Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: De-acidification using calcium bicarbonate
2. RE: Planning High Shelving in a Museum Store (Advice Needed)
3. RE: Planning High Shelving in a Museum Store (Advice Needed)
4. Icon Emerging Professionals Conference 2025
5. Job Opportunity: Assistant Conservator (Manuscripts and Printed Books), The
Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, UK
6. PMG-ECPN Information Exchange
7. Job Opening: Conservator for Special Collections (Books) Cornell University
Library
8. RE: Planning High Shelving in a Museum Store (Advice Needed)
9. Position Announcement: Associate Conservator of Paintings at Yale
University Art Gallery
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.From: Anna Whitehead
Posted: Tuesday May 20, 2025 5:46 AM
Subject: RE: De-acidification using calcium bicarbonate
Message:
Many thanks to everyone who replied to this question I have received valuable
information and options to see us progressing work in this area. Thanks again
all.
Ng mihi
Anna
Anna Whitehead
Kaiatawhai Whakaora Taonga Conservator
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kawanatanga
Direct Dial: +64 4 894 6012 Extn: 9340
In the Office Working from home WFH
MON
TUE
WED
THU
WFH
WFH
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 5/16/2025 12:23:00 PM
From: Jessamy Gloor
Subject: RE: De-acidification using calcium bicarbonate
Hi Anna (and Melina and Sue Donovan),
And we use a "Soda Maker / Soda Siphon Classic" which takes individual CO2
cartridges, which aren't brand specific, if you want to avoid SodaStream. Plus,
it looks like a prop from a 1930s screwball comedy. We, too, already have a DI
system. We've been having a slow leak storage problem, too, Melina, so thank
you for Sue's Hydroflask insulated bottle idea!
Jessamy
------------------------------
Jessamy Gloor
Lead Paper Conservator
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
San Marino, California
pronouns: she/her(s)
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-15-2025 09:53
From: Melina Avery
Subject: De-acidification using calcium bicarbonate
Hi Anna,
We use a SodaStream to make carbonated water. We already have a deionization
system for our washing sink so we use that water. Here in the US, a basic
SodaStream, with a few extra tanks of CO2, is about $100 and refill CO2 tanks
are $30. We haven't had to purchase extra tanks yet, and it's been about five
years. Extra bottles for the water cost about $25 for a two-pack. We have three
bottles so filling/carbonating each one two or three times (which takes a few
seconds each round) fills a 5-liter bottle that we can use to mix the calcium
carbonate in. We have been using a 5 L Nalgene bottle ($90) to make and store
the solution, but it's recently been leaking both water and gas. I just got a
128 oz insulated HydroFlask ($100) on the recommendation of Sue Donovan at UVA
- she says that it does not leak gas so the water stays bubbly. From now on,
I'll use the Nalgene bottle to chill the water and mix the solution, and the
HydroFlask bottle to store the solution for the overnight
reaction.
I hope that helps!
Best,
Melina
------------------------------
Melina Avery
Senior Conservator
University of Chicago Library
Chicago
United States
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-14-2025 16:33
From: Anna Whitehead
Subject: De-acidification using calcium bicarbonate
Hello colleagues,
I am looking into ways that a paper conservation lab would produce calcium
bicarbonate solution.
Please could anyone doing this share the methodology for setting this up in the
lab; what equipment you use and how it is all put together. It would be helpful
to have as much detail as possible. For example, the brand of fish tank pump
and fish tank gas diffuser, just to get a picture of what is needed and to get
some idea of cost to implement.
Feel free to email me directly.
Many thanks in advance.
Anna Whitehead
Kaiatawhai Whakaora Taonga Conservator
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kawanatanga
[email protected] <[email protected]>
2.From: Sarah Coggins
Posted: Tuesday May 20, 2025 5:47 AM
Subject: RE: Planning High Shelving in a Museum Store (Advice Needed)
Message:
Hello
I've worked in places with objects stored at height, the top shelves were
probably 2.5-3 metres high. We had roller ladders or safety ladders to access
the top shelves rather than step ladders. These have a platform at the top and
hand rails on both sides. You can use deep trays with two handles to put
objects in pass to someone on the floor or carefully move down a step or two to
pass them down. You might want to think about how deep your shelves are too as
you won't want to or be able to reach too far. Also, it would be better if the
objects are stored one objects deep so you don't have to move them around to
access ones behind.
Hope this helps
Best
------------------------------
Sarah Coggins ACR
Conservation Engineer
Mary Rose Trust
Southsea
United Kingdom
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2025 11:40
From: Diana Bencatel
Subject: Planning High Shelving in a Museum Store (Advice Needed)
Hi everyone!
I work at a car museum, and we're currently preparing a new storage area to
bring together all the objects that are currently spread across different
spaces.
The storage space has a ceiling height of just over 4 meters. Our initial idea
was to make full use of the height by installing shelving units up to 4 meters
tall. We planned to store the larger items (such as engines, repair equipment,
and signage - up to 1.80 m tall) on the floor, and place smaller items on the
upper shelves.
At first, we thought we'd use a forklift to access the higher shelves, but we
later realized the forks only reach about 3 meters. So now we're considering
storing lighter objects (like typewriters and trophies) on the higher shelves
and accessing them with a stepladder instead.
This raised another question: what is considered a safe maximum height to go up
and down a stepladder while handling objects - even with someone assisting from
the ground? Three meters is starting to seem quite high. Does it even make
sense to have shelving that reaches 4 meters?
We will also have some smaller shelving units in this space to store our
archive. For these, is there a recommended maximum height for the top shelf?
Would 2.70 meters be too high to access safely with a stepladder?
If you have any experience that might be helpful in this situation, I'd really
appreciate your input! Feel free to reply here or email me at
[email protected] <[email protected]>.
Many thanks!
Diana Bencatel
3.From: Sebastian Foxley
Posted: Tuesday May 20, 2025 6:57 AM
Subject: RE: Planning High Shelving in a Museum Store (Advice Needed)
Message:
Hi Diana
I have worked in museum stores with shelving close to that hight in the past.
We had a set of industrial safety steps which where like a staircase on wheels
with a brake you put on before climbing them. I am not the most confident on
ladders, but these felt very sturdy and secure to go up and satisfied our
health and safety people. I think we did have to have working at hight
training. I have also used a Genie Lift to move fairly heavy items on to
higher shelves although it can be difficult to slide items off the lift onto
shelves when up a set of steps.
I hope this helps
Sebastian Foxley
Conservator
Royal College of Surgeons of England
38-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields
London WC2A 3PE
T: 020 7869 6581
E: [email protected] <[email protected]>
W: www.rcseng.ac.uk <http://www.rcseng.ac.uk>
Disclaimer
The information contained in this communication from the sender is
confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others
authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified
that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the
contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 5/19/2025 11:41:00 AM
From: Diana Bencatel
Subject: Planning High Shelving in a Museum Store (Advice Needed)
Hi everyone!
I work at a car museum, and we're currently preparing a new storage area to
bring together all the objects that are currently spread across different
spaces.
The storage space has a ceiling height of just over 4 meters. Our initial idea
was to make full use of the height by installing shelving units up to 4 meters
tall. We planned to store the larger items (such as engines, repair equipment,
and signage - up to 1.80 m tall) on the floor, and place smaller items on the
upper shelves.
At first, we thought we'd use a forklift to access the higher shelves, but we
later realized the forks only reach about 3 meters. So now we're considering
storing lighter objects (like typewriters and trophies) on the higher shelves
and accessing them with a stepladder instead.
This raised another question: what is considered a safe maximum height to go up
and down a stepladder while handling objects - even with someone assisting from
the ground? Three meters is starting to seem quite high. Does it even make
sense to have shelving that reaches 4 meters?
We will also have some smaller shelving units in this space to store our
archive. For these, is there a recommended maximum height for the top shelf?
Would 2.70 meters be too high to access safely with a stepladder?
If you have any experience that might be helpful in this situation, I'd really
appreciate your input! Feel free to reply here or email me at
[email protected].
Many thanks!
Diana Bencatel
4.From: Joanne Fulton
Posted: Tuesday May 20, 2025 5:01 PM
Subject: Icon Emerging Professionals Conference 2025
Message: Tickets are available for the Icon Emerging Professionals Conference
& AGM 2025!
The Conference will be held on Friday 25th July 2025 at Durham University, UK.
The event has been planned as an in-person event, as we hope for both emerging
conservators and experienced conservators to enjoy a friendly setting for
sharing and networking.
