Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: XRF on ethnographic collection 2. RE: Canvas Stamp 3. RE: XRF on ethnographic collection 4. Call For Papers - International Conference – Materiality and Color 5. RE: XRF on ethnographic collection 6. RE: XRF on ethnographic collection 7. RE: XRF on ethnographic collection 8. Contract positions in paper and object conservation: collection move at McMichael Canadian Art Collection 9. Hiring — Assistant Objects Conservator at Preservation Arts 10. RE: XRF on ethnographic collection ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Christian Mueller-Straten Posted: Tuesday November 11, 2025 6:37 AM Subject: RE: XRF on ethnographic collection Message: Please add to my recent remarks: The radiation exposure during an XRF examination is very low compared to other radiological procedures because it uses non-ionizing radiation to analyze materials. Unlike conventional X-ray or CT scans, which use ionizing radiation to create images, radiation exposure during XRF measurements is minimal to non-existent and therefore safe for most applications. ------------------------------ [Christian] [Mueller-Straten] [Researcher, Publisher, Art Historian] [Owner] [Verlag Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten] [Munich] [Germany] [0049-89-839 690 43] [https://www.museum-aktuell.de] https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11-10-2025 06:38 From: Stefanie Scheerer Subject: XRF on ethnographic collection I am facing the following situation: An ethnographic museum in Germany is planning to perform pesticide measurements on their entire collection, formerly collected across all continents. Included are also some sacred objects / objects for ritual purpose and potentially ancestors. However, so far there is no contact with the communities of origin. Nevertheless, the museum intends to measure every object with XRF. ( I am aware of the limits of XRF on organic pesticides) I brought to the museum's attention that source communities should be generally contacted and asked for permission before performing XRF analyses. In the case of this forthcoming project there is only little time left for further actions. Instead, occupational health and safety issues require testing to be performed within the next few months. Indirect wipe sampling is most likely not an option, since XRF may not sensitive enough to give reliable results. However, any ideas on indirect XRF testing of wipes/swabs are also appreciated. Other indirect analytical methods such as GC/MS are too expensive to be performed on the entire collection. Currently, I'm wondering how other museums address this problem. Are you aware of any museum that has a protocol when collection-wide XRF analyses is planned? It would be very helpful to see any written document addressing this issue. Are you aware of other museums performing or not performing XRF analyses on sacred objects / ancestors / objects for ritual purposes when contact to source communities does not exist? Should ancestral items be treated like human remains or possibly like human beings. This would, however, mean that XRF analysis must not be performed, since pointing an X-ray beam at a human being is inacceptable. Do you maybe know whom I could contact for such information? Thank you very much for your support and taking your time on this! Sincerely, Stefanie Dr. Stefanie Scheerer Microbiology & Conservation Stuttgart, Germany [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ Stefanie Scheerer Microbiologist & Conservator Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent Stuttgart Germany ------------------------------ 2.From: Brian McLaughlin Posted: Tuesday November 11, 2025 6:37 AM Subject: RE: Canvas Stamp Message: Hi Heather, The tax stamps dont relate to import duty, they relate to a tax imposed upon the canvas manufacturer (weaver). Cathey Proudlove (ne Leach) has written a number of really interesting articles on this subject, amongst other things. Im sure youll find her via google. Best regards Brian -- Brian McLaughlin BA (Hons) MA ACR PAINTING + RESTORATION STUDIO The WASPS Factory Studio 001 77 Hanson Street Glasgow G31 2HF 0141 551 8401 [email protected] <[email protected]> Find me on facebook @ Painting + Restoration Studio, Wasps Factory. ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11/10/2025 3:21:00 AM From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: RE: Canvas Stamp https://www.npg.org.uk/assets/files/pdf/research/Dmarks_1_1785_1831.pdf is indeed an excellent source, but it says only that, according to Sally Woodcock, "2J8" is a duty stamp. Does anyone have an idea what it means in words? Was it an import? From where? ------------------------------ [Christian] [Mueller-Straten] [Researcher, Publisher, Art Historian] [Owner] [Verlag Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten] [Munich] [Germany] [0049-89-839 690 43] [https://www.museum-aktuell.de] https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11-08-2025 19:41 From: Heather Galloway Subject: Canvas Stamp Dear All, Thank you for all the resources. I find a rather humorous that as an American I was thinking of Colourman's stamps when it is an import duty! Again, thanks for all the suggestions. Best, Heather ------------------------------ Heather Galloway Conservator, Fellow Galloway Art Conservation 1305 W 80th St. Suite #225 Cleveland, OH 44102 ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 11-08-2025 12:34 From: Ian Primrose Subject: Canvas Stamp Heather, The word above 2J8 is LINENS, and is likely a Duty Stamp. I have attached a similar example (look at the sideways mark below the 80), taken from the National Portrait Gallery, London, resource - British artists' suppliers, 1650-1950, subsection - British canvas, stretcher and panel suppliers' marks, Part 1, 1785-1831. Hope this helps, Ian Primrose Restorer Original Message: Sent: 11/7/2025 3:32:00 PM From: Heather Galloway Subject: Canvas Stamp I have an unlined British painting in my studio from 1822 that has a repeated canvas stamp that is difficult to read. The artist worked in London. The stamp is topped with a crown and the bottom appears to read "2J8" but most of the image did not take well to the linen. I'm attaching an image of the clearest impression in the hopes that someone might recognize it. Thanks, Heather ------------------------------ Heather Galloway Conservator, Fellow Galloway Art Conservation 1305 W 80th St. Suite #225 Cleveland, OH 44102 ------------------------------ 3.From: Christian Mueller-Straten Posted: Tuesday November 11, 2025 6:38 AM Subject: RE: XRF on ethnographic collection Message: Even though I don't represent a museum, here are my twopence on your post from an ethical museological standpoint. You acted correctly when you alerted the museum that some indigenous communities do not want their sacred objects in western museum collections analyzed with XRF without their consent. It is generally true that this is the case, even if it sounds strange at first. But it's not "all of them", just "some". The museum seems to have no idea which ones. However, there is enough time if all the museum's objects are to be analyzed with XRF, because then they can first examine the objects that are unproblematic: all non-ritual objects such as weapons, tools, everyday clothing, etc. Only in a second phase - in a few months - the ritual objects shall be analyzed. And at first only those objects which stem from communities that have reacted fast that they have no objection to an XRF analysis. Surely any proper ethnological museum today has contacts with communities from which the ritual objects originate. In the meantime, the indigenous communities should be consulted to determine their consent to XRF. The context should also be explained, because if restitution is ever sought, the recipients should know whether the objects are contaminated. There have been cases where indigenous communities have refused the restitution of contaminated ethnographic objects or have left the objects unpacked in their cellars because they do not want to display or bury contaminated items. Furthermore, the radiation exposure from non-invasive XRF is relatively low and not comparable to that from X-raying human remains, such as mummies. XRF can certainly expand our knowledge about objects, and this can only benefit everyone involved: the museum, the scientific community, and the indigenous communities. Best greetings from Munich to Stuttgart Christian ------------------------------ [Christian] [Mueller-Straten] [Researcher, Publisher, Art Historian] [Owner] [Verlag Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten] [Munich] [Germany] [0049-89-839 690 43] [https://www.museum-aktuell.de] https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11-10-2025 06:38 From: Stefanie Scheerer Subject: XRF on ethnographic collection I am facing the following situation: An ethnographic museum in Germany is planning to perform pesticide measurements on their entire collection, formerly collected across all continents. Included are also some sacred objects / objects for ritual purpose and potentially ancestors. However, so far there is no contact with the communities of origin. Nevertheless, the museum intends to measure every object with XRF. ( I am aware of the limits of XRF on organic pesticides) I brought to the museum's attention that source communities should be generally contacted and asked for permission before performing XRF analyses. In the case of this forthcoming project there is only little time left for further actions. Instead, occupational health and safety issues require testing to be performed within the next few months. Indirect wipe