Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. course at INP: Paper in the Islamic world in theory and practice 2. Mixing your own wax coatings - researching additives to improve protectivity of wax coatings 3. FREE Webinar | Materials for Preserving Paper Collections 4. Emerging Conservators Symposium 2026: Call for Abstracts 5. Non-Aqueous Deacidification Prior to Encapsulation? 6. Conservator Positions at AOC Archaeology Group Edinburgh 7. RE: Calcium deposit on bronze sculptures in fountains ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Amélie Couvrat Desvergnes Posted: Tuesday November 18, 2025 9:28 AM Subject: course at INP: Paper in the Islamic world in theory and practice Message: Hello, Please can you post this course advert? Thanks and all best, Radha Pandey and I are delighted to propose the second edition of our 3-day course 'Le papier islamique en théorie et en pratique' a theoritical and practical course on Islamic papermaking and history to be held at Institut national du patrimoine <https://www.linkedin.com/company/institut-national-du-patrimoine/> (Aubervilliers in Paris' outskirt) from April 15th -17th 2026. The course will be taught in French and English. To register: https://www.inp.fr/formation-continue/choisir-sa-formation-continue/catalogue/papiers-islamiques <https://www.inp.fr/formation-continue/choisir-sa-formation-continue/catalogue/papiers-islamiques> Course description: The first part of the course will be devoted to the history and techniques of papermaking, from Central Asia to Andalusia in Spain. Participants will study the spread of the technique, the materials and tools used, as well as regional specificities, in order to understand the links between artisanal practices, historical context, and material properties. This knowledge allows for a more precise diagnosis of the condition of documents and an assessment of the suitability of restoration interventions. The second part will focus on methods of analysis and identification of Islamic papers, with an emphasis on techniques still in use in India. Practical exercises will allow participants to make their own paper from hemp fibers using Indo-Islamic methods. The workshop, led by Radha Pandey, will cover pulp preparation, sheet making, pressing, drying, dyeing, sizing, and burnishing. This hands-on experience provides participants with a direct understanding of the properties of the materials, useful for selecting appropriate treatments and preparing compatible restoration materials for filling, reinforcing, or lining. Amélie Couvrat Desvergnes Independent paper and book conservator & researcher-France https://amelieconservation.com/ <https://amelieconservation.com/> https://independent.academia.edu/Am%C3%A9lieCouvratDesvergnes <https://independent.academia.edu/Am%C3%A9lieCouvratDesvergnes> 2.From: Natasha Waddell Posted: Tuesday November 18, 2025 9:28 AM Subject: Mixing your own wax coatings - researching additives to improve protectivity of wax coatings Message: I have come across multiple sources which explain the 'recipe' of Renaissance wax. I am also aware that many conservators make their own wax emulsions using Ren Wax's own Cosmolloid 80H with white spirit. The manufacturers say 20g in 1 liter of white spirit or shellsol T, but I am eager to hear your thoughts and experiences when making your own. I have never made my own wax emulsion before, and as I am currently researching potential additives for improving the protectivity of wax coatings for ferrous substrates, I would love to hear your recipes! Can you describe in detail how you have made your wax emulsions, measurements, temperatures, timings? What sort of texture is the outcome and how does it compare to renaissance wax? Do you need to add an emulsifier, which brand and how have you done so? Where did you find your recipe or was it mainly through word of mouth? Thank you so much for your help, I look forward to reading your ideas! Natasha :) Please pop me an email if you prefer, [email protected] ------------------------------ Natasha Waddell PhD Student, Clear Coatings in Metalwork Conservation Imperial College London Chichester United Kingdom ------------------------------ 3.From: Diana Bencatel Posted: Tuesday November 18, 2025 9:29 AM Subject: FREE Webinar | Materials for Preserving Paper Collections Message: Hi! I'll be hosting a free training on Materials for Preserving Paper Collections. In this webinar, I'll share practical guidance on tools and equipment - including some low-cost options - that support key conservation actions, from environmental monitoring and cleaning to proper storage. Registration link: https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/materialsregist <https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/materialsregist> See you soon! Diana BencatelCollections Conservator 4.From: Alison Moule Posted: Tuesday November 18, 2025 9:29 AM Subject: Emerging Conservators Symposium 2026: Call for Abstracts Message: Calling all emerging conservators! The CAC <https://www.cac-accr.ca/> Emerging Conservators Committee is pleased to announce they will be hosting the 5th annual virtual Emerging Conservators Symposium. We are inviting early career conservators, students and pre-program