Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Passing of Alan Balicki 2. IconBPG25 Conference 'Conservation Uncovered: Investigation and Discovery in Treatment and Analysis' - three additional aligned opportunities - booking now open! 3. Support systems for storing large framed works 4. Jewelry storage solutions 5. Comprehensive, one-year Conservation in the Built Environment Course 2026/27 6. IAP Virtual course: Integrated Pest Management for Collections 7. Request for survey participation - Research on pith paper 8. RE: mold remediation in collections 9. RE: Plaster sculptures reinforced with carbon rods ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Katarzyna Vargas Posted: Wednesday October 1, 2025 9:14 AM Subject: Passing of Alan Balicki Message: In Memoriam: Alan Balicki (1954-2025) Our dear colleague, mentor, and friend, Alan Balicki, passed away on Wednesday, September 17th. Over the course of more than 32 years at the New York Historical (formerly the New-York Historical Society), his presence became an integral part of the institution's identity and left an enduring impact on all who had the privilege of working with him. Alan's path to preservation began with a decade at the Historic New Orleans Collection, after which he pursued formal training at Columbia University School of Library Service Conservation Education Program, earning his MSLS in 1992 and Certificate in Library and Archives Conservation in 1993. Alan joined the New York Historical shortly after, where he would spend the rest of his career devoted to the care and conservation of its collections. Alan was more than a conservator-he was a protector of history. With quiet authority and deep expertise, he guided the conservation department through the challenges and changes of the early 21st century. His leadership laid the groundwork for future generations of conservators, and his legacy will endure in NYH's new conservation studio, a space that embodies his commitment and vision. But beyond his professional excellence, Alan was beloved for the joy, humor, and generosity he brought to every day. He had a keen wit, a sweet tooth, and a gift for bringing people together. He made workdays lighter and more fun with Cappuccino Fridays, Crazy Pants Day, and the occasional impromptu dance routine-reminders that joy and professionalism can coexist. Alan was a generous mentor, a kind-hearted friend, and a universally loved presence. His warmth, laughter, and wisdom enriched the lives of so many, and his spirit will remain with us in every shared story, preserved artifact, and act of kindness. His last words of advice to us were simple and profound: "Love your work, and take care of each other." We will, Alan. And we will miss you deeply. ------------------------------ Katarzyna Vargas Conservator The New York Historical New York United States ------------------------------ 2.From: Emma Le Cornu Posted: Wednesday October 1, 2025 9:16 AM Subject: IconBPG25 Conference 'Conservation Uncovered: Investigation and Discovery in Treatment and Analysis' - three additional aligned opportunities - booking now open! Message: We are excited to welcome you to The National Archives in a few weeks for Conservation Uncovered: Investigation and Discovery in Treatment and Analysis. As part of the conference events, we are happy to announce three additional aligned opportunities to make the most of this opportunity to gather with other cultural heritage professionals. These events will all take place on Tuesday 21 October 2025 at The National Archives in Kew, prior to the main conference starting. You do not need to be registered for the conference in order to participate in these events. Navigating the Early Career Landscape in Conservation and Heritage Science 10:00 to 13:00, Tuesday 21 October 2025 Free for all participants Curious about writing a grant, building your portfolio, or establishing yourself in the field? This workshop is designed to support early career professionals working in all specialisms of conservation and heritage science as they navigate the next steps in their professional development. Through a series of themed round robin discussions, participants will gain practical insight into building and refining portfolios, understanding the grant-writing process, and exploring strategies for advancing within the field, supported by a diverse team of experienced professionals from across institutions will share their expertise, offering guidance and reflections drawn from a range of career paths. 20 places available-sign up now! Navigating the Early Career Landscape in Conservation and Heritage Science <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/navigating-the-early-career-landscape-in-conservation-and-heritage-science.html> Book and Paper Group Wiki-thon 14:00 to 17:00, Tuesday 21 October 2025 Free for all participants Join Abigail Bainbridge, editor of Conservation of Books, in editing the world's most-used reference source: Wikipedia. A Wikipedia edit-a-thon or Wiki-thon is a collaborative event where people come together to improve and expand the online encyclopedia. For conservation professionals across specialisms, it's a chance to share your knowledge, improve public understanding of our field, and gain new digital skills. For more details and to sign up, visit the event page! 30 places are available to participate in Icon's first ever Wiki-thon. Book and Paper Group Wiki-thon <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/book-and-paper-group-wiki-thon.html> Re-moistenable Tissue for Conservation at Scale 14:00 to 17:00, Tuesday 21 October 2025 £5 for Icon members £10 for non–Icon members In this