sampling is most likely not an option, since XRF may not sensitive enough to give reliable results. However, any ideas on indirect XRF testing of wipes/swabs are also appreciated. Other indirect analytical methods such as GC/MS are too expensive to be performed on the entire collection. Currently, I'm wondering how other museums address this problem. Are you aware of any museum that has a protocol when collection-wide XRF analyses is planned? It would be very helpful to see any written document addressing this issue. Are you aware of other museums performing or not performing XRF analyses on sacred objects / ancestors / objects for ritual purposes when contact to source communities does not exist? Should ancestral items be treated like human remains or possibly like human beings. This would, however, mean that XRF analysis must not be performed, since pointing an X-ray beam at a human being is inacceptable. Do you maybe know whom I could contact for such information? Thank you very much for your support and taking your time on this! Sincerely, Stefanie Dr. Stefanie Scheerer Microbiology & Conservation Stuttgart, Germany [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ Stefanie Scheerer Microbiologist & Conservator Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent Stuttgart Germany ------------------------------ 4.From: Eva Angelin Posted: Tuesday November 11, 2025 12:13 PM Subject: Call For Papers - International Conference – Materiality and Color Message: Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to invite you to submit an abstract for the International Conference – Materiality and Color in Modernist Architecture: From Science to Everyday Heritage Conservation Practice, to be held in Berlin from 7–9 May 2026. Organised by the Landesdenkmalamt Berlin, ICOMOS Germany, TU Munich, and HfBK Dresden, the conference will address the role of materiality and color in modernist architecture, focusing on surface aesthetics, restoration history, and interdisciplinary approaches in conservation practice. We welcome contributions from architects, conservator-restorers, heritage scientists, and art historians that explore material research, color studies, and conservation strategies for modernist heritage. Please find the Call for Papers with full details attached. Important dates: Abstract Submission Deadline: 05 January 2026 Notification of Acceptance: 23 February 2026 Full Paper Submission: 01 May 2026 Conference Dates: 07–09 May 2026 We look forward to your submissions and to welcoming you to Berlin in 2026. With kind regards, on behalf of the organizing committee ------------------------------ --- Prof. Dr. Eva Mariasole Angelin Tenure Track Assistant Professor Technische Universität München / Technical University of Munich TUM School of Engineering and Design Professorship in Conservation of Architectural Surfaces Oettingenstr. 15 80538 München Tel. +49 (89) 21124 567 Mobil +49 15750725407 [email protected] www.arc.ed.tum.de/cs ------------------------------ 5.From: James Martin Posted: Tuesday November 11, 2025 12:14 PM Subject: RE: XRF on ethnographic collection Message: Hi Stephanie, I cannot speak to the cultural-spiritual questions concerning proper handling of these remains during measurement of potential harmful pesticides. I can speak a bit to use of XRF in Germany. A colleague, Maria Ecenarro Catrain, and I measured the elemental composition of a large collection of ceramic objects in Cologne using portable XRF. To do so, we were required to know and observe local rules for safe use of XRF, which limited our work to a large basement space where we could protect ourselves and others from exposure to direct and backscattered radiation. The manufacturer of the XRF device was onsite to review and approve our plan to ensure adequate distances and geometries for use. We monitored and recorded radiation using dosimeters and used physical barriers to prevent accidental exposure. To comply with local rules, we had to move each object to a workstation. None of the objects were known or thought to be coated or contaminated with pesticides, and so there was no risk of cross-contamination at the workstation. It is difficult for me to imagine measuring the collection that you describe, safely and efficiently, without a lot of time, planning, and cooperation of other people who might work in the same or adjacent spaces. When Maria and I measured works on display in London or New York, we did so outside of normal working hours and used locks, barriers, or guards to prevent access to adjacent spaces. Hope this makes sense and is helpful. Jamie James Martin Conservation scientist Winterthur ‘89, AIC Fellow ‘00 Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11/10/2025 6:39:00 AM From: Stefanie Scheerer Subject: XRF on ethnographic collection I am facing the following situation: An