interns to share their research, treatments and academic projects with the wider conservation community as part of this virtual event. Submit your abstracts at the following link: https://forms.gle/JBWAhsa3SHDTZY3N6 <https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FJBWAhsa3SHDTZY3N6%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQ2cyUE9ZeDJlY2RydGxsNXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6VRz3PRC4LItI10U_84q0DWsZS9un4zT6MeAxCzTW7kj2HH1cRnib-dI0btA_aem_eIPShWqE6G2hmi6QNfXpZg&h=AT05VbIfmqFuPzquNnCW1NpIpxX9D_IWF1tfOZDH9G_VYWuu3UV2pqOv-h9sor2aBOAnoZS3lsA5IITesiaH6wK_iQ7vOcB6ykXnN3vBgm9ouRjBHAfYksU31vuXK7zSoZsRY12gIsm1YIwGovtZBA&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2cczQ3n-7oSp_0mvCr9AIvP8nYa2WcLHpYFoO2gdKMFCodVd2nkYFGAxSpdjdft6Abbj4W0v0_60xLtvqUv_1SAkYFjNeS0y2bVlET44Sm5zcZjWqN_UcFfGL8Tz1GYq2sRHBfDf_Rs5oqBOx2ihbpVDySBsPPmahLdMIrEsoXs2Kws17fX5KJhH3yWsONJIGWyCD1khQcDmfJuZyaSA-gf0A_KECxDzU> Theme: Building Bridges: Conscientious Collaboration in Conservation Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 Hosted: Online, for free! All conservators face challenges whether they are first beginning as a student, looking to break into the field or trying to establish their professional careers. Often creative solutions can be found by working in collaboration with others. This year's symposium seeks to encourage conversation on the opportunities that arise from working with others and identify strategies for successful collaboration. This year, we invite applicants to present: Examples of successful collaboration between institutions and conservators both within Canada and internationally; Your experience working, volunteering or studying conservation internationally. How is it the same/different from working in Canada? Reflections on both the challenges and successes of working collaboratively. What role does communication play in successful collaboration? How do you coordinate large teams of people? Stories of integrating your community in a project you have been a part of. What soft skills did you use to ensure a successful outcome? Has working with external partners impacted other areas of your practice? Unique experiences that arose from working on a collaborative project. Has a team project ever required you to take on an unexpected role? What kinds of innovations are required when working under pressure? As always, submissions outside the theme are also welcome! We are currently accepting abstracts for 15-minute presentations. To submit, send your abstracts in before December 7, 2025. For any inquiries, email: [email protected] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Le symposium des restaurateurs émergents 2026 : appel aux soumissions Le comité des restaurateurs émergents de l'ACCR <https://www.cac-accr.ca/fr> est heureux d'annoncer la tenue de son 5e symposium annuel des restaurateurs émergents. Nous invitons les restaurateurs et restauratrices en début de carrière, les étudiant.e.s et les stagiaires en pré-programme à partager leurs recherches, leurs traitements et leurs projets académiques avec la communauté de la conservation-restauration dans le cadre de cet événement virtuel. Pour présenter au symposium, soumettez votre application au lien suivant: https://forms.gle/JBWAhsa3SHDTZY3N6 <https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FJBWAhsa3SHDTZY3N6%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQ2cyUE9ZeDJlY2RydGxsNXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR56VVch4QR-BSKAMZT4FL98GZCTXu-Hz5sAtmSuW6unPnGD7VTbTNHq0NE_3A_aem_GMR1BL46YCLeEUT9jsjG7A&h=AT05VbIfmqFuPzquNnCW1NpIpxX9D_IWF1tfOZDH9G_VYWuu3UV2pqOv-h9sor2aBOAnoZS3lsA5IITesiaH6wK_iQ7vOcB6ykXnN3vBgm9ouRjBHAfYksU31vuXK7zSoZsRY12gIsm1YIwGovtZBA&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2cczQ3n-7oSp_0mvCr9AIvP8nYa2WcLHpYFoO2gdKMFCodVd2nkYFGAxSpdjdft6Abbj4W0v0_60xLtvqUv_1SAkYFjNeS0y2bVlET44Sm5zcZjWqN_UcFfGL8Tz1GYq2sRHBfDf_Rs5oqBOx2ihbpVDySBsPPmahLdMIrEsoXs2Kws17fX5KJhH3yWsONJIGWyCD1khQcDmfJuZyaSA-gf0A_KECxDzU> Thème : Tisser des liens : La collaboration responsable en restauration Date : Samedi, 21 février, 2026 Symposium virtuel et gratuit! Tous les restaurateur.rice.s sont confronté.e.s à des défis, que ce soit en cherchant à percer dans le domaine ou en tentant de se bâtir une carrière professionnelle. La collaboration permet souvent de trouver des solutions créatives à ces enjeux. La cinquième édition du symposium vise à promouvoir le dialogue sur les opportunités offertes par le travail d'équipe et à identifier des stratégies pour une collaboration réussie. Cette année, nous invitons les candidat.e.s à présenter : Des exemples de collaboration fructueuse entre institutions et restaurateurs, au Canada et à l'étranger; Votre expérience de travail, de bénévolat ou d'études en conservation-restauration à l'étranger. En quoi est-elle semblable ou différente du travail au Canada? Des réflexions sur les défis et les réussites du travail collaboratif. Quel rôle joue la communication dans une collaboration fructueuse? Comment coordonner de grandes équipes? Des récits d'intégration d'une communauté à un projet auquel vous avez participé. Quelles compétences générales avez-vous utilisées pour assurer le succès? La collaboration avec des partