Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Application deadline this week, Assistant Book Conservator, Morgan Library & Museum 2. Chloride analysis of archaeological metals 3. Assistant Scientist position at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam 4. Survey on window mat and mounting formats for artworks on paper 5. Calcium deposit on bronze sculptures in fountains 6. Workshop on Conserving Painted Outdoor Sculpture ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Maria Fredericks Posted: Tuesday November 4, 2025 7:00 AM Subject: Application deadline this week, Assistant Book Conservator, Morgan Library & Museum Message: Dear colleagues, Just a reminder that Friday, November 7, is the preferred application deadline for the position of Assistant Book Conservator at the Morgan Library & Museum! See details and link to apply below. Apply online here <https://www.themorgan.org/opportunities/employment/assistant-book-conservator> The Morgan Library & Museum invites applications for the position of Assistant Book Conservator. The successful candidate will join a small department of experienced conservators and preparators who care for the Morgan's exceptional and varied collections, including ancient papyri, manuscripts on paper and parchment, photographs, master drawings and prints, modern and contemporary drawings and prints; rare bound materials including manuscripts, printed books, sketchbooks and albums. Working collegially across many departments, the Assistant Book Conservator will support the Morgan's mission to preserve, interpret and develop its collections, while making them accessible to a broad and diverse audience. Responsibilities Reporting to the Sherman Fairchild Head of Conservation, and working closely with the Drue Heinz Book Conservator and other conservation staff, the Assistant Book Conservator is responsible primarily for the examination, documentation, technical study, and treatment of rare books and manuscripts on paper and parchment, as well as bindings and binding structures, following the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. They will also participate in preventive conservation activities promoting safe housing, storage, handling, imaging and display of collection materials. Professional participation, research, publication, and outreach activities are encouraged, in the context of an active institutional program of exhibitions and loans. With other departmental colleagues, the incumbent will guide and facilitate the work of students, interns and post-graduate fellows. The position may involve courier travel by air and/or truck, up to several times per year. Qualifications Graduate degree (M.A., M.S.) from an established university program in conservation or equivalent training and experience, plus a minimum of 2 years post-graduate work experience in the conservation of rare books, manuscripts and bindings. Knowledge and experience of a range of simple and complex treatment options for bound materials; ability to execute appropriate treatments with accuracy and precision, as demonstrated by a portfolio. Keen observational skills, applied to the understanding and interpretation of rare books and bindings, their techniques and working methods, and the effects of past and present conservation treatments. Knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of paper, parchment, leather and other binding materials, as well as the materials used to treat them; awareness of analytical or other techniques for identifying these materials and/or determining changes in them. Familiarity with digital, spectral, and other technical imaging as used in the study of historical artifacts and documentation of conservation treatments; familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Bridge and processing or RAW image files. Proficiency with Windows environment (especially Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint); ability to learn and use the Morgan's collections and information systems (Voyager, The Museum System/TMS) Understanding of and adherence to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice, including written and photographic documentation Excellent written and verbal communication skills; commitment to collegial and collaborative work across departments; demonstrated interest in professional participation and outreach Ability to work on concurrent interdepartmental projects such as exhibitions, loans and imaging initiatives, managing priorities to meet project deadlines; flexible and creative approach to problem solving; ability to work cooperatively or independently as needed. Physical requirements: Excellent level of manual dexterity and visual acuity. Ability to work standing as needed for successful completion of conservation treatments. Ability to use appropriate PPE to protect against moderate levels of dust, mold or chemicals used in treatment. Compensation $71,000 annually. Excellent benefits plan. To apply Please upload cover letter, CV, and names of three references to the online portal here <https://www.themorgan.org/opportunities/employment/assistant-book-conservator>. Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to provide a digital portfolio of treatments and/or research projects. Applications received by November 7, 2025 will be given priority consideration Start date: January 2026 Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. The Morgan Library & Museum receives many applications and inquiries for employment. Unfortunately, we are not able to respond to all of them. Due to the high volume of applicants, we can contact only those candidates whose skills and background best fit our needs. Important to note: Vaccination Requirement To ensure the overall health and safety of the Morgan Library & Museum campus, all staff of the Morgan are required to be vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19, absent qualifying exemptions for medical, religious, or other reasons in accordance with applicable laws. EEO Statement The Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. The Morgan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health decisions or decision making (of covered persons or their dependents), disability, height, weight, marital status, familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, pre-employment arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by law. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. -- Maria Fredericks Sherman Fairchild Head of Conservation Thaw Conservation Center The Morgan Library & Museum 225 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016-3403 www.themorgan.org <http://www.themorgan.org/> phone : 212-590-0379 ------------------------------ Maria Fredericks Sherman Fairchild Head of Conservation The Morgan Library & Museum, Thaw Conservation Center New York United States ------------------------------ 2.From: Emma Hayles Posted: Tuesday November 4, 2025 7:00 AM Subject: Chloride analysis of archaeological metals Message: Hello, I am currently in the process of desalinating maritime archaeological metals and was wondering what methods people use for analysing chlorides? Whilst I am familiar with the standard methods - Id like to get an understanding specifically of the brands or machines used, or whether people prefer the titration or indicator methods. Currently I am using the QuanTab test strips as it was the most accessible at the time, but wish for a more long-term system. Please feel free to reply to my personal email address ([email protected] <[email protected]>) or in this thread. Kindest regardsEmma -- Archaeological and objects conservator, BA in archaeology, MS in Cultural Material ConservationE: [email protected] <[email protected]>gmail.com <[email protected]> 3.From: Ana Martins Posted: Tuesday November 4, 2025 7:01 AM Subject: Assistant Scientist position at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam Message: Assistant Scientist (Part-time or full-time minimum 4 days – scale 10) 'The Van Gogh Museum inspires a diverse audience with the life and work of Vincent van Gogh and his time'. All our colleagues contribute to this mission with their own expertise. Together we are making great strides and we are open to what is happening around us. We like to be at the forefront and work closely with others. We focus on our immediate environment as well as on the international world.' With the support of ASML - Van Gogh Museum Partners in Science , the museum implements innovative research techniques for studying and preserving paintings by Van Gogh and his contemporaries. As of 1 January 2026, the Science team of the Van Gogh Museum is looking for an assistant scientist (1 year, part-time or full-time) to support an interdisciplinary research team consisting of restorers, scientists, art historians and researchers from partner institutions. Tasks and responsibilities You will examine artworks from the collection and analyze sample material using advanced analysis techniques: X-ray Fluorescence, Reflectance Spectroscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy and other relevant research techniques. You record the findings of the technical investigation in reports. You contribute to the dissemination of research results in publications and presentations. You are jointly responsible for equipment maintenance, setting up and compliance with relevant work and safety protocols and (science) data management. You will actively contribute to conferences, workshops and educational activities and help organize them. Job requirements PhD in Natural Sciences or Engineering (Heritage Studies, Chemistry, Physics, Optics, Computational Physics or related disciplines) Experience in XRF mapping techniques of cultural heritage objects (as well as other techniques such as RIS, 3D mapping, OCT) Experience with sample preparation and analysis (Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy) Certificate of Technical Assistant Radiation Expert Experience with computational programming Strong motivation to work in a multidisciplinary museum environment Knowledge of paint and artist materials with a focus on the 19th century Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Dutch (or willingness to learn Dutch). Who are you? You are someone with a curious eye and a passion for art and cultural heritage. You enjoy working in a team and you are interested in using modern technologies to study and better understand works of art. You have excellent experimental, analytical and problem-solving skills. You work independently, you are proactive and used to meeting deadlines, you know how to keep a good overview and set priorities. Where will you work? In the heart of Amsterdam, you will find yourself in a dynamic and collegial working environment. The Museum Collective Labor Agreement applies. This position falls into scale 10. The full-time salary (36 hours) is between €4,131 and €5,516 gross per month, depending on education and experience. In addition, we offer 8% holiday pay, 3.4% end-of-year bonus, a good pension scheme, a laptop and iPhone, a museum card and a healthcare allowance of €150 per year. Will you join us? Do you recognize yourself in the above profile and have you read this vacancy with enthusiasm? Then we are very curious about your reaction! You can apply via the apply <https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/nl/over/organisatie/vacatures/assistent-onderzoeker> button. We kindly ask you to attach your motivation letter and CV (in PDF format). Don't wait too long to apply. The vacancy closes as soon as a sufficient number of suitable candidates have been found. For questions about the vacancy, please contact: Ruth Hoppe (Head of Collection Management & Restoration) via [email protected], tel. +31 6 31015271 Ana Martins (Scientist) via [email protected], tel. +31 6 50182370 Diversity and inclusion We are an organization for everyone, in which we embrace the greatest variety of people. We see diversity as essential for creativity, relevance and innovation. Every day, we work on our mission to inspire diverse audiences and bring new meaning and value to people's lives. We don't care what name you bear, where you come from, what you look like or what you believe. We are here for you, and you are welcome to apply! ------------------------------ Ana Martins Scientist Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam Netherlands ------------------------------ 4.From: Franzisca Huber Posted: Tuesday November 4, 2025 