ethnographic museum in Germany is planning to perform pesticide measurements on their entire collection, formerly collected across all continents. Included are also some sacred objects / objects for ritual purpose and potentially ancestors. However, so far there is no contact with the communities of origin. Nevertheless, the museum intends to measure every object with XRF. ( I am aware of the limits of XRF on organic pesticides) I brought to the museum's attention that source communities should be generally contacted and asked for permission before performing XRF analyses. In the case of this forthcoming project there is only little time left for further actions. Instead, occupational health and safety issues require testing to be performed within the next few months. Indirect wipe sampling is most likely not an option, since XRF may not sensitive enough to give reliable results. However, any ideas on indirect XRF testing of wipes/swabs are also appreciated. Other indirect analytical methods such as GC/MS are too expensive to be performed on the entire collection. Currently, I'm wondering how other museums address this problem. Are you aware of any museum that has a protocol when collection-wide XRF analyses is planned? It would be very helpful to see any written document addressing this issue. Are you aware of other museums performing or not performing XRF analyses on sacred objects / ancestors / objects for ritual purposes when contact to source communities does not exist? Should ancestral items be treated like human remains or possibly like human beings. This would, however, mean that XRF analysis must not be performed, since pointing an X-ray beam at a human being is inacceptable. Do you maybe know whom I could contact for such information? Thank you very much for your support and taking your time on this! Sincerely, Stefanie Dr. Stefanie Scheerer Microbiology & Conservation Stuttgart, Germany [email protected] ------------------------------ Stefanie Scheerer Microbiologist & Conservator Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent Stuttgart Germany ------------------------------ 6.From: Craig Deller Posted: Tuesday November 11, 2025 12:14 PM Subject: RE: XRF on ethnographic collection Message: While my experience is limited to Native Collections of the Upper Midwest in the US, I do know (and this may sound odd to our ears) sacred objects are not allowed to be touched or handled by women, but as Christian Mueller-Stratan pointed out, "....it's not "all of them", just "some"." The use of the XRF is often not the issue, just the mere handling. You are absolutely correct in pointing this out, and all efforts should be made in understanding a particular Tribes preferences; however, getting that can be problematic, especially if the project is time-sensitive. We do have laws here in Wisconsin that are very strict on burial sites, but nothing in the Statute regarding individual sacred objects, that is individual to the Tribe in question. If any of the collection is from the Upper Midwest, perhaps I can help with contact info. Just to clarify the Native Burial Sites laws we have, see this link: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/157/iii/70 <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/157/iii/70> You are probably already familiar with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_Graves_Protection_and_Repatriation_Act> ------------------------------ Craig Deller FAIC FIIC ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11-10-2025 06:38 From: Stefanie Scheerer Subject: XRF on ethnographic collection I am facing the following situation: An ethnographic museum in Germany is planning to perform pesticide measurements on their entire collection, formerly collected across all continents. Included are also some sacred objects / objects for ritual purpose and potentially ancestors. However, so far there is no contact with the communities of origin. Nevertheless, the museum intends to measure every object with XRF. ( I am aware of the limits of XRF on organic pesticides) I brought to the museum's attention that source communities should be generally contacted and asked for permission before performing XRF analyses. In the case of this forthcoming project there is only little time left for further actions. Instead, occupational health and safety issues require testing to be performed within the next few months. Indirect wipe sampling is most likely not an option, since XRF may not sensitive enough to give reliable results. However, any ideas on indirect XRF testing of wipes/swabs are also appreciated. Other indirect analytical methods such as GC/MS are too expensive to be performed on the entire collection. Currently, I'm wondering how other museums address this problem. Are you aware of any museum that has a protocol when collection-wide XRF analyses is planned? It