Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Paul Whitmore: FAIC Oral History 2. Digital Heritage & Technology Officer 3. Icon Scotland: Hybrid Plenderleith Lecture + AGM and tours in Dundee, 27th November 2025 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Vincent Beltran Posted: Thursday October 23, 2025 7:08 AM Subject: Paul Whitmore: FAIC Oral History Message: When discussing the microfading tester (MFT), conservation scientist Paul Whitmore is mentioned early and prominently as the originator of the technique, which assesses the in situ light sensitivity of an object. While an aspiration of the Microfading Tester International Discussion Group (MFT-IDG) <https://www.culturalheritage.org/groups/mft-idg> had been to interview Paul, he efficiently pointed us to an FAIC oral history conducted in 2020 with Kelsey Wingel, and housed at the Winterthur Museum, Library, and Archives. This fascinating three-part oral history can be accessed in the "References, Resources, Databases, Publications" section of the AIC Wiki page on MFT <https://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Microfade_testing_(MFT)> (located at the bottom of the page), as well as in the library of the MFT-IDG online community (which you can join for free here <https://www.culturalheritage.org/groups/mft-idg>). It covers the breadth of Paul's career: Part 1 documents his discovery of conservation and conservation science and his early work at Caltech and the Fogg Museum; Part 2 examines his time at Carnegie Mellon (succeeding Bob Feller) and the inspiration for MFT; and Part 3 discusses research dissemination and decision-making while at Yale's Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage. Many thanks to @Joyce Stoner <https://www.culturalheritage.org/profile?UserKey=3a076208-9dac-48a8-be9d-b00fdc11adbe> and @Joelle Wickens <https://www.culturalheritage.org/people/joelle-wickens> from Winterthur/University of Delaware for graciously sharing this document with us, and to @Paul Whitmore <https://www.culturalheritage.org/profile?UserKey=114d45dd-7217-44b1-abd0-fe8ce77ea2a4> and @Kelsey Wingel <https://www.culturalheritage.org/people/kelsey-wingel> for such an illuminating discussion! ------------------------------ Vincent Laudato Beltran Scientist, Getty Conservation Institute Chair, MFT-IDG [email protected] ------------------------------ 2.From: Anna Hart Posted: Thursday October 23, 2025 5:55 PM Subject: Digital Heritage & Technology Officer Message: Job reference number: 108-25 Closing date: 9am Thursday 6 November 2025 Interview date: Friday 14 November 2025 Salary: Grade 6, £34,350 - £37,968 per annum, (pro-rata). Appointments will normally be made to the first point of the grade. Founded in 1882, The Royal College of Music (RCM) is a world leading music conservatoire with a prestigious history and contemporary outlook. Our excellence was recognised by the 2025 QS World University Rankings, in which we were ranked as the global No. 1 institution for both Music and Performing Arts. The College has held this world-leading place in Performing Arts for four successive years, while Music is a new subject introduced to the ranking in 2024. The Royal College of Music Museum manages a Designated collection of c. 14,000 objects documenting the history and performance of music through musical instruments, paintings, sculpture, early prints and drawings. It is fully Accredited and is a recipient of the Research England 'Higher Education Museums, Galleries and Collections Fund'. The Wolfson Centre in Music and Material Culture supports and develops access and research on the collections for purposes of research and education and collaborates with national and international partners in projects related to the advancement of knowledge, documentation and dissemination of musical heritage. This includes developing internally and externally funded projects that relate to historical as well as contemporary practices and innovative applications of methods and technologies for the documentation, interpretation and dissemination of material musical heritage. The Museum Digital Heritage & Technology Officer is responsible for the maintenance and expansion of the digital engagement, preservation, outreach and resources of the RCM Museum and for the development of the Museum's digital profile through existing and new platforms and initiatives, alongside partnerships with other teams and institutions. This includes overseeing the efficacy of all Collection Management and Digital Asset Management Software, digitisation of collections, updating and refining records and strengthening the Museum online catalogue and relevant aggregators, maintaining and expanding the documentation of the collections. The successful candidate will be passionate about music, music heritage and digital heritage and will be responsible for delivering, refining and communicating the Museum digital strategy and digitisation plan in compliance with ACE Accreditation standards and with the Museum Digital Preservation Strategy. The successful candidate will work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate efficiently with internal and external stakeholders. They will also proactively deliver benchmarking, strategic planning and reporting on digital engagement and digital collection care. The Digital Heritage & Technology Officer supports the creation of new digital content in collaboration with the Museum and RCM Marcomms team, also exploring areas for innovation such as 3D modelling and the preservation of digital heritage. They are responsible for the maintenance and development of digital resources on-site and online and to support the delivery and documentation of digital initiatives such as conferences and workshops. We are looking for candidates with the following attributes: · A strong interest in music, musical heritage, museums and collections care practice. · Qualifications or equivalent experience in Digital Humanities, Heritage or equivalent. · Experience in the management of Collection Management Systems, digital asset management, digital content creation and an understanding of the trends and innovations in Museum digital resources. · An efficient, proactive individual who can identify and proactively solve problems whilst collaborating effectively within interdisciplinary teams. · A highly organised individual with excellent communication skills, able to deliver