The day will be split into three sessions: talks on 'Launching a Career'; a
Poster Session with posters from emerging conservators; and talks on
'Collaborative Cross-disciplinary Projects'. Speakers will be announced shortly
on our Instagram (@icon_emerging_professionals) and the event webpage linked
below.
Icon EPN are very excited to be able to hold our first ever in-person event to
bring together emerging conservators, students, interested parties, and
established professionals across conservation specialisms.
More information can be found here: Icon EPN Conference & AGM 2025:
Opportunities and Collaborations
<https://www.icon.org.uk/events/icon-epn-conference-agm-2025-opportunities-and-collaborations.html>
or you can email [email protected] if you have any questions about the event.
This is open to both Icon Members and Non-members. Early Bird Tickets (£35 for
Student Members, £40 for Icon Members, and £54 for Non Icon Members) are
available until 25th May.
We look forward to seeing you there!
------------------------------
Joanne Fulton
Conservator (Collections Care)
Durham University
United Kingdom
------------------------------
5.From: Monika Stokowiec
Posted: Tuesday May 20, 2025 5:01 PM
Subject: Job Opportunity: Assistant Conservator (Manuscripts and Printed
Books), The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, UK
Message: An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Manuscript and
Printed Book Conservation workshop at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, UK.
Post available: Assistant Conservator (Manuscripts and Printed Books)
Salary: Grade 5, 32,546 - 35,116 Contract: Fixed Term (1 year, in the first
instance)
For more details and how to apply please follow the link:
https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/51367/ <https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/51367/>
Deadline: 8th June 2025 Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be
directed to: Monika Stokowiec [email protected]
Monika Stokowiec ACR Conservator of Manuscripts and Printed Books
Department of Conservation and Scientific Research The Fitzwilliam Museum
Trumpington Road Cambridge
6.From: Emily Mercer
Posted: Tuesday May 20, 2025 5:01 PM
Subject: PMG-ECPN Information Exchange
Message:
Please join ECPN-PMG virtually on Thursday, June 12th, at 7 p.m. EST for an
information exchange! The goal of this meeting is to discuss each other's
experiences with preprogram sites, internships, and fellowships in photograph
conservation to assist those who are currently making placement decisions. This
will provide a space to ask one another questions about housing, supervision,
treatment, compensation, the cost of living, and more!
Register with the link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/umYnyLYRRSqz6slaGeoo6Q
<https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/umYnyLYRRSqz6slaGeoo6Q>
------------------------------
Emily Mercer
Assistant Photograph Conservator
The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago
United States
------------------------------
7.From: Michele Hamill
Posted: Tuesday May 20, 2025 5:01 PM
Subject: Job Opening: Conservator for Special Collections (Books) Cornell
University Library
Message: Cornell University Library is pleased to announce an opening for a
CONSERVATOR FOR SPECIAL COLLECTIONS with a focus on bound materials, in our
Conservation Lab
<https://www.library.cornell.edu/about/staff/central-departments/conservation/>.
This position, prioritized by the Library, is fully funded, full-time, and
expected to be filled at the academic rank of Assistant Librarian. A master's
degree in conservation, library science, or related field, and 2 years
professional conservation experience (including internships, fellowships, and
similar) are required. See the position posting for the full list of required
and preferred qualifications. The anticipated salary range is $66,000-$72,000,
commensurate with qualifications and experience, with a generous benefits
package. Funds for relocation expenses are available. Visa sponsorship is not
available for this position.
Look for details about an information session about this position soon.
Reporting to the Head Conservator, and joining our conservators, conservation
associates, and student assistants, the Conservator for Special Collections
will determine and perform conservation assessments, treatment, and rehousing,
make care and storage recommendations, and determine strategies for the
preservation of the Library's bound materials in rare and special collections.
In this role, you will coordinate and manage treatment and preparation of bound
materials prioritized for instruction, research, exhibition, and digitization
from the Library special collections in Rare and Manuscript Collections
<https://rare.library.cornell.edu/> and the Kheel Center
<https://catherwood.library.cornell.edu/kheel/about/>. You will collaborate
with key staff on a variety of projects, including treatment and housing
projects, exhibitions/loans, digitization projects, and outreach and
engagement. You will have the opportunity to research new methods,
developments, skills, and needs for
managing the preservation of bound special collections at the Library, and to
develop and deliver instruction and training in subject specialization and in
new and emerging areas.