would be very helpful to see any written document addressing this issue. Are you aware of other museums performing or not performing XRF analyses on sacred objects / ancestors / objects for ritual purposes when contact to source communities does not exist? Should ancestral items be treated like human remains or possibly like human beings. This would, however, mean that XRF analysis must not be performed, since pointing an X-ray beam at a human being is inacceptable. Do you maybe know whom I could contact for such information? Thank you very much for your support and taking your time on this! Sincerely, Stefanie Dr. Stefanie Scheerer Microbiology & Conservation Stuttgart, Germany [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ Stefanie Scheerer Microbiologist & Conservator Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent Stuttgart Germany ------------------------------ 7.From: Craig Deller Posted: Tuesday November 11, 2025 12:14 PM Subject: RE: XRF on ethnographic collection Message: There is also this by the Canadian Conservation Institute that may be helpful in guiding you. Caring for sacred and culturally sensitive objects <https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/preventive-conservation/guidelines-collections/caring-sacred-culturally-sensitive-objects.html#b12> ------------------------------ Craig Deller FAIC FIIC ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11-10-2025 06:38 From: Stefanie Scheerer Subject: XRF on ethnographic collection I am facing the following situation: An ethnographic museum in Germany is planning to perform pesticide measurements on their entire collection, formerly collected across all continents. Included are also some sacred objects / objects for ritual purpose and potentially ancestors. However, so far there is no contact with the communities of origin. Nevertheless, the museum intends to measure every object with XRF. ( I am aware of the limits of XRF on organic pesticides) I brought to the museum's attention that source communities should be generally contacted and asked for permission before performing XRF analyses. In the case of this forthcoming project there is only little time left for further actions. Instead, occupational health and safety issues require testing to be performed within the next few months. Indirect wipe sampling is most likely not an option, since XRF may not sensitive enough to give reliable results. However, any ideas on indirect XRF testing of wipes/swabs are also appreciated. Other indirect analytical methods such as GC/MS are too expensive to be performed on the entire collection. Currently, I'm wondering how other museums address this problem. Are you aware of any museum that has a protocol when collection-wide XRF analyses is planned? It would be very helpful to see any written document addressing this issue. Are you aware of other museums performing or not performing XRF analyses on sacred objects / ancestors / objects for ritual purposes when contact to source communities does not exist? Should ancestral items be treated like human remains or possibly like human beings. This would, however, mean that XRF analysis must not be performed, since pointing an X-ray beam at a human being is inacceptable. Do you maybe know whom I could contact for such information? Thank you very much for your support and taking your time on this! Sincerely, Stefanie Dr. Stefanie Scheerer Microbiology & Conservation Stuttgart, Germany [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ Stefanie Scheerer Microbiologist & Conservator Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent Stuttgart Germany ------------------------------ 8.From: Alison Douglas Posted: Tuesday November 11, 2025 12:16 PM Subject: Contract positions in paper and object conservation: collection move at McMichael Canadian Art Collection Message: In preparation for a large construction / renovation project, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection's permanent collection of artworks and the Kinngait Drawings Archive will be moved to an off-site facility. Additional support will be required in Conservation to prepare artworks for this Capital project. Below are postings for a termed Paper Conservator and a termed Objects Conservator to join the team for 5.5 and 7 months respectively; an additional posting for a termed Paintings Conservator will also be done in late February 2026.https://mcmichael.com/category/careers/ <https://mcmichael.com/category/careers/> ------------------------------ Alison Douglas Senior Conservator McMichael Canadian Art Collection Kleinburg Canada ------------------------------ 9.From: Tonja Morris Posted: Tuesday November 11, 2025 5:16 PM Subject: Hiring — Assistant Objects Conservator at Preservation Arts Message: The position for an Assistant Objects Conservator at Preservation Arts is still