Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Iron Gall Ink research - call for help collecting samples! 2. 7 October - Icon Care of Collections Reading Group: The use of 'poisonous insecticidal solutions' in bookbinding... 3. RE: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences 4. RE: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Prue McKay Posted: Monday August 11, 2025 7:55 AM Subject: Iron Gall Ink research - call for help collecting samples! Message: Hello colleagues, I am continuing research into alternative storage solutions for iron gall ink documents, following an initial stage completed early this year (the results were presented at the Iron Gall Ink meeting in Caparica, Portugal, in May). To enable the research, I require sacrificial historical documents written on paper in iron gall ink. I purchased these online from auction sites. Unfortunately, in the several years since I collected my previous samples, the market has become prohibitively expensive (particularly when considering exchange rates, as most I see for sale are in Europe). I have no institutional funding for the purchase of samples and can't afford to keep buying them with my own money at today's prices (for example, I just bought 4 small documents from Spain at a cost of $50 AUD plus postage). If anyone out there has iron gall ink documents that they would like to donate to a good cause, please let me know! I need samples approximately A5 size at a minimum, with both inked and blank areas if possible. Any age and condition is acceptable. Please email me if you're able to help. I would be so grateful! Thank you! ------------------------------ Prue McKay Senior Conservator National Archives of Australia ------------------------------ 2.From: Meagen Smith Posted: Monday August 11, 2025 2:09 PM Subject: 7 October - Icon Care of Collections Reading Group: The use of 'poisonous insecticidal solutions' in bookbinding... Message: The Care of Collections Reading Group explores and discusses open access articles covering preservation, collection care and collection wide conservation such as environmental monitoring, risk management, collection moves, etc. This activity provides an accountability partner for reading through the new or established research as a method of keeping our awareness high. The group meets the first Tuesday, every two months for an hour of discussion 16.00 BST. All are welcome to attend –though if you haven't read the book/journal/article, you won't miss any spoilers: degradation, embrittlement, climate change! To sign up and vote for your choice of texts: https://doodle.com/sign-up-sheet/participate/7eddc1b9-1c70-4517-bd65-593a00803148/select Sixth session: 7 October, 2025 via Zoom. Sixth session reading choice is: Angelova, L.V., Nawaz, S., Kafadaroğlu, B. et al. The use of 'poisonous insecticidal solutions' in bookbinding: coping with historic pesticide treatments in the archive. Herit Sci 11, 51 (2023). doi 10.1186/s40494-023-00866-y Reminders will be sent 1 week and 1 day before. ------------------------------ Meagen Smith Library and archive conservator Lambeth Palace Library ------------------------------ 3.From: George Schwartz Posted: Monday August 11, 2025 2:09 PM Subject: RE: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Message: Meditations on the use of language and its effects on perceptions and behaviors A must listen-to or watch NYT interview with the Chair of ADL Regardless of which side you happen to be on or support. It brings clarity to the terminology without bias and their meanings without the taint and sentiment that distort both. Listen to words that will heal! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJswjGMvHLs&t=60s&pp=0gcJCa0JAYcqIYzv <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJswjGMvHLs&t=60s&pp=0gcJCa0JAYcqIYzv> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736?i=1000721289774 <https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736?i=1000721289774> ------------------------------ George Schwartz Principal, Senior Conservator ConservArt, Inc. Boca Raton FL [email protected] Chair CIPP 2011-2013 Conservators in Private Practice ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 08-05-2025 18:39 From: Corina Rogge Subject: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Dear all, AIC values all our members, and we are dedicated to providing a community that embraces diversity and provides a welcoming and respectful environment where we can share, learn, agree, or disagree. We can, even when we are discussing fraught or emotional subjects, be respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences. Promoting constructive and respectful dialogue among our communities is an important and shared value. To that end, I want to share a valuable resource that has been put out by the International Press Institute: "Use With Care: A Reporter's Glossary of Loaded Language in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (attached as a pdf, also available for download here <https://ethicaljournalismnetwork.org/assets/docs/197/150/4d96ac5-55a3396.pdf>). The International Press Institute <https://ipi.media/about/> is a global network of journalists, editors and media executives who promote independent journalism and defend media freedom. Their document is an attempt to present a collection of terms which may be regarded as biased