Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. "How to Lose Your Home" | A Conserv Reading Group Discussion 2. Use of chitosan derivatives in paper consolidation 3. Sustainable textile treatments 4. Paid Paper Conservation Intern 2-3 days per week, Summer 2025: Impact Heritage CIC Project hosted by Codex Conservation Ltd (Private Workshop, South East London) 5. Job Posting: Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: M. Susan Barger Posted: Tuesday June 10, 2025 6:45 AM Subject: "How to Lose Your Home" | A Conserv Reading Group Discussion Message: On June 17th, 1:00 EDT. join us for a thoughtful discussion of Elizabeth Rush's Aeon essay "How to lose your home" which explores the profound challenges facing coastal communities as they confront rising seas and climate change. Preparation: Please read the article before our meeting: https://bit.ly/4iBVTFz <https://bit.ly/4iBVTFz> Whether you live near the coast or not, this discussion will offer insights into one of the most pressing climate challenges of our time. All perspectives welcome! Register for the Zoom Meeting here. <https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NZWG__jjS-qNP4oQxpPXrA#/registration> ------------------------------ M. Susan Barger, PhD [email protected] Santa Fe NM ------------------------------ 2.From: Chris Woods Posted: Tuesday June 10, 2025 6:47 AM Subject: Use of chitosan derivatives in paper consolidation Message: Hi colleagues Recently I have been sent papers from research platforms referring to the use and the perceived benefits of chitosan and chitosan acetate for consolidation of deteriorated paper - the papers are not all new but the research 'engine' has regurgitated them as if they are and the material is new to me. The authors tell us that the research they have undertaken demonstrates that these materials are more effective than more commonly applied consolidants such as cellulose ethers and starches. My initial concern was to note the acetic feature of these consolidants, given our universal awareness that acetated cellulose deteriorates and causes further damage. Reading about the chitosan feature, I have noted that it is derived by treating "chitin shells of shrimp and other crustaceans" en mass with alkali such as sodium hydroxide to reduce to a 'yellow, cartilage-like substance" (Wikipedia). As a polysaccaride it has been used for a long time it seems for a range of apparently beneficial or supposedly benign purposes and the chitin derived has been seen in part as an alternative to petroleum-derived films and fibres which overtook it during the 20th century. The claim is that its use is better than dumping untreated shelfish waste. Everything about this material as a paper conservation resource causes me alarm, on two levels - is this just another chemically derived 'quick fix' for paper conservation, as was widespread during the first three quarters of the 20th century until knowledge about more apparently benign consolidants from age-old methodologies such as Japanese paste making etc made most paper conservators change direction? Are we content to see an animal based waste product from a notoriously consuming industry such as industrial sea exploitation as a fit material for a conservation community that seeks to be clean and sustainable? I'd be very keen to learn from others whether they have used or rejected these materials and why, and what common views are of its use, in principle as well as in practice? Would anyone be willing to share their thoughts on this? Regards to allChris _________________________________________________________________ Chris Woods PGDipCons BAhons CertCons RMARA ACR FIIC DirectorNational Conservation Service21 Albemarle StreetMayfairLondon W1S 4BSwww.ncs.org.uktel: 07855796985 NCS membership is operated by Nationwide Conservation Service Ltd, a not-for-profit membership company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales no. 07077608, VAT reg. 202361951. NCS projects are provided by Conservation Ltd, a company registered in England & Wales no. 06659286 VAT reg. 981696269. Both companies are registered at 21 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4BS 3.From: Cecilia Oliver Posted: Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:28 AM Subject: Sustainable textile treatments Message: As part of the Royal Household sustainability initiative we have been looking at greener alternatives to some of the materials we use in conservation. As part of this, I am attempting a fully green treatment on a textile object. It will involve many common textile conservation techniques: wet cleaning, dyeing, adhesive support and some stitching. In my current practice to undertake this treatment, I would use: polythene, silk crepeline, adhesive (Lascaux), blotter, detergent, Gutterman threads, nylon net and dyes. I would like to hear whether any other conservators have had success with alternative methods and materials and any research that is being undertaken at the moment. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and hope we can share some useful resources. Thank you ------------------------------ Cecilia Oliver Textile Conservator Royal Collection Trust Windsor United Kingdom ------------------------------ 4.From: Ann-Marie Miller Posted: Tuesday June 10, 2025 4:17 PM Subject: Paid Paper Conservation Intern 2-3 days per week, Summer 2025: Impact Heritage CIC Project hosted by Codex Conservation Ltd (Private Workshop, South East London) Message: Paid Paper Conservation Intern 2-3 days per week, Summer 2025 An Impact Heritage CIC Project hosted by Codex Conservation Ltd (Private Workshop, South East London) Are you looking for a short term, conservation internship for this summer? We are hosting an exciting project funded by the Pilgrim Trust for Impact Heritage CIC. You are an emerging conservator specialising in archival works on paper and will be responsible for leading the project both in terms of the practical work and project management. You will work alongside experienced and accredited conservators in a private conservation workshop. Must be passionate about working with archival material and keen to learn. There will be an emphasis on high quality practical skills and good written and verbal skills are a must. Pay is £20 per hour, on a freelance basis. This part time role is flexible hours can be arranged to suit. Key skills required: High level practical skills are essential, with excellent attention to detail. Qualification in Book and Archives Conservation, or relevant professional experience (minimum 2 years). Experience of time management and record keeping. This should include photographic documentation, condition reporting and estimating. Demonstrable experience of a range of conservation treatments. Able to work independently and as part of a small team. Strong communication skills are a must. Confident using MS Office and online project management tools. Permission to work in the UK. How to apply: Please send a few images of your work, along with your CV and a cover letter and 2 references to [email protected] <[email protected]> Please write 'Conservation Intern Application' in the subject line of your email. Deadline: 25.06.25 Thank you! 45 Belvedere Road, London, SE19 2HP Mobile: 0044 (0)7958003542 www.codexconservation.com <http://www.codexconservation.com> 5.From: Holly Salmon Posted: Tuesday June 10, 2025 4:17 PM Subject: Job Posting: Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Message: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum seeks applicants for the position of Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator. The Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator will be responsible for managing and maintaining the Museum's preventive conservation plan. They will support the exhibition program, participating in planning, preparing, and installing three shows per year. The Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator will also conduct treatment and research on objects that are part of the permanent collection and help advance the goals of the ISGM strategic plan, including outreach, programming, and a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion and sustainable practices. The salary range for this position is $60,000 to 66,000 depending on experience. The complete posting and instructions for application can be found at: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3332306 ------------------------------ Holly Salmon John L. and Susan K. Gardner Director of Conservation Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Boston United States ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. 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