Cornell University was founded in 1865 with a mission to offer educational
opportunities for any person on any subject. Reflecting this mission, Cornell
University Library's diverse rare and special collections feature 500,000 rare
books, 80 million manuscripts, and photographs, and historic artifacts, with
strengths in American, European, and Asian History and Culture, Science and
Technology, Sexuality and Gender, and Music.
As a Research, Teaching, and Extension (RTE) faculty member, the Conservator
for Special Collections will engage in service, scholarship, and ongoing
professional development to meet the requirements of promotion and
reappointment
<https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/libhumres/Academic+HR?preview=/238224915/372911938/CUL-PROCEDURE-13_v2019.pdf>
at Cornell University Library.
Incoming applications will be reviewed until a viable pool of applicants is
identified; early submission is strongly encouraged. Please note the
application instructions included in the link.
FULL POSTING FOUND HERE:
https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CornellCareerPage/job/Ithaca-Main-Campus/Conservator-for-Special-Collections--Cornell-University-Library_WDR-00053092-1
<https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CornellCareerPage/job/Ithaca-Main-Campus/Conservator-for-Special-Collections--Cornell-University-Library_WDR-00053092-1>
Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package
<https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/benefits-snapshot> includes 22 vacation days, 13
paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, university retirement
contributions, childcare and adoption assistance, and child tuition
reimbursement. Funding is available to support professional training and
research. More information regarding Cornell's generous contract college
benefits can be found at https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits
<https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits> .
Please contact me with any questions.
------------------------------
Michele Hamill
Head Conservator
Cornell University Library
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-351-7269
[email protected]
------------------------------
8.From: Monona Rossol
Posted: Tuesday May 20, 2025 5:01 PM
Subject: RE: Planning High Shelving in a Museum Store (Advice Needed)
Message: Diana,
You need a verticle carousel system. One is pictured at
PRK Vertical carousel system <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zedWwjg8CzE>
PRK Vertical carousel system
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zedWwjg8CzE>
I don't endorse this system, only suggest it as a type for you to explore.
There are many designs and this is just one.
Monona
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 5/19/2025 11:41:00 AM
From: Diana Bencatel
Subject: Planning High Shelving in a Museum Store (Advice Needed)
Hi everyone!
I work at a car museum, and we're currently preparing a new storage area to
bring together all the objects that are currently spread across different
spaces.
The storage space has a ceiling height of just over 4 meters. Our initial idea
was to make full use of the height by installing shelving units up to 4 meters
tall. We planned to store the larger items (such as engines, repair equipment,
and signage - up to 1.80 m tall) on the floor, and place smaller items on the
upper shelves.
At first, we thought we'd use a forklift to access the higher shelves, but we
later realized the forks only reach about 3 meters. So now we're considering
storing lighter objects (like typewriters and trophies) on the higher shelves
and accessing them with a stepladder instead.
This raised another question: what is considered a safe maximum height to go up
and down a stepladder while handling objects - even with someone assisting from
the ground? Three meters is starting to seem quite high. Does it even make
sense to have shelving that reaches 4 meters?
We will also have some smaller shelving units in this space to store our
archive. For these, is there a recommended maximum height for the top shelf?
Would 2.70 meters be too high to access safely with a stepladder?
If you have any experience that might be helpful in this situation, I'd really
appreciate your input! Feel free to reply here or email me at
[email protected].
Many thanks!
Diana Bencatel
9.From: Elizabeth Hammerberg
Posted: Tuesday May 20, 2025 6:30 PM
Subject: Position Announcement: Associate Conservator of Paintings at Yale
University Art Gallery
Message: Job Posting Title: Associate Conservator of Paintings
Conservator 3, Grade 23
Salary Range $70,000 to $75,000 per year
Founded in 1832, the Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest college art
museum in America. Today, it serves Yale University, the wider community, and
the public as a center of teaching, learning, and scholarship. The Conservation
Department is an integral part of this mission, with specialists actively
engaged in the treatment of paintings, objects, furniture, and works on paper,
along with related research, teaching, and mentorship.
The Gallery seeks a full-time, permanent Associate Conservator of Paintings
with expertise in modern and contemporary art. The museum's Departments of
American Paintings and Sculpture and Modern and Contemporary Art holds one of
the most renowned such collections in the United States, with exceptional
holdings from the Société Anonyme Collection of European and American art of
the early 20th century. Reporting to the Susan Morse Hilles Chief Conservator,
the associate conservator will be responsible for the examination and treatment
of paintings. They will care for paintings in the collection through a
combination of preventive and interventive measures in support of the museum's
mission and will contribute to the department's public-outreach activities.
