Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Photograph Conservation at the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC 2. RE: Recommendations for Re-gilding Techniques for Porcelain? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Margaret Wessling Posted: Sunday November 16, 2025 9:12 AM Subject: Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Photograph Conservation at the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC Message: Andrew W. Mellon Advanced Training Fellowship in Photograph Conservation The National Gallery of Art is offering a fellowship in the Photograph Conservation Department supported by an endowment from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The three-year fellowship will commence in September of 2026 and include a yearly stipend of $53,000 plus health benefits and $3,000 each year for travel and research. Fellows will receive transit benefits towards their commuting costs to and from the National Gallery. Working under the guidance of the National Gallery’s conservators and scientists, the fellow will focus on two aspects: treatment of the collection and a self-selected research project that culminates in a publishable paper. The fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with conservators, scientists and curators. They will also have access to the National Gallery’s collections and to advanced analytical instrumentation available in the scientific research department. Lectures, symposia, and informal discussions at the National Gallery of Art contribute to the fellowship program. Eligibility Candidates should be graduates from a recognized master’s program in conservation or have equivalent training. They should have no more than five years of work experience after graduation and a proven record of research and writing ability. Candidates must possess English language skills. Application Procedure Interested candidates must submit the following materials in English: • Transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses of academic study (unofficial copies are acceptable) • A curriculum vitae including basic biographical information and current and permanent addresses, telephone number, and a description of previous conservation experience and internships • A statement of interest and intent (no more than two single-spaced pages) of the candidate’s in applying for the fellowship • Offprints/Reprints in PDF format of publications and lectures • Two letters of recommendation from conservation professionals familiar with the candidate’s work and one letter of personal reference (emailed directly to the address below) File naming convention for submissions: Last Name_First Name_Document type (e.g., Transcripts) _Date (Year-Month-Day) Formal applications and supporting materials must be submitted in PDF format by email to [email protected] <[email protected]> and arrive at the National Gallery no later than January 17, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the decision by the end of February 2026. The fellowship may begin on or after September 21, 2026 and will end September 29, 2029. For inquiries, please contact: Tyrese Davis, Conservation Administrator [email protected] The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity. ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Margaret Wessling Senior Photograph Conservator National Gallery of Art, Washington DC ------------------------------ 2.From: Sarah Benrubi Posted: Sunday November 16, 2025 10:38 AM Subject: RE: Recommendations for Re-gilding Techniques for Porcelain? Message: Dear Halina, For gilding on porcelain different techniek are possible, depending of the shining effect you need and how large is the area to be gilded.- for fine line dcoration, the easiest is probably to use 3H oil size (type Lefrancq et Bourgeois), just a little quantity, well stretched (not thick!). When it is almost dry, but still a bit sticky, you can apply gold powder. Then it is possible to burdish it with an agate stone through a fine Melinex film. - if you want to use a water base size similar to KT5 Kolner, it is better to use gold leaf (free or transfert). Apply the diluted solution, then leave it to dry. When it is just dry you can apply the leaf on it and simply press gently with a cotton swab for a shining effect. Diluted Acrylic base is less resistant than oil size. Oil size is easy for small areas but you need gold powder. The surface which needs to be gilded has to be perfect and resistant. The shining effect will depend on the rigidity of the surface. Sarah BenrubiCeramic and Glass conservation departmentENSAV La Cambre Brussels -- Conservation-restauration doeuvres dart Cramique et verre rue Charles Meert, 50 1030 Bruxelles www.benrubi-restauration.com <http://www.benrubi-restauration.com> <http://www.benrubi-restauration.com>[email protected] <[email protected]> T: +32(0)495.22.01.63 TVA: BE0882.051.979 ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11/13/2025 2:20:00 PM From: Halina Piasecki Subject: Recommendations for Re-gilding Techniques for Porcelain? Hi there, I am currently working on a partially gilded Meissen tea caddy at the Cooper Hewitt with discrete areas of loss and abrasion to the gilded borders. I'm wondering if anyone has had any success with techniques for re-gilding as loss compensation on porcelain that they would be willing to share. I have made some porcelain mockups for testing specifically for this project, and I plan to share the results of these tests after the project is complete. If you have any suggestions these will be credited to you in the write-up. Thanks so much in advance for your help with this! Halina Piasecki Graduate Fellow, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum ------------------------------ Halina Piasecki Graduate Fellow (Class of 2026) Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU New York 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.