10:50 AM Subject: Survey on window mat and mounting formats for artworks on paper Message: Dear colleagues and interested parties, In French, "passe partout" means "fits everywhere" – but how do we view different passepartouts (window mats) in a mounted work of art? With this survey, we are investigating how a selection of different mounting types and passepartout colors influence the effect of works of art on paper. Which color and which mounting best showcase an artwork produced as an aquatint? Please take about 10 minutes to make your selection. Whether you are an art lover, an occasional visitor to exhibitions, or simply curious – every opinion counts! Click here to access the survey: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/tL18j9xwwX <https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/tL18j9xwwX> Thank you in advance for your response, and feel free to forward! ------------------------------ -- english version below -- Liebe Kolleg*innen und Interessierte, „Passepartout" heißt auf Französisch „passt überall" – doch wie sehen wir verschiedene Passepartouts bei einem montierten Kunstwerk? Mit dieser Umfrage untersuchen wir, wie eine Auswahl unterschiedlicher Montierungsarten und Passepartoutfarben die Wirkung von Kunstwerken auf Papier beeinflussen. Welche Farbe und welche Montierung bringen ein als Aquatinta produziertes Kunstwerk optimal zur Geltung? Nehmen Sie sich ungefähr 10 Minuten Zeit, um eine Auswahl zu treffen. Ob Sie Kunstliebhaber*in, Gelegenheitsbesucher*in von Ausstellungen oder einfach nur neugierig sind – jede Meinung zählt! Hier geht es zur Umfrage: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/tL18j9xwwX Vielen Dank im Voraus fürs Beantworten und gerne auch Weiterleiten! Franzisca Huber (Masterstudentin), Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart Konservierung und Restaurierung von Kunstwerken auf Papier, Archiv- und Bibliotheksgut -- english version -- Dear colleagues and interested parties, In French, "passe partout" means "fits everywhere" – but how do we view different passepartouts (window mats) in a mounted work of art? With this survey, we are investigating how a selection of different mounting types and passepartout colors influence the effect of works of art on paper. Which color and which mounting best showcase an artwork produced as an aquatint? Please take about 10 minutes to make your selection. Whether you are an art lover, an occasional visitor to exhibitions, or simply curious – every opinion counts! Click here to access the survey: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/tL18j9xwwX Thank you in advance for your response, and feel free to forward! Franzisca Huber (M.A. student) Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design, Stuttgart, Germany Conservation of Works of Art on Paper, Achives and Library Materials ------------------------------ 5.From: Myriam Lavoie Posted: Tuesday November 4, 2025 1:14 PM Subject: Calcium deposit on bronze sculptures in fountains Message: Good day, I am looking for information pertaining to acceptable calcium levels in water in a fountain and how to possibly reduce it. A local museum has a fountain with several bronze sculptures (the fountain part is under the care of the city). Most of the sculptures are above water so only get splashed, but a few get more water on their surface. They develop a calcium / salt deposit, fast enough that it needs to be removed yearly. Despite waxing the bronze sculptures regularly, the salt crust + yearly cleaning ends up damaging the patina in some areas, which is problematic. The city had the water tested, and the calcium level are considered 'normal' for pools and others artificial water features, but I couldn't find pertinent informations on what could be acceptable in this setting, to not affect the bronze. Otherwise the water quality is quite good, with a neutral pH and no chlorine. They are open to make adjustment to the water system with guidance. I was wondering if anyone has had a similar situation and done reasearch on what systems are beneficial to remove calcium salts, without introducing other problematic ions, or if anyone has papers or other references to offer on the subject. Thanks in advance, as always. ------------------------------ Myriam Lavoie Sculpture Conservator Centre de Conservation du Quebec Quebec Canada ------------------------------ 6.From: Ellen Moody Posted: Tuesday November 4, 2025 1:14 PM Subject: Workshop on Conserving Painted Outdoor Sculpture Message: The Getty Conservation Institute, in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), invites applications for our five-day, in-person workshop in Melbourne, Australia, April 27-May 1, 2026. This program is designed for conservators seeking to deepen their understanding of the unique challenges posed by painted outdoor sculpture-works that combine complex materials, large scale, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Through lectures, site visits, and hands-on exercises, participants will explore strategies for assessing condition, planning treatments, and extending maintenance cycles. Real-world case studies from NGV's sculpture garden and Melbourne's public artworks will anchor discussions on coating failures, paint systems, logistics, and sustainability. Practical sessions on mockups will allow experimentation with localized techniques that delay full repainting. The curriculum draws on expertise from leading conservators and paint industry professionals. Topics include project management, graffiti removal, retouching, safety practices, and collaboration with artists' estates and stakeholders. Space is limited to 24 participants selected on the basis of demonstrated need and applicability of the workshop content to their current or future work. Dates: April 27-May 1, 2026 Location: National Gallery of Australia, Melbourne, Australia Fee: $800 (includes materials, lunches, and group events) Application Deadline: December 3, 2025 Learn more and apply: https://gty.art/POS_Wkshp <https://gty.art/POS_Wkshp> ------------------------------ Ellen Moody Project Specialist Getty Conservation Institute Los Angeles 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. 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.