The Associate Conservator of Paintings will conduct research and conservation
treatment on paintings, managing their workflow to meet deadlines while
collaborating with conservation colleagues and curatorial staff. They will
participate in planning and preparing budgets for lab activities, exhibitions,
and other projects. Additionally, they will help maintain the Shared
Conservation Lab at the Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
(IPCH), Yale West Campus, by selecting appropriate supplies and ensuring
adherence to health and safety protocols in alignment with professional
standards.
The associate conservator will manage the loan program for paintings in
collaboration with curators, conservators, registrars, and museum technicians
and will advise on paintings in other campus collections. They will support all
Gallery departments by ensuring best practices for the care, handling, display,
storage, packing, and transport of paintings, in addition to couriering objects
and conducting research-related travel. They will maintain relationships with
affiliated organizations and institutions nationally and internationally and
assist in managing the collections-management database (TMS). The associate
conservator will also work closely with the Department of Prints and Drawing in
helping advise on the care of Sol LeWitt wall paintings present on campus.
In partnership with conservation scientists at IPCH, the incumbent will conduct
analytical studies to inform treatments and research. Staying up to date with
conservation practices, they will contribute to the department's intellectual
and technical growth. Additionally, they will promote knowledge of the
collection through public speaking, publishing, and outreach. The role includes
mentoring students, interns, and fellows, with opportunities to lead
undergraduate and graduate courses on materials and techniques and the
technical examination of art and to help plan workshops that support
departmental growth. The full-time position, and the salary will range from
$70,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on the selected candidate's
qualifications.
Principal Responsibilities:
1.Designs and manages conservation laboratory; establishes and schedules
priorities for the treatment and preservation of objects; plans, researches and
implements conservation treatments including very complex treatments on
cultural property in museum, library, archives, and study collections. 2.
Examines the material composition and deterioration of objects in order to
develop and execute appropriate conservation treatments. 3. Identifies and
diagnoses problems, devises and approves conservation methods which ensure the
safety of the objects. Assesses and devises alternative and/or modify
conservation methods to achieve desired results. 4. Creates accurate written
and photographic documentation for conservation examinations, treatments and
other activities. 5. Performs research necessary to preserve the authenticity
of collections and ensure deterioration of collections is monitored and
controlled. 6. Reports research and significant treatments through
publications,
conference papers and posters. 7. Assesses conservation needs of object,
proper housing, physical storage, and display areas for collections and
ascertains correct environmental control for preservation. 8. Assists in
determining conservation priorities for collections and/or individual projects
and planning strategies for collection care. 9. Advises on the acquisition,
loan, and exhibition of collections or individual objects. 10. Oversees safe
use and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with current federal,
state, and local regulations and policies. 11. Assists in teaching courses to
undergraduate and graduate students. 12. Assists in the supervision of
conservation interns and fellows. 13. Supervises a small staff of non-exempt
employees and/or student assistants. 14. May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
Master's degree in art, Museum and/or Library/Archives Conservation, Materials
Science, or related field and four years of conservation experience or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Master's or postgraduate degree in Paintings Conservation with at least 5 to 7
years of conservation experience in a museum.
Skills & Abilities:
1. Self-directed, with the ability to take initiative and anticipate
actions needed; ability to conceive, implement, and document conservation
treatment of the highest professional standard using fine hand skills and
accuracy; ability to conduct original research, to write clearly, and to
communicate verbally with diverse audiences.
Demonstrated accuracy and strong attention to detail; superior organizational
skills; ability to work well under pressure. Ability to juggle multiple tasks
and meet demanding deadlines among conflicting priorities.
Ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment and to
operate as a team player in active office and laboratory environments;
excellent interpersonal skills; a positive attitude that supports departmental
goals.
Ability to independently evaluate a wide variety of conservation problems and
develop solutions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Adobe
Photoshop.
The deadline for job's application is until June 22, 2025. To apply, please go
to Yale University STARS
https://your.yale.edu/yale-link/stars-external-applicants
<https://your.yale.edu/yale-link/stars-external-applicants> job Requisition
95012BR
------------------------------
Elizabeth Hammerberg
Conservation Coordinator
Yale University Art Gallery
New Haven
United States
------------------------------
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