or can be misunderstood or are misleading, provide brief explanations as to why they are fraught, and suggest alternatives. The guide was based upon the analysis and work of six journalists and media experts from the Palestinian Territories and Israel and takes care to include both perspectives and explain the differences in perceptions of terms. I encourage anyone who engages in discussion of historic or modern events to read it; I have found it very educational and it has helped me understand nuances of terms I was missing and to be more conscientious in my own word choices. The words we choose, especially when discussing lived experiences, injustice, loss, or identity can open the door to meaningful dialogue, or create barriers and cause harm. Even the title of IPI guide uses a charged term "Conflict." Our shared goal as a community is not to silence or alienate one another, but to better understand one another and I hope this guide will contribute to this effort. Thank you for helping uphold a culture of care, curiosity, and respect--even in hard conversations. With respect and appreciation, Cory Rogge ------------------------------ Corina Rogge President of the American Institute for Conservation Director of Conservation The Menil Collection ------------------------------ 4.From: Rosa Lowinger Posted: Monday August 11, 2025 2:10 PM Subject: RE: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Message: Jennifer, thank you for the correction on the Ukraine statement. I had not seen that. I know you were not directing the comment to me, but it underscores the need to formulate a clear moral statement. Rosa Lowinger, F-AIC, FAPT, FAAR 09Founder/ Principal ConservatorRLA Conservation of Art + Architecture <http://www.rlaconservation.com> Miami Los Angeles 305.573.7011 323.377.8425Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/RLAConservation> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/rlaconservation/> | Website <https://rlaconservation.com/> New Yorker on Dwell Time <https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/11/06/the-woman-restoring-basquiats-forgotten-ferris-wheel> Kirkus Starred Review of Dwell Time <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rosa-lowinger/dwell-time/> This email message and any files attached are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s), are confidential and may contain privileged information from Rosa Lowinger & Associates. The information is intended solely for use by the individual(s) or entit(ies) named as the recipient hereof and is also covered by the electronic communications privacy act (18 USC Sections 2510-2521). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, copying or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email immediately and destroy copies of the original message. ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 8/10/2025 10:28:00 PM From: Jennifer Jarvis Subject: RE: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Dear Luisa, Thank you for engaging with my last post. I agree with you that there are good faith discussions to be had about the merits and purpose of AIC's public statements, and I'm not sure where I'd land myself. To be clear though, in the context of this current discussion I am not expecting anything from AIC that they have not already done in the recent past. There is a clear discrepancy between how leadership responded a few years ago to the destruction of cultural heritage in Ukraine vs. their silence and prevarication on the near total destruction of cultural heritage sites in Gaza since late 2023. This hypocrisy was well documented by others over a year ago, but I can briefly summarize: In at least two instances in 2022 the AIC Board formally issued a statement condemning Russia, by name, for their targeting of Ukrainian cultural heritage. The second statement detailed how members could support recovery efforts, assist refugees, and even acknowledged that, "cultural heritage and its preservation is about people and their stories, and without the people - whether they are refugees or conservation professionals - the stories are lost." [rhetorical question: would you characterize that statement as political?]. In early 2023, leadership later commemorated the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion and highlighted a UNESCO report documenting the scale of cultural heritage destruction in Ukraine. No equivalent statements have been issued regarding Israel's targeting of Palestinian cultural heritage sites in Gaza and how AIC membership could respond. A post entitled, "Message to AIC Members on the conflict in Israel and Gaza" lamented death and destruction in both Israel and Gaza, but that was it. AIC leadership later explained that they were suddenly contemplating the utility of issuing any such statements for current and future "conflicts". The post implied that there were just too many instances where cultural heritage was being targeted to expect AIC to speak out on each one; Gaza was mentioned only in passing. Because their deliberation was private, without an open dialogue (at least on the forum; we were given the option of submitting thoughts directly to the Board, but I don't know how those submissions were taken into consideration), I am left to conclude that this newfound loss of voice on AIC's part is directly related to our collective Western dehumanization and othering of Palestinians. I hope the other thoughtful replies to this thread help explain how AIC's continued exceptionalization of Palestine contributes to the ongoing poor track record our profession has when it comes to welcoming and sustaining conservation workers from marginalized communities. In other words, even if we all agreed tomorrow that AIC will no longer issue any of these types of public statements, the larger problem that the Palestine exception exemplifies would remain. AIC certainly isn't the only institution struggling to universally apply their professed values, but the longer it takes us as a community to fully reckon with this fact, the faster I believe AIC will lose its standing in the profession. As for the financial implications of speaking out about Palestine during the second Trump administration: the call for equal consideration started well before the inauguration or even the election. There was plenty of time to deliberate and have these conversations before we started worrying about federal funding cuts. I'm happy to continue the dialogue with anyone off the forum as well. All my best, Jennifer ------------------------------ Jennifer Jarvis Book Conservator Johns Hopkins University, Milton S. Eisenhower Library Baltimore United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 08-10-2025 08:17 From: Luisa Casella Subject: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Dear Jennifer, Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective so fully, and for engaging with where I'm coming from. I see and understand the points you and others have raised, especially about the importance of addressing impact as well as intention. In my view, AIC's role in political matters is complex, and any public position on a conflict is likely to be largely symbolic. Such statements can also have unintended consequences for the organization and its members, especially in a political climate where cultural institutions are already facing challenges, including funding cuts. I don't mean to suggest financial interests are above moral ones but, as I said, I believe a political position would be gestural and not have meaningful impact. I appreciate the call for courageous action. As a private citizen I engage in progressive political action daily. That is a personal ethical choice that I don't impose on a professional association or colleagues. When our discussions become heated, we direct our energy toward one another instead of the challenges we want to address, and the shared goals that unite us. Respectfully, Luisa ------------------------------ Luisa Casella Independent Photograph Conservator ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 08-09-2025 13:41 From: Jennifer Jarvis Subject: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Dear Luisa, I believe your words are well-intentioned. Please consider: intention matters, but good intentions do not cancel out the impact our words and decisions have on other people. "It was the thought that counts" is only a useful rejoinder in very limited circumstances, like when my kid receives a birthday present they don't like. Everyone of us, especially our elected leaders, should be able to take feedback about the choices we make. No one responding to Cory's original post made ad hominem remarks; we are lamenting that AIC, of which Cory is currently President, has failed to meet the moment as we think it should: by naming and condemning the intentional destruction by Israel of Palestinian cultural heritage (as it did repeatedly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent destruction of Ukrainian cultural heritage). And by refusing to platform conservation projects from institutions that are complicit in the ongoing attempt to erase the history of Palestinians on their land. It's not easy to have conversations in a forum like this, because widespread dissemination makes the consequences of a misstep feel overwhelming. Cory's post, which was not obligatory, did not engage with the substance of the information that was originally shared; it only called on us to consider our word choices. Because AIC leadership past and present have not addressed our concerns head-on, and as they have not offered alternative opportunities for dialogue, as you suggest in your post, responding to Cory's post is one of the only ways we can express a desire for institutional change. If not for all the replies, would we still be having this conversation, or would it have been swept under the rug again? In a way, AIC should be grateful for the outpouring, because it means that not all of us have given up on it yet. All my best, Jennifer ------------------------------ Jennifer Jarvis Book Conservator Johns Hopkins University, Milton S. Eisenhower Library Baltimore United States Original Message: Sent: 08-09-2025 05:48 From: Luisa Casella Subject: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Dear colleagues, It is a sign of the current times that an attempt by Cory to provide a tool for shared interaction has lead to a thread marked by tension that risks creating further division and shutting down. Anyone who has interacted with Cory and with the AIC leadership knows their deep commitment to our shared community and to fostering inclusive, forward-looking and progressive positions. This is incredibly difficult to achieve in the