Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Cleaning Gravestones with D/2 Biological Solution
2. job posting- Associate Paintings Conservator or Paintings Conservator at
the Menil Collection
3. Job posting - Associate Conservator of Paintings, Yale University Art
Gallery
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.From: Constance Lai
Posted: Sunday June 1, 2025 5:19 PM
Subject: RE: Cleaning Gravestones with D/2 Biological Solution
Message:
Please be careful when using quats. They are necessary in hospital settings due
to the need to prevent the spread of infections, but the use of quats is
probably contributing to ever-more resistant staph variants. In our field, they
might be contributing to ever-evolving, more tenacious biofilms.
------------------------------
ConstanceLai
Grunley Construction Company, Inc.
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-30-2025 13:20
From: Howard Wellman
Subject: Cleaning Gravestones with D/2 Biological Solution
Jim,
There have been a lot of great responses to your original query, but I realized
that some of the issues you raised may not have been addressed. So I took the
time to go review the SDS on the D/2 website and also dig out my notes from my
personal discussions with the developers and manufacturer of D/2.
1) I cannot find mention of the two chemicals you cite (trisodium
nitrilotriacetate and sodium metasilicate, anhydrous) in the SDS. Can you tell
me where you saw those?
2) A couple years ago I called Tony Kinnari at D/2 and asked about the ammonia
content in a quaternary ammonium compound, specifically because I was concerned
about reaction with bronze plaques and hardware on gravestones. I was told
that the chemistry of "ammonium" in this case refers to a nitrogen with three
branching functional groups, not to the specific molecule NH3 of ammonia, which
is not present in D/2. So this should ease fears about its effect on copper
alloys. Although as you say in your message, no one is likely to use D/2 on a
bronze object deliberately, since bronze doesn't grow that kind of biological
community.
3) I also asked about the presence of free chloride ions (many quats are
ammonium chloride salts) (and forgive me if I do make incorrect chemical names
here), based on my worries about the effects of chloride on iron alloys used in
gravestone hardware. They pointed out (and see the SDS) that in the D/2
product, the quats are 2% of the total mixture, therefore, free chloride ion is
likewise 2%, which is far less than most other commercial cleaning products,
especially bleaches. You might get that much free chloride ion wicking up
through the gravestone from groundwater? Which explains why so many historic
gravestones already suffer from corroding iron pins prior to the use of modern
cleaners?
4) Jason Church at NCPTT who did many of those tests on D/2 did not find any
damage to stone from recrystallization of the chemical, if it even occurred.
5) Regarding human safety, I admit that I find the odor of D/2 harsh, but don't
forget that hospitals and food service industries have been using similar quats
for years as surface sanitizers, and especially during the pandemic. Maybe
there are subtle differences between those quats and D/2 that I'm not aware of,
and I regret that I haven't read any specific publications addressing those
questions.
I hope that this contributes to the conversation.
Sincerely,
Howard
------------------------------
Howard Wellman
Halethorpe MD
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-27-2025 08:40
From: James Moss
Subject: Cleaning Gravestones with D/2 Biological Solution
Dear Colleagues,
I am a Cemetery Commissioner in my small Town (I am also a retired
Conservator of Clocks). Members of my Committee have suggested using a
commercial product called D2 to clean the gravestones of lichens and
accumulated atmospheric "dirt". I've looked at D2's WEB site and their product
SDS (mixture contains trisodium nitrilotriacetate and sodium metasilicate,
anhydrous which are considered hazardous chemicals to humans).
Their WEB site [ https://www.d2bio.com/ <https://www.d2bio.com/> ] claims the
following:
"National Parks Study Recommends D/2 for Government Headstone Cleaning" :
Researchers studied five different cleaners on stones located in five different
climates at locations across the United States. Microbiologists at Harvard
University evaluated samples for regrowth of microorganisms including bacteria,
fungi, and algae. D/2's quaternary ammonium solution came out on top! [Note:
any mention of ammonia or its relations immediately causes my antennae to arise
because it can cause Stress Corrosion Cracking of brass, a metal that 80% of
clocks are made with]
AND:
The National Cemetery Administration now uses D/2.