workshop, participants will learn about The National Archives' (TNA) Conservation for Imaging team's approaches to repair using re-moistenable tissue, our methodologies, and take part in a practical workshop where they will have the chance to prepare and test their own re-moistenable tissue. By the end of the workshop participants will come away with an understanding of the benefits re-moistenable tissue can provide in varied contexts, and confidence in how to make their own. 12 places available-book yours now! Re-moistenable Tissue for Conservation at Scale <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/re-moistenable-tissue-for-conservation-at-scale.html> As a reminder, you can see all the conference information and conference-aligned events on our main conference page. Register now if you haven't already done so! Booking open for in-person up to 12 October and online up to 17 October 2025. https://www.icon.org.uk/events/-iconbpg25-conservation-uncovered-investigation-and-discovery-in-treatment-and-analysis.html <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/-iconbpg25-conservation-uncovered-investigation-and-discovery-in-treatment-and-analysis.html> ------------------------------ Emma Le Cornu Conservator (Library & Archives) Manx Museum Douglas United Kingdom ------------------------------ 3.From: Diana Bencatel Posted: Wednesday October 1, 2025 9:16 AM Subject: Support systems for storing large framed works Message: Dear colleagues, In the new storage area of an automobile museum, in addition to engines and other large equipment, we will also be storing large framed and unframed works (maximum 1.5m x 1m) on the lowest level of the shelving, at floor level. We are looking for some type of support that would allow us to keep the works slightly raised off the floor and separated, for example in pairs, rather than all leaning against each other at an angle and putting too much pressure on those at the ends. Do you recommend any type of support or system that would allow this kind of storage? Thanks in advance for any advice! Warm regards, Diana Bencatel 4.From: Ilene Hacker Posted: Wednesday October 1, 2025 9:17 AM Subject: Jewelry storage solutions Message: Hello,I am working with a large costume jewelry collection that I plan to rehouse into proper storage. The pieces are of varying height and width, and I do not know how many pieces I currently have. Does someone have a good company, based in Europe, that they can recommend? Thank you. 5.From: Christian Dreyer Posted: Wednesday October 1, 2025 9:17 AM Subject: Comprehensive, one-year Conservation in the Built Environment Course 2026/27 Message: The South African Institute for Heritage Science and Conservation invites enrolment applications for a comprehensive, one-year, Conservation in the Built Environment course, scheduled to start on May 6th, 2026. This course sets out to translate the vast pool of theoretical conservation knowledge to a technical skills set which permits specialists (architects, engineers, conservators, heritage consultants etc) involved in the preservation of historic structures and buildings to gain hands-on experience in the formulation, preparation and application of mortars, in restoration and recuperation of building units (all stone, brick, terracotta, adobe), including conservation treatments for associated timber, metals and glass. The training blends the accurate diagnosis of material deterioration and damage with a deeper knowledge and understanding (also buoyed by practical course assignments) of the requirements for the physical conservation of materials found within the built environment. This will permit the student of this course not only enhanced capacities for specification and supervision, but also for the effective execution of actual remedial treatments. A four-month online chemistry course (Bridging for Chemistry for Conservation) is incorporated into the twelve-month structure and is designed as a preliminary screening for admission to the core modules that follow. Candidates possessing an attested or verifiable foundational knowledge of chemistry may seek exemption from this requirement. Within the course proper (Sept - April), each component subject shall be a prerequisite of those following. The sequence for admission, progress and attainment will therefore hold firm. Please find below the order of the learning components, including the respective schedules, formats and tuition fees applicable to each: Live, online welcoming, introductions and orientation, including individual sessions between faculty and students: 6 - 7 May 2026 [USD 75.00] The course Bridging to Chemistry for Conservation: May to August 2026 (a guided, online, self-study admissions prerequisite) [USD 795.00] The distance-learning module Conservation Theory & Skills: 1 September to 23 October 2026 (twice-weekly live lectures, practical assignments etc) [USD 1,028.00] The distance-learning component of the module Stone & Mortar Conservation (Foundational level): 27 October to 4 December 2026 (twice-weekly live lectures, practical assignments etc) [USD 842.00] The distance-learning component of the module Conservation in the Built Environment (Advanced level): 19 January to 26 February 2027 (twice-weekly live lectures, practical assignments etc) [USD 1,232.00] The distance-learning module Commercial Conservation Practices & Vocational Identity: 2 - 30 March 2027 (a sequence of live lectures & discussions) [USD 796.00] On-campus, contact learning practicals during the period 5 - 23 April 2027 (refining hands-on, technical skills) [USD 1,390.00, inclusive of student housing & suppers] Registration for the live, online orientation session and the Bridging to Chemistry for Conservation component shall jointly close on April 15th, 2026. Thereafter, the fees applicable to each of the learning components/modules shall intermittently become due, being receivable 14 days prior to each component's published commencement date outlined within the above calendar. Enquiries and expressions of interest may be directed to [email protected] <[email protected]> Dr Christian Dreyer (Programme Director) The South African Institute for Heritage Science and Conservation Faculty of Physical Sciences Faculty of Commerce www.sainst.org <http://www.sainst.org/> Registered as: The South African Institute for Heritage Science (Pty) Ltd. Registration Number: 2015/317414/07 An institution of Postgraduate Higher Learning (Higher Education Act No. 101 of 1997) 6.From: James Black Posted: Wednesday October 1, 2025 9:17 AM Subject: IAP Virtual course: Integrated Pest Management for Collections Message: Integrated Pest Management for Collections Date: Tuesday, 28th and Wednesday, 29th October 2025 Time: 2pm - 5pm BST both days Tutor: Jane Thompson Webb and David Pinniger Price: £145.00 Registration: You can register on Eventbrite <https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1381584078169?aff=oddtdtcreator> For payment by bank transfer please contact us by email at [email protected] <[email protected]> This two-session virtual course (spread over 2 days at 2pm GMT to 5pm GMT each day) will discuss Integrated Pest Management, Trapping and Monitoring, and how to control Insect Pests. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme can only be effective if there is an understanding of which insects are present and whether pest numbers are stable, increasing or decreasing. Pests can attack a wide range of materials including ethnographic, social history, textiles, furniture, paper, books and taxidermy. David Pinniger is an entomologist and international pest management consultant. He has worked with IAP in offering short courses on IPM and Insect Identification since 1984. Jane Thompson Webb is the Conservation Team Leader at Birmingham Museums Trust and chairs the ICON Care of Collections Group. More information: https://academicprojects.co.uk/courses/integrated-pest-management-for-collections-a-two-session-virtual-course/ <https://academicprojects.co.uk/courses/integrated-pest-management-for-collections-a-two-session-virtual-course/> ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ James Black Co-ordinator International Academic Projects London www.academicprojects.co.uk ------------------------------ 7.From: Charlotte Greenbank Posted: Wednesday October 1, 2025 10:26 AM Subject: Request for survey participation - Research on pith paper Message: Hi everyone! I am a final-year student on the BA (Hons) Conservation: Books & Paper programme at City & Guilds of London Art School, currently undertaking my research project on the application of remoistenable tissues in the repair of pith paper. My study particularly considers the concentration of low-moisture adhesives and their effects on appearance, strength, and stability. As part of this work, I have prepared a short survey (5–10 minutes) directed towards professionals in book and paper conservation. I would be extremely grateful if you might consider completing it and sharing your insights, which will contribute greatly to the outcomes of the study. 👉 https://form.typeform.com/to/EVAoqxnP I will be glad to share a summary of results with any interested participants at the conclusion of the project. Thank you very much for your time and expertise. With best regards, Charlotte ------------------------------ Charlotte Greenbank Student City & Guilds of London Art School London United Kingdom ------------------------------ 8.From: Alice Paterakis Posted: Wednesday October 1, 2025 12:11 PM Subject: RE: mold remediation in collections Message: Dear Maria, Thank you very much for the information. Best, Alice Alice Boccia Paterakis Head of Conservation Pronouns: She/Hers/Her Missouri Historical Society PO Box 775460 St. Louis, MO 63177 Tel. (314) 746-45 <https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https:/www.google.com/search?q=library+research+center&oq=library+research+center&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyEAgBEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQYjgUyCAgCEAAYFhgeMggIAxAAGBYYHjIICAQQABgWGB4yCAgFEAAYFhgeMggIBhAAGBYYHjIICAcQABgWGB4yCAgIEAAYFhgeMg0ICRAAGIYDGIAEGIoF0gEJMjQzNzRqMWo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8___.YXAzOm1vaGlzdG9yeTphOm86MTliMjBkYjg3NzM4MDg5ZjAyMjU4ZWMxMWY0NjlhM2U6NzphZGU0OmM5MzRiM2JmYjQyMmNiZTMwNmI1YWIzNzliYzU1YWE5YjFjODdkNGU4N2U3ZWQwZjFkY2U5ODBiYTY3ODg0OWE6aDpUOk4>43 [email protected] <[email protected]> https://mohistory.org/society <https://mohistory.org/society> ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 9/29/2025 3:53:00 PM From: Maria Garavito-Posada Subject: RE: mold remediation in collections Dear Alice It's crucial to dry-clean the surface of the object before applying any fungicide, and it is also essential to disinfect the storage environment to reduce the microbial load. In Colombia, due to the climate diversity we have, our spaces are prone to fungal growth; therefore, our National Archive has done research on the uses of quaternary ammoniums as a fungicide for archival storage. And they have also done tests on quaternary ammoniums for localized disinfection in documents. Some brand of quaternary ammonium you might search for is Timnsen. It's used in the Agriculture Industry for the disinfection of crops. In photography, work out the use of grapefruit seed extract, which comes in different brands, and is normally used to clean vegetables and fruits at home. Both quaternary ammonium and grapefruit seed extract are used dissolved in Alcohol 70%, and can be applied by nebulization, aspersion or locally. Hope this helps. ------------------------------ Maria Alejandra Garavito-Posada Art Conservator & Conservator of Photography Colombia ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 09-27-2025 17:35 From: D. Thor Minnick Subject: mold remediation in collections Hello to all, I am a bit puzzled that so little information is available concerning the use of "chlorine dioxide" for mold remediation in the conservation field. It is used in so many industries as a fungicide, bactericide, and virucide. It is used in municipal water treatment plants for drinking water, vegetable/fruit washes, and slaughter house associated uses. As a gas, it was used to eliminate the anthrax spore attack of 2001 in The Senate Hart Office Building. ClO2 is not the same as "bleach" but is an oxidizer and certainly is capable of "bleaching" if used in too high a concentration or for too long an exposure time. A search on CoOL will bring these listings up: https://cool.culturalheritage.org/search.html?cx=001380950021459995551:ivvcscwhhgg&cof=FORID:10&ie=UTF-8&q=%22chlorine+dioxide%22&sa=Search&siteurl=cool.culturalheritage.org/search.html&ref=&ss=0j0j1 <https://cool.culturalheritage.org/search.html?cx=001380950021459995551:ivvcscwhhgg&cof=FORID:10&ie=UTF-8&q=%22chlorine+dioxide%22&sa=Search&siteurl=cool.culturalheritage.org/search.html&ref=&ss=0j0j1> I have successfully used it in the treatment of mold on leather and closed bookcases several times over the past several years.. It can be used as a dilute solution of the dissolved gas in water or as the gas. The gas can easily be generated from NaClO2 and an acid (of your choice) or from a convenient tablet form available here: https://safrax.com <https://safrax.com/>. This commercial site has a lot of ancillary but useful information on it as well as easy to use calculators to arrive at desired concentrations of the gas or solution. Look forward to hearing from others who have used it successfully. Sincerely, ________________________________ D. Thor Minnick 913 Waimanu St. Honolulu, HI 96814 808 597 8142 Minnickassociates.com ------------------------------ D. Thor Minnick Conservator Minnick Associates Honolulu United States ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 09-26-2025 11:14 From: Alice Paterakis Subject: mold remediation in collections Dear Colleagues, We have organic and inorganic objects with mold contamination and want to determine the best way of cleaning and decontaminating these objects before bringing them into our collection space. We also wonder if freezing kills all forms of mold ? If so, what temperature and duration is required? The objects are currently stored in lockers off-site. We had one company analyze swabs that confirmed mold but did not identify species. Do PPE and protocols depend on species found? We are currently looking at the Midwest Mold Removal company that uses GM2000 (a Goldmorr System product for mold and spore elimination) and an anti-microbial disinfectant. The MSDS for GM2000 does not identify the ingredients of the product! We are looking for recommendations for mold remediation companies that people have used and are happy with. Any advice you can send would be most appreciated. Thank you, Alice Boccia Paterakis Head of Conservation Missouri Historical Society St. Louis MO 63105 [email protected] <[email protected]> . 9.From: George Wheeler Posted: Wednesday October 1, 2025 4:03 PM Subject: RE: Plaster sculptures reinforced with carbon rods Message: Carolyn has given you alot of good advice about thinking carefully if you actually need rods at all for repairs. Berenice is also on the right track when suggesting an acrylic rod. What's good about that is it has a low elastic modulus and one that is similar to plaster (in the range of 2-7 Gpa). What's not so good about acrylic rods is that while they are quite flexible, they are also brittle - they do not undergo permanent plastic deformation before failure. While metal rods often too stiff for most of our applications they have ductility/malleability so they bend (and not break). Its this property the doctors take advantage of when repair badly broken bones (now usually titanium). Finally, I will repeat my support for Carolyn's observation, i.e. make sure you actually need pins! I've uploaded a short video that was presented at the TIPS session in Salt Lake City that I hope might be helpfu. ------------------------------ George Wheeler Senior Scientist Highbridge Materials Consulting, Inc. New York United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 09-26-2025 03:54 From: Melanie Schneppel Subject: Plaster sculptures reinforced with carbon rods Hello everyone, Does anyone have experience with restoring plaster sculptures? I work as a restorer in a museum with many plaster sculptures and reliefs. Many of them have iron reinforcements. Some have come loose due to severe rust. Does anyone have experience with whether plaster can also be reinforced with carbon rods? My predecessor replaced some of the reinforcements with stainless steel. Considering the weight, maybe carbon is a good alternative? Or is carbon too brittle? Of course, I don't want to replace intact reinforcements. Thanks a lot! ------------------------------ Melanie Schneppel Objects Conservator Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn Bonn Germany ------------------------------ 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.