current world. By posting this message I recognize I'm entering a sensitive space that may invite criticism or disagreement. It would certainly be easier to remain quietly on the sidelines. But from this place of discomfort I believe it is important to speak up, not to advocate dor a specific position but to propose we approach each other's efforts with empathy, assuming good intentions even when we don't immediately agree with the framing. I'd like to propose we consider whether we are responding in frustration or from a sense of moral certainty. Consider the possibility that this document, and AIC's leadership's intentions, come from a place of care, an effort to imagine a professional community that makes room for many perspectives and lived experiences and that allows a way forward at a time we seem stalled. We don't all have to agree, but we do need to keep empathy for others in our interactions. Positive change comes not from consensus, but from dialogue, especially with those whose views differ from our own. May we hold space for that dialogue, and may we release the demand for perfect allies, choosing instead to progress through good faith efforts for a better tomorrow. Respectfully, Luisa Original Message: Sent: 8/8/2025 2:22:00 PM From: Kris Cnossen Subject: RE: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences I want to thank and echo Fareed's comments. Many of us have walked into cultural heritage spaces where our stories, our art, and our histories are being collected, interpreted, and displayed not just by others, but often by those who have historically oppressed us. There is a reason diversity in museums and cultural institutions is essential. The language we use and the actions we take should align with-and be accountable to-the communities whose heritage is being represented. In many cases, true diversity means a full retelling of stories that were previously shaped by colonial or oppressive frameworks and are, as a result, inaccurate or incomplete. Cultural heritage and politics are not separate-they never have been. Museums are not neutral. Conservators are not neutral. And these conversations are not only necessary-they are urgent. ------------------------------ Kris Cnossen (they, them, theirs) Textile Conservator in Private Practice Midwest Textile Conservation, LLC kriscnossen.com [email protected] <[email protected]> #blacklivesmatter <https://community.culturalheritage.org/search?s=%23blacklivesmatter&executesearch=true> #Museumsarenotneutral Original Message: Sent: 08-08-2025 12:55 From: Fareed AlShishani Subject: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Good thinking John, I have another Just a thought to clarify this discussion, we actually are focusing on conservation. Many of us talk about conservation constantly, and some of us are working harder than one might imagine to strengthen the profession, advocate for its relevance, and bring attention to the urgent threats cultural heritage faces. So yes, conservation is very much at the heart of this conversation, as it should be. I understand what you're pointing at, the wish to keep things professional and avoid "politics." But for some of us, genocide and cultural erasure aren't just political opinions we can set aside. They're realities that directly impact the very heritage we claim to care about, and the people who have dedicated their lives to protecting it. The AIC Code of Ethics doesn't ask us to be neutral. It asks us to act with informed respect for cultural property, its significance, and the people who created it. Respect, in this case, sometimes means speaking up, even when it's uncomfortable, even when it doesn't come wrapped in a bow of "kindness." Asking conservators to "just do your best job" while heritage sites, museums, archives, and human lives are being obliterated live on all screens is like asking a doctor to keep calm and carry on while their hospital is under fire. Sure, it's technically possible. But is that really the kind of professional we aspire to be? Kindness is important, absolutely. But so is clarity. And sometimes, the kindest thing we can do is refuse to stay silent when people and their heritage are being wiped from existence. ------------------------------ Fareed AlShishani Archaeological Conservator Original Message: Sent: 08-08-2025 08:32 From: John Hartmann Subject: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Just a thought, why don't we all try to focus on conservation for a change. Political and personal opinions really shouldn't be discussed or supported here, especially by the staff of AIC who should remain neutral. Just do your best job as a conservator. Also try to be kind to everyone you encounter. Kindness may just start to rub off on others. Sent from the iPhone of John Hartmann President, Hartmann Fine Art Conservation Services, Inc. Original Message: Sent: 8/7/2025 8:16:00 AM From: George Schwartz Subject: RE: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Dear Corina, Thank you for making us aware of this resource. It is a testimony of your concern for civility of discourse among our members and in our official publications, including our discussion lists. The care and protection of the language used in communicating with our fellow members and indeed with everyone we interface with in our day-to-day lives is paramount, so our society doesn't degenerate