"The NCA entered into an agreement with the National Center for Preservation
Technology and Training, NPS, to evaluate marble cleaners in an effort to
minimize damage to historic headstones. The 3-phase study began in 2004 and was
completed in 2011. The best - practice recommendations resulted in NCA's
determination to use the preferred cleaner, D/2 Biological Solution..." (Page 3)
AND:
"No Other Solution is more trusted by conservators"
Cleaning of Stone is not my specialty, I have not been trained to do stone
treatments.
I know nothing about the effects of using the wrong chemical solutions or
procedures on stone. All that I am aware of is that stone is porous and
solutions can penetrate the stone and could cause long term degradation. I will
attempt to contact a Conservator whose specialty is the cleaning of stone. In
the meantime, I turn to you as a font of knowledge.....
My first question to you is:
Is using this commercial solution harmful to the stones that are commonly
used as cemetery markers such as slate, granite, and marble (aluminum and brass
are also used but as far as I know, D2 is not used to clean these metals)?
My second question is:
If D2 is not acceptable are there other safe methods that could be used by
non-Conservators or Citizen Volunteers that would not cause short or long term
harm to these objects?
Your insights, help, and guidance would be most appreciated.
Sincerely
Jim Moss,
Horological Conservator,
AIC PA retired
2.From: Corina Rogge
Posted: Sunday June 1, 2025 6:02 PM
Subject: job posting- Associate Paintings Conservator or Paintings Conservator
at the Menil Collection
Message:
Dear friends and colleagues, I am reposting the following employment
opportunity at the Menil collection, with a firm closing date. If you have any
questions about this position or would like to discuss this opportunity, please
don't hesitate to reach out to me via email at [email protected]
<[email protected]>.
Title: Associate Paintings Conservator or Paintings Conservator
Department: Conservation
Reports to: Director of Conservation
Status: Full-time; exempt from overtime
Work location: On-site
Application deadline: July 11
Annual salary: Associate Paintings Conservator $70 - 75,000
Paintings Conservator $80 - 95,000
The Menil Collection in Houston, Texas, is seeking an Associate Paintings
Conservator or Paintings Conservator to join the Department of Conservation,
which consists of a Director of Conservation, four full-time conservators, a
shared Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Conservation Science (together
with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston), a Conservation Imaging Specialist, a
Matter/Framer, an Andrew W. Mellon Fellow in Object Conservation, a Paper
Conservation Technician, an Artists Documentation Project Archivist, and two
support staff. Integrated within the iconic Renzo Piano- designed Menil
Collection, the conservation facilities comprise shared and dedicated studios
for the conservation of paintings and objects as well as analysis and imaging.
The paper conservation lab is in the Menil Drawing Institute, a separate
building on the Menil campus. Since its founding in 1987, the Menil Collection
Conservation Department has distinguished itself by publishing research on
treatments and materials. Notably, the department maintains an ongoing
commitment to collaborating with living artists, as evidenced by the Artists
Documentation Program (ADP), which aims to enhance understanding of artists'
materials, working techniques, and intentions through recorded interviews.
General Responsibilities
The Associate Paintings Conservator or Paintings Conservator undertakes
treatments, condition assessments, environmental monitoring, and research
related to the care and preservation of paintings and painted objects in the
care of the Menil Collection. The Associate Paintings Conservator or Paintings
Conservator will also supervise technicians, interns, and contract workers as
needed. All work must be performed in accordance with the American Institute
for Conservation's Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
Specific Duties
1. Follow both departmental standards and the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines
for Practice, and collaborate with Conservation Department staff and other
departments in the museum (namely Matting/Framing, Conservation Photography,
Conservation Science, Exhibition Design, Art Handling, Curatorial,
Registration, and Facilities) to:
• Document and preserve paintings in the care of the Menil Collection,
including condition reporting, treating, performing technical studies,
monitoring environmental conditions, responding to incidents, and other
activities as required.
