date: 30th April 2025 Time: 10:00 - 17:00 Location: Natural History Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen Language: English What to Expect Discover essential methods for fixing and preserving specimens, explore display container options, and delve into conservation challenges. This workshop equips you with strategies to leverage fluid preserved collections effectively for exhibitions and outreach. About the Teacher Julian Carter brings extensive expertise from his role at National Museum Cardiff and as co-author of Best Practices in the Preservation and Management of Fluid-Preserved Biological Collections. Dont miss this opportunity to learn from a leader in the field! Registration Details Secure your spot by 31st March 2025. Spaces are limited (8-12 participants), so early registration is recommended. For full workshop description and registration, visit NKF-DK <https://nkf-dk.dk/kalender/265/> For any inquiries, contact KEP Coordinator Trine Srensen at [email protected]. See you there for a day of learning and networking in the realm of conservation! Warm regards, Elisabetta Bosetti, on behalf of KEP 10.From: Martin O'Brien Posted: Tuesday March 25, 2025 7:51 PM Subject: RE: Removing dye from ivory handles Message: Miko, I was one of the people in the U.S. who suggested looking at a few, perhaps unusual, options for treating Ivory stained with dye. You had asked for some ingredients. The closest I can find is what, here in the U.S., we refer to as a Material Safety Data Sheet or simply Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) for these products. These documents sometimes have a reliable list of ingredients for the product, not an exact formula, but again, sometimes enough information to determine the active ingredient or mechanism. The two products I thought might have some potential for removing or reducing dye were: Reduran (later renamed Kresto Kolor Special) and Amodex. I have attached the MSDS/SDS for both. You will notice that for Amodex, there are no ingredients listed. This is because, none of the ingredients are considered hazardous. However, the MSDS for Reduran/Kresto, lists quite a few ingredients. I am not sure what is the active ingredient for reducing dye, but likely it's the combination. As I said in my original reply to Kirsty, Reduran/Kresto almost immediately removes dye from my skin when I've had a glove break. I've never used a hand cleaner that works so specifically on dyes. Sadly, this product is no longer made here in the U.S. (like so many products we conservators rely on). Coincidentally, the SDS for the Reduran lists a supplier in the UK. Maybe it is available there. Of course I recommend testing these or any new product on something other than an artifact before treating an actual artifact. I hope this helps! Best wishes! ------------------------------ Martin O'Brien PA-AIC Wooden Artifact Conservator in Private Practice Winston Salem, NC 336-773-1334 ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-21-2025 07:12 From: Miko Vasques Dias Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Kirsty, the ivory will lighten when exposed to light/UV, not so much the stain. If the damage was caused by a leak (water?) often it'll have to be solved with another leak, in a controlled matter. Without knowing anything about the coloring material that was left in the very porous ivory your treatment remains a shot in the dark. Some of the products that were suggested in this thread are US specific brands, it would be helpful to us over the pond knowing what the active ingredients are. ------------------------------ Miko Vasques Dias Wood and Furniture Conservator Lecturer University of Amsterdam Program in Conservation and Restoration Amsterdam Netherlands ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 03-21-2025 05:52 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Thank you, will definitely give UV a try if i can. ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom Original Message: Sent: 03-20-2025 23:40 From: Linda Roundhill Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles I had a minor success using alcohol to lessen a pink dye stain and then some more success with UV light, but it was a long time ago and I don't recall the details. It would depend on the dye and how deep it has migrated. ------------------------------ Linda Roundhill Conservator/Owner Everett United States Original Message: Sent: 03-18-2025 07:14 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Hello Martin. thank you so much, will give this a try if we can! ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom Original Message: Sent: 03-17-2025 20:59 From: Martin O'Brien Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Kirsty, I use a lot of dyes and inevitably will get some on my skin when a glove gets a puncture. I use a special hand cleaner called Reduran which removes the dye stain from my skin as if magic. I'm not sure if it would be suitable for ivory however. I'm a wooden objects conservator and know very little about ivory. Reduran was re-named a few years ago to Kresto Kolor Special. Sadly it was discontinued by the manufacturer/distributor here in the States, but I suspect that it might still be available in UK or Europe as it seems like a European product. If you do find it over there, let me know as my supply is running low and there is no replacement. There is an entirely different product called Amodex and it is marketed to people who use fountain pens . . . sooner or later fountain pen users get ink on their clothes. You might consider looking into this product as well. Best wishes, ------------------------------ Martin O'Brien PA-AIC Wooden Artifact Conservator in Private Practice Winston Salem, NC 336-773-1334 Original Message: Sent: 03-14-2025 11:29 From: Kirsty Clark Subject: Removing dye from ivory handles Hello, I am currently conserving a set of instruments with ivory handles. They were damaged in a leak, and the dye from the case was transferred onto the ivory. We have managed to remove some of the dye but it is still pretty obvious. We have tried humidifying, IDA and WA paste, but it has not removed the dye. I was hopping that someone may have more experience and ideas into what could be done to remove the dye. Thank you, ------------------------------ Kirsty Clark London United Kingdom ------------------------------ 11.From: Chiara Fabbri Posted: Tuesday March 25, 2025 7:52 PM Subject: Sustainable perspectives in practice Message: CESMAR7- research Centre for Conservation Materials is glad to announce the workshop 'Solvents and paint films: sustainable perspectives in practice' with Gwendoline R. Fife. The course in hybrid mode will take place 29-30 April 2025 (theory, online) and 15-16 May for the practical workshop (limited to 15 participants). The lectures and workshop will focus on the fundamental properties and use of solvents in conservation, with a special focus on paintings. The solvents discussed will mainly include the organic solvents most commonly used in the field, as well as the 'greener' solvents. The basic properties of solvents and the modelling of their behaviour, the evaluation of hazards and impacts will be explained, and the importance of this information for their applications in our field, such as for painting, varnish removal and consolidation operations, will be described. Examining how the magnitude of potential solvent effects can be influenced by solvent choice, techniques and practices will be the focus of the workshop. During the workshop, a number of tools will be used to facilitate understanding of the theoretical arguments and to illustrate their practical application. Registration is now open for the first theoretical part only. For further information please visit the website: https://www.cesmar7.org/evento/i-solventi-e-linterazione-con-lo-strato-pittorico-nuove-prospettive-di-pratiche-sostenibili-solvents-and-paint-films-sustainable-perspectives-in-practice/ <https://www.cesmar7.org/evento/i-solventi-e-linterazione-con-lo-strato-pittorico-nuove-prospettive-di-pratiche-sostenibili-solvents-and-paint-films-sustainable-perspectives-in-practice/> ------------------------------ Chiara Fabbri Cesena Italy ------------------------------ 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.