results to a high standard, manage and innovate independently as well as in close collaboration with the rest of the team and other departments. · A commitment to recognising, valuing and proactively celebrating diversity in all areas of their work. This post is offered on a permanent, part-time (0.8FTE, 28 hours per week) basis and is immediately available. For full details of this position please read the Applicant Information Pack, available to download from the RCM website: www.rcm.ac.uk/jobs To apply, please complete our 1) Application form and 2) Equal Opportunities form (available to download from the RCM website) and submit in Word or PDF format by email to [email protected] CVs without an application form will not be accepted. Please ensure that you include the Job Reference Number when submitting your application. The RCM is committed to nurturing diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility. ------------------------------ Anna Hart HR Assistant Royal College of Music London United KingdomAnna ------------------------------ 3.From: Elina Rodriguez Millan Posted: Thursday October 23, 2025 5:55 PM Subject: Icon Scotland: Hybrid Plenderleith Lecture + AGM and tours in Dundee, 27th November 2025 Message: Like every year, the Institute of Conservation Scotland group brings Scottish conservators together for our Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture in honour of Scottish conservator Harold Plenderleith, where we will be looking at the last 50 of heritage conservation with lecturer Clare Meredith ACR (Emeritus) FIIC. This time you can join us online for the lecture, or come to Dundee for not just our usual lecture, AGM and drinks reception (where you can meet and catch up with other conservators), but also conservation-focused tours of the McManus Galleries and Collections Unit, and the RRS Discovery: Tour of the McManus Galleries and Collections Unit 13.30-14.30 <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/tour-of-the-mcmanus-galleries-and-collections-unit.html> RRS Discovery Conservation Tour 15.00-16.00 Tickets coming soon AGM at Dundee Science Centre 17.00-17.45 <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/icon-scotland-2025-agm.html> Plenderleith Lecture (Hybrid) and drinks reception at Dundee Science Centre 18:00-20:15 <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/plenderleith-lecture-2025-looking-back-looking-forward-50-years-as-a-conservator.html> More information about the different events and bookings below: Icon Scotland: Tour of the McManus Galleries and Collections Unit Date and Time: Thursday 27 November 2025, 13.30-14.30 Location: The McManus Art Gallery and Museum, Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee DD1 1DA Price: £3 Members / £5 Non-Members / £2 Student Members Rebecca Jackson-Hunt, Conservator for Leisure and Culture Dundee, will provide a tour looking at recent case changes in the galleries and a behind the scenes look around the Collection Unit, focusing on next year's costume exhibition. Get your tickets here <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/tour-of-the-mcmanus-galleries-and-collections-unit.html>. Icon Scotland: RRS Discovery Conservation Tour Date and Time: Thursday 27 November 2025, 13.30-14.30 Location: Discovery Point Dundee, Riverside Dr, Dundee DD1 4XA Price: TBC Rebecca Jackson-Hunt, Conservator for Leisure and Culture Dundee, will provide a tour looking at recent case changes in the galleries and a behind the scenes look around the Collection Unit, focusing on next year's costume exhibition. More information and tickets coming soon. Follow us on LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/icon-scotland-891b16329/> or Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/iconscotland/> for updates! Icon Scotland: 2025 AGM Date and Time: Thursday 27 November 2025, 17.00-17.45 Location: Dundee Science Centre, 14 Greenmarket, Dundee DD1 4QB Price: Free Join the Icon Scotland Group committee to discuss everything we've been doing in 2025, and everything we have planned for 2026. Tickets are free and you can join us whether you're an Icon member or considering joining! This event will take place at the Inspire Event Space at Dundee Science Centre. Get your tickets here <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/icon-scotland-2025-agm.html>. Icon Scotland: Plenderleith Lecture 2025: Looking back, looking forward: 50 years a conservator Date and Time: Thursday 27 November 2025, 18.00-20.15 Location: Online and at Dundee Science Centre, 14 Greenmarket, Dundee DD1 4QB Price: £12 Members, in person / £15 Non-Members, in person / £8 Student Members, in person / £10 Members, online / £13 Non-Members, online / £6 Student Members, online Join Icon Scotland for the 28th Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture, an event in memory of Dundonian Dr Harold Plenderleith (1898 – 1996), one of the key founders of modern conservation. The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception, and the opportunity to chat with other conservators, which has become one of the main conservation get-togethers in Scotland. Our invited speaker this year is Clare Meredith ACR (Emeritus) FIIC. Clare has worked as a conservator for 50 years, and was involved with SSCR (Scottish Society for Conservation & Restoration), which later became Icon Scotland, since 1985. Clare will share a personal review of her professional life and will talk about the evolution of conservation since the 1980s, as well as what the future of this profession might hold. Clare worked in the independent sector for 27 years, nearly all of which were in Scotland, and then for 8 years for the National Trust for Scotland. This timespan includes being part of a lively SSCR and, with many others, working towards convergence and the creation of Icon in 2005. This hybrid event will take place both on Zoom and at the Inspire Event Space at Dundee Science Centre, an 8-minute walk away from Dundee train station. Find out more about the venue and get your tickets here <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/tour-of-the-mcmanus-galleries-and-collections-unit.html>. ------------------------------ Elina Rodriguez Millan Stone Conservator Historic Environment Scotland Events Coordinator, The Icon Scotland Group [email protected] [email protected] ------------------------------ 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.