• Advise curators on the condition of paintings considered for acquisition.
• Prepare paintings for exhibition or loan, including advising on handling,
storage, display, and packing requirements; recommending light, humidity, and
temperature limits; coordinating framing and photography; serving as
conservation liaison for select temporary exhibitions; and performing
occasional domestic and international courier duties.
• Engage with artists, their studio assistants, or estates to document working
practices, materials, installation parameters, and views on conservation for
the Artists Documentation Program.
2. Participate in the upkeep of the painting conservation studio, advising on
equipment upgrades.
3. The Associate Paintings Conservator will participate in, and the Paintings
Conservator will lead the planning, policy establishment, and budgeting of the
paintings studio.
4. Represent the Conservation Department on select internal committees and
working groups.
5. Serve on the Menil Emergency Response team as the conservation point person
for a designated campus building.
6. Contribute to outreach efforts, including public and membership programming,
social media posts, and short website features.
7. The Associate Paintings Conservator may, and Paintings Conservator will
develop and lead projects such as research symposia, grants, or workshops in
consultation with the Director of Conservation.
8. The Paintings Conservator will partner with the Director of Conservation to
develop strategic, multi-year goals and priorities for the conservation of the
Museum's collection of paintings.
9. Pursue professional development and scholarly endeavors in the conservation
field, taking advantage of available professional development funds to attend
meetings or workshops, give lectures, or publish research.
10. Work with departments across the Museum to foster an environment of
excellence, improve collaboration and communication, and update procedures and
policies based on new data and information.
11. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Conservation, according
to priorities.
Qualifications
1. A master's degree from a recognized art conservation program with a
specialization in paintings is required, along with substantial practical
experience and the ability to develop and undertake innovative treatments.
2. 5-8 years of postgraduate experience is required for an Associate Paintings
Conservator; 8+ years of postgraduate experience is required for a Paintings
Conservator.
3. A broad knowledge of traditional materials and techniques is expected, but a
demonstrable interest in treating modern and contemporary art is preferred.
Paintings Conservator candidates should have a record of independent or lead
author professional publications and/or presentations.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
5. Proven experience collaborating in a team environment and preferred
experience supervising interns, fellows, or conservators, particularly at the
Paintings Conservator level.
6. Paintings Conservator candidates should have proven ability to prepare and
manage budgets.
7. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as the ability to
prioritize and work independently, are essential.
Benefits
The position comes with a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid
vacation and sick time, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, AD&D, and
LTD coverage. Employees may also participate in the Menil's 401(k) plan and
receive an employer contribution equivalent to 5% of wages earned after one
year on the job.
How to Apply
Please send a curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional
references, and a cover letter indicating the position for which you are
applying (Associate Paintings Conservator or Paintings Conservator) to:
Human Resources The Menil Collection 1511 Branard Street
Houston, Texas 77006
Application materials may also be emailed to <[email protected]>[email protected]
<[email protected]>
International applicants are welcome.
The Menil Collection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in
its workforce. The Menil is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and
promoting the most qualified employees without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, age, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran
status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other
characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
------------------------------
Corina Rogge
Director of Conservation
The Menil Collection
Houston
United States
------------------------------
------------------------------
Corina Rogge
Director of Conservation
The Menil Collection
Houston
United States
------------------------------
3.From: Irma Passeri
Posted: Sunday June 1, 2025 8:23 PM
Subject: Job posting - Associate Conservator of Paintings, Yale University Art
Gallery
Message: Associate Conservator of Paintings
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
------------------------------
Irma Passeri
Susan Morse Hilles Chief Conservator
E: [email protected]
Yale University Art Gallery
------------------------------
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
https://community.culturalheritage.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e&GroupKey=757a8f16-505f-4323-8e74-e376757aa9f7.