open. Preservation Arts is offering a full time position of Assistant Objects Conservator to join our objects and sculpture team. This position will focus primarily on the treatment of objects and sculpture, both in the studio and outdoor environment. Please see the job description for further details and requirements. The Assistant Conservator compensation range is $70,000-$85,000/year. Preservation Arts offers 100% healthcare coverage for employees & 50% dependents, 100% Dental coverage for employees, optional Vision, and a health and dependent care FSA. Employees are eligible to enroll in the company's 401(k) plan after 6 months of employment with an automatic 3% company contribution and additional profit sharing and pension contributions. Employees are eligible for annual educational reimbursements for professional development. If you are interested, apply to: Human Resources Preservation Arts [email protected] <[email protected]> www.preservation-arts.com <http://www.preservation-arts.com/> -- Tonja Morris Head of Objects Conservation Studio: 510-808-7894 <tel:510-808-7894> Cell: 925-285-3991 <tel:925-285-3991> PRESERVATION ARTS Center for Fine Art Conservation www.preservation-arts.com <http://www.preservation-arts.com/> 10.From: James Martin Posted: Tuesday November 11, 2025 9:44 PM Subject: RE: XRF on ethnographic collection Message: For accurate information about XRF, ionizing radiation, and safety, see: https://xrf.guru/WorkshopVI/Manuals/files/Radiation%20Safety%20Manual.pdf ------------------------------ James Martin Williamstown United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11-11-2025 02:45 From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: XRF on ethnographic collection Please add to my recent remarks: The radiation exposure during an XRF examination is very low compared to other radiological procedures because it uses non-ionizing radiation to analyze materials. Unlike conventional X-ray or CT scans, which use ionizing radiation to create images, radiation exposure during XRF measurements is minimal to non-existent and therefore safe for most applications. ------------------------------ [Christian] [Mueller-Straten] [Researcher, Publisher, Art Historian] [Owner] [Verlag Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten] [Munich] [Germany] [0049-89-839 690 43] [https://www.museum-aktuell.de] https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO <https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO> ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 11-10-2025 06:38 From: Stefanie Scheerer Subject: XRF on ethnographic collection I am facing the following situation: An ethnographic museum in Germany is planning to perform pesticide measurements on their entire collection, formerly collected across all continents. Included are also some sacred objects / objects for ritual purpose and potentially ancestors. However, so far there is no contact with the communities of origin. Nevertheless, the museum intends to measure every object with XRF. ( I am aware of the limits of XRF on organic pesticides) I brought to the museum's attention that source communities should be generally contacted and asked for permission before performing XRF analyses. In the case of this forthcoming project there is only little time left for further actions. Instead, occupational health and safety issues require testing to be performed within the next few months. Indirect wipe sampling is most likely not an option, since XRF may not sensitive enough to give reliable results. However, any ideas on indirect XRF testing of wipes/swabs are also appreciated. Other indirect analytical methods such as GC/MS are too expensive to be performed on the entire collection. Currently, I'm wondering how other museums address this problem. Are you aware of any museum that has a protocol when collection-wide XRF analyses is planned? It would be very helpful to see any written document addressing this issue. Are you aware of other museums performing or not performing XRF analyses on sacred objects / ancestors / objects for ritual purposes when contact to source communities does not exist? Should ancestral items be treated like human remains or possibly like human beings. This would, however, mean that XRF analysis must not be performed, since pointing an X-ray beam at a human being is inacceptable. Do you maybe know whom I could contact for such information? Thank you very much for your support and taking your time on this! Sincerely, Stefanie Dr. Stefanie Scheerer Microbiology & Conservation Stuttgart, Germany [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ Stefanie Scheerer Microbiologist & Conservator Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent Stuttgart Germany ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. 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