Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Registration Deadline Extended: Registration for Next Series of Hornemann Institute's Online Courses Open until 28 September 2. LAST CHANCE! Icon PPG Symposium 2025 in York and Online 3. Seeking abstracts for Fire-Retardant Coatings on Artworks: Panel at AIC in Montreal, Canada 4. Archaeological Conservation Summer Internship, Archaeological Exploration of Sardis - Summer 2026, Summer 2027 5. RE: Firecrackers on paper object 6. RE: Firecrackers on paper object ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Angela Weyer Posted: Tuesday September 23, 2025 9:18 AM Subject: Registration Deadline Extended: Registration for Next Series of Hornemann Institute's Online Courses Open until 28 September Message: Registration for our online courses is still possible Registration deadline: 28 September Registration form <https://hornemann-institut.de/en/fbk_registration.php> The following online courses will start on 6 October 2025: in English: New: Damages to Cultural Heritage caused by Salts Updated - this course has been retranslated: The Examination of Transparent Coatings on Furniture and Wooden Objects Microbial Infestation of Objects of Art and Cultural Heritage How to Safely Handle Contaminated Cultural Heritage Mould and Documents Church Rooms and their Climate. Heating, Ventilation, Equipment Protection Consolidation of Wood. Possibilities and Limits of Structural Consolidation How Should We Act? Theory and Ethics of Conservation and its Significance in Practice (Renaissance and Baroque Periods) Photography as a Tool for Documentation and Examination Restoration Theories and Methods from 1945 to the Present Day Conservation of Globes in Spanish (tutoring in English): Teorías y Métodos de Restauración desde 1945 hasta la actualidad in German (tutoring in English): Saccharidische Bindemittel und Kleber (Saccharide Binding Media and Adhesives) Grundlagen der Holzkunde: Eigenschaften - Verwendung - Schäden - Untersuchungsmethoden erläutert am Beispiel von Eichenholz (Basic Wood Science: Properties - Use - Damage - Examination Methods Explained by the Example of Oak) Erhaltung von Wachsmoulagen (Conservation of Wax Moulages) Certificate: Participants will receive a qualified Hornemann Institute certificate upon successful completion of the program and passing of the final online examination. New: ECTS credits will be awarded as part of microcredentials for the courses "Mould and Documents" and "Conservation of Globes". Tutor: During the term of the course, a graduated conservator is available to all participants via e-mail. The Online Courses of the Hornemann Institute of the HAWK / University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Hildesheim (Germany): These online courses have been conceptualised for individuals dedicated to cultural heritage preservation. Via Internet, you can retrieve the subject matters of your choice, irrespective of any temporal or geographical constraints, thereby avoiding time loss at work and saving travelling expenses. The modules facilitate individual studying with regard to time management, learning speed and the depth of knowledge you wish to achieve. As a rule, the authors are teachers and renowned university lecturers with a great deal of practical experience in the preservation of cultural heritage. You can check your personal progress with the help of tests. While solving test problems, you can use your acquired skills. Subject matters have been put into multi-media form, i.e., texts are enlivened by images, videos, checklists, etc. The didactic variety and the interactivity will boost your motivation. Glossaries, bibliographical references and the integration of available internet resources will supplement the teaching materials. The tutor will assist you whenever you encounter technical or content-related difficulties. For application and more information see our website <https://hornemann-institut.hawk.de/en/online-courses>. ------------------------------ Dr. Angela Weyer Institute Director, Hornemann Institute of the HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen ------------------------------ 2.From: Isabella Rossi Posted: Tuesday September 23, 2025 9:19 AM Subject: LAST CHANCE! Icon PPG Symposium 2025 in York and Online Message: The Icon Private Practice Group (PPG) is pleased to announce its inaugural symposium will be held at The Belfrey Hall in York on the 6th October 2025. The first Icon PPG AGM will also be held at this event. You can purchase tickets here <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/ppg-symposium-2025-private-practice-where-are-we-now.html> on the Icon website. Topics presented will be informed by the pre-symposium survey and explored on the day alongside talks by invited speakers, presentations by private practice colleagues, round table discussions and audience participation. The symposium will be both an in-person and online event. PROGRAMME Taming the Leviathan – conservation and the Church of England Janet Berry, Head of Conservation & Collections Policy, Cathedral & Church Buildings Department, Church of England We do need you … but not quite sure when and for how much Clare Stougton-Harris, Senior National Conservator - Textiles, The National Trust Funding conservation in independent museums Fiona Woolley, Programmes & Grants Officer, Association of Independent Museums The Royal Charter advantage: enhancing recognition for conservation Emma Jhita, Chief Executive Office, Institute of Conservation Threading the gaps: challenges of private conservation practice outside the West – a case study of starting a conservation practice in Taiwan beyond inherited models Viviane Wei-An Chen, Viviane Chen Studio >From internship to integration: shared growth in a private studio Sophie McAloone and Sabrina Rodi, Fine Art Restoration Company Saving Mary Wandesford's bust in York Valerio Caputi, Pinnacle Conservation Ltd Treatment of a large, damaged, 20th-century canvas painting in a private practice context: challenges and opportunities Rowan Frame and Julia Nagle, Julia Nagle Conservation Ltd Social media marketing strategies and skills for private conservation studios Felicity Conway, Artworks Conservation Is this you? Procurement – the race to the bottom Helen Hughes, Historic Interiors Research & Conservation Can we talk about money? Bridget Mitchell, Arca Preservation Limited Presentation of pre-Symposium survey results Kelly Grimshaw (PPG Committee Secretary) and Melinda Hey (PPG Committee Deputy Chair) Pre-Symposium Survey The pre-symposium survey <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIMf3mknrU019UE27VGSKMxyoWBEmoXTWI1j259IOYQwXzhA/viewform> gathers information and opinions on how the private sector is faring in 2025, and results will be summarised and explored at the symposium through round-table discussion and audience participation. Remember to submit your views by 30th September! Whether you're a seasoned conservator, an emerging professional, or a student, this symposium offers valuable insights into the private sector! JOIN US Join us either in person at The Belfrey Hall, York, or online through our virtual platform. You can find tickets here <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/ppg-symposium-2025-private-practice-where-are-we-now.html>. ------------------------------ Isabella Rossi Textile Conservator Rossi Conservation Icon PPG Social Media Officer ------------------------------ 3.From: Martha Singer Posted: Tuesday September 23, 2025 10:16 AM Subject: Seeking abstracts for Fire-Retardant Coatings on Artworks: Panel at AIC in Montreal, Canada Message: Dear Colleagues: Jean Dommermuth and I are seeking abstracts for the upcoming annual meeting in Montreal on Fire-Retardant Coatings. Please submit your abstract through the AIC portal. We are on the Global Conservation Forum because we are seeking speakers from anywhere who have experience with intumescent coatings. Have you ever worked on an artwork or artifact that had a fire-retardant coating applied-either as a treatment or as part of its original creation? What changes have you observed in the material over time? We invite you to share your experiences. Presentations may range from 3 to 20 minutes and can reflect work from any discipline. See our abstract below. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to Jean Dommermuth ([email protected] <[email protected]>) or Martha Singer ([email protected] <[email protected]>). Looking forward to hearing from you and reading your abstract, Martha Abstract for panel on Fire-Retardant Coatings on artworks This cross-disciplinary panel will explore the application of fire-retardant coatings on artworks-both as part of their original fabrication and as post-production treatments. Drawing on perspectives from industry, science, and conservation, the session will examine the material impact of these coatings and their long-term implications for the preservation, analysis, and treatment of diverse types of art. Conservators working with built heritage, textiles, sculpture, wood, film, and other materials are invited to share their experiences and insights. The session organizers weclome submissions of any length on fire retardant coatings to create a well-rounded discussion representing a wide range of expertise and perspectives. Key topics may include: The rationale for applying fire-retardant coatings (e.g., compliance with building codes, exhibition requirements, or artist intent) Whether these coatings require different preventive conservation strategies Methods for identifying and analyzing fire-retardant materials in artworks Case studies involving deterioration, conservation challenges, or unexpected material interactions Practical and ethical decision-making in treating fire-retardant-coated works We would like to feature talks and flash presentations from those in the fire protection industry, scientists, and conservators with hands-on experience with artworks that have an intumescent or fire-retardant coating. The goal is to share strategies for assessment, documentation, and treatment, and to encourage collaboration across disciplines in addressing this relevant and frequently under-discussed issue within the conservation field. ------------------------------ Martha Singer Chief Conservator Material Whisperer West Orange United States ------------------------------ 4.From: Sarah Montonchaikul Posted: Tuesday September 23, 2025 10:16 AM Subject: Archaeological Conservation Summer Internship, Archaeological Exploration of Sardis - Summer 2026, Summer 2027 Message: Archaeological Conservation Summer Internship, Archaeological Exploration of Sardis - Summer 2026, Summer 2027 Deadline: October 6, 2025 The Harvard-Cornell-led Archaeological Exploration of Sardis <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/sardisexpedition.org/en__;!!Mak6IKo!MPe4g95qHLUy6We2GQflLDxfsKRcQDblnbCiqw3YLSwkxML9m9J0GT9ztlEr40UHvPrJw5dun8giXNqZTYskxSZw$> invites applicants for a two-year summer internship working as part of the conservation team at Sardis, Turkey. The position spans the eleven weeks of the 2026 summer excavation season (beginning of June 2026 to mid-August 2026) and then again for the eleven-week 2027 summer excavation season (beginning of June 2027 to mid-August 2027). Commitment to participate in both excavation seasons is required. The conservation team at Sardis works with other specialists including archaeologists, architects, and recorders, to support the excavation through the conservation of excavated finds and various site maintenance projects. The materials excavated at Sardis date from the Bronze Age, Lydian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, Late Antique, and Byzantine periods, and include ceramics, stone, wall painting, copper alloys, iron alloys, lead, precious metals, glass, and bone/ivory artifacts. Under the supervision and guidance of a team of senior and supervising conservators, interns will learn and carry out a variety of conservation activities both in the lab and in the field, including lifting, cleaning, stabilization, reconstruction, examination and technical analysis, as well as written and image-based documentation. The Sardis conservation team also supports the long-term care of an on-site collection of artifacts excavated since 1958 through re-treatment, rehousing, and preventive conservation. More information on the conservation activities at Sardis can be found here <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/sardisexpedition.org/en/essays/about-conservation__;!!Mak6IKo!MPe4g95qHLUy6We2GQflLDxfsKRcQDblnbCiqw3YLSwkxML9m9J0GT9ztlEr40UHvPrJw5dun8giXNqZTTIfOOWx$>. Applicants must currently be enrolled in a graduate-level conservation program or equivalent at the start of the internship. This position is not paid, but travel to-and-from Turkey as well as visa expenses are covered, lodging and meals are provided, and interns will be granted a stipend for travel within Turkey on their days off. Interns are required to provide evidence of or obtain their own medical insurance for the duration of their internship. Successful applicants demonstrate engagement with archaeological conservation in the field, understanding of the historic significance of the site, and its current research questions. Turkish language skills are not required to apply, but applicants should demonstrate the ability and desire to thoughtfully engage with the local workforce and communities. To apply, please send a curriculum vitae, a reference (with contact details), and cover letter to [email protected] <[email protected]> no later than October 6th. References will be contacted for those applicants who are invited to interview. Applicants will be notified regarding this position by the end of October 2025. For inquiries contact any of the following: Nicholas Cahill ([email protected] <[email protected]>), Director Jennifer Kim ([email protected] <[email protected]>), Supervising Conservator ------------------------------ Sarah Montonchaikul Objects Conservator Washington, DC ------------------------------ 5.From: Joy Bloser Posted: Tuesday September 23, 2025 2:08 PM Subject: RE: Firecrackers on paper object Message: Hi Susan, FUN! I worked on an artwork by Huang Yong Ping at MoMA with a lot of firecrackers taped to his pants (he wore them and then set the firecrackers off as part of a performance work, yikes). We explored quite a few different options and did some analysis on the firecrackers, ultimately we decided to store the artwork in a fireproof box because they cannot self-ignite, nor can they ignite with static charge, but rather would need an open flame. Anna Martins and Chris McGlinchey were the conservation scientists at the time of this treatment, if they want to weigh in more on the analysis aspect. We eventually came to the conclusion that if there was a flame near the artwork there were larger issues happening in storage than the firecrackers and that storage in a fire-proof container was sufficient to isolate the artwork from others. If it's helpful to know more about the other roads we went down - we looked into injecting a fire suppressant into the firecrackers, but found this to be too invasive and didn't identify a satisfactory injection material. We also looked into removing the live firecrackers and replacing with replicas, but conversations with the artist indicated this would undermine the artifact from the live performance. Hopefully that helps a bit! Best of luck! Joy ------------------------------ Joy Bloser Associate Objects Conservator The Menil Collection Houston TX ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 09-12-2025 17:10 From: Susan Russick Subject: Firecrackers on paper object We have a c. 1973 Yoshio Nakajima pamphlet that has a small bunch of firecrackers adhered to the cover. I'm planning to remove as much powder as I can from the cylinders, but am wondering about other steps that might make it safer to store in a library collection. Any thoughts? Thanks, Susan ------------------------------ Susan Russick Chief Conservator Northwestern University Libraries ------------------------------ 6.From: Monona Rossol Posted: Tuesday September 23, 2025 3:15 PM Subject: RE: Firecrackers on paper object Message: Joy, Not quite true that they only can ignite with a flame -- not if the charge contains chlorates or perchlorates. Those can become quite unstable and even shock sensitive. Perchlorates are more stable, but both are already mixed with fuels in the fireworks such as a powdered metal, so it doesn't take much. While it is not likely, it is possible. ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 9/23/2025 12:05:00 PM From: Joy Bloser Subject: RE: Firecrackers on paper object Hi Susan, FUN! I worked on an artwork by Huang Yong Ping at MoMA with a lot of firecrackers taped to his pants (he wore them and then set the firecrackers off as part of a performance work, yikes). We explored quite a few different options and did some analysis on the firecrackers, ultimately we decided to store the artwork in a fireproof box because they cannot self-ignite, nor can they ignite with static charge, but rather would need an open flame. Anna Martins and Chris McGlinchey were the conservation scientists at the time of this treatment, if they want to weigh in more on the analysis aspect. We eventually came to the conclusion that if there was a flame near the artwork there were larger issues happening in storage than the firecrackers and that storage in a fire-proof container was sufficient to isolate the artwork from others. If it's helpful to know more about the other roads we went down - we looked into injecting a fire suppressant into the firecrackers, but found this to be too invasive and didn't identify a satisfactory injection material. We also looked into removing the live firecrackers and replacing with replicas, but conversations with the artist indicated this would undermine the artifact from the live performance. Hopefully that helps a bit! Best of luck! Joy ------------------------------ Joy Bloser Associate Objects Conservator The Menil Collection Houston TX ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 09-12-2025 17:10 From: Susan Russick Subject: Firecrackers on paper object We have a c. 1973 Yoshio Nakajima pamphlet that has a small bunch of firecrackers adhered to the cover. I'm planning to remove as much powder as I can from the cylinders, but am wondering about other steps that might make it safer to store in a library collection. Any thoughts? Thanks, Susan ------------------------------ Susan Russick Chief Conservator Northwestern University Libraries ------------------------------ 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.