further by loud tribalism and hate into something that can no longer be considered civil, or civilized. Part of the problem may be simply laziness in thinking through the meaning of our words, another may be the lack of education and the thoughtless adoption of slogans or terms in common usage without a rigorous consideration of their true meaning, or origin. Just because they sound good and appear more or less right. The publication you cite is not devoid of examples of the above, so I would not refer to it as a touchstone, a handbook or a Bible, but as a commendable first attempt and basis for discussion and deliberation, much as all journalism of good-will should be. It was compiled and written by humans, with feelings, opinions and biases of their own. Everyone who contributed to this opus is convinced of their personal paradigm of the World to be right, righteous and correct, as we all are. There must have been some give and take as care was exercised in selecting a cross-section of contributor/editors of seemingly opposite opinions with a predisposition to negotiating to what appears to be a consensus. They did a yeoman's service in compiling this publication. Chapeau! But we must remember two important points. All the give and take that must have taken place in the editing had to center around a consensus (terror of the majority) which is the only democratic way! As we well know consensus in a choir is important, but the matters involving the conflict in that part of geography were always contentious and full of turmoil. Just look at how many times it had changed hands in recorded history! The second issue is the sourcing of the news coverage. Operating in an environment where your very survival hinges on not upsetting the powers in charge, will make you see things in a certain way, polluting your objectivity. Beyond this, when your reporting approaches publication or broadcasting, it will undergo editing by people who may have differing views and perceptions than you. This will either help or harm your reporting. And I don't want to say "cause" because you, the objective writer is supposed to be neutral. This is the crux of the issue: no thinking person can be totally neutral, impartial, or devoid of bias. You cannot check your personhood at the door! So by all means, encourage and even enforce this sentiment on the AIC discussion lists. It will avoid some of the concerning posts I have read of late. And please, don't give up encouraging thoroughness coupled with fairness and the knowledge of history in all posts and discourse. Respectfully, George Schwartz ------------------------------ George Schwartz Principal, Senior Conservator ConservArt, Inc. Boca Raton FL [email protected] <[email protected]> Chair CIPP 2011-2013 Conservators in Private Practice Original Message: Sent: 08-05-2025 18:39 From: Corina Rogge Subject: Words matter: a glossary of terms and their perceptions by Israeli and Palestinian audiences Dear all, AIC values all our members, and we are dedicated to providing a community that embraces diversity and provides a welcoming and respectful environment where we can share, learn, agree, or disagree. We can, even when we are discussing fraught or emotional subjects, be respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences. Promoting constructive and respectful dialogue among our communities is an important and shared value. To that end, I want to share a valuable resource that has been put out by the International Press Institute: "Use With Care: A Reporter's Glossary of Loaded Language in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (attached as a pdf, also available for download here <https://ethicaljournalismnetwork.org/assets/docs/197/150/4d96ac5-55a3396.pdf>). The International Press Institute <https://ipi.media/about/> is a global network of journalists, editors and media executives who promote independent journalism and defend media freedom. Their document is an attempt to present a collection of terms which may be regarded as biased or can be misunderstood or are misleading, provide brief explanations as to why they are fraught, and suggest alternatives. The guide was based upon the analysis and work of six journalists and media experts from the Palestinian Territories and Israel and takes care to include both perspectives and explain the differences in perceptions of terms. I encourage anyone who engages in discussion of historic or modern events to read it; I have found it very educational and it has helped me understand nuances of terms I was missing and to be more conscientious in my own word choices. The words we choose, especially when discussing lived experiences, injustice, loss, or identity can open the door to meaningful dialogue, or create barriers and cause harm. Even the title of IPI guide uses a charged term "Conflict." Our shared goal as a community is not to silence or alienate one another, but to better understand one another and I hope this guide will contribute to this effort. Thank you for helping uphold a culture of care, curiosity, and respect--even in hard conversations. With respect and appreciation, Cory Rogge ------------------------------ Corina Rogge President of the American Institute for Conservation Director of Conservation The Menil Collection ------------------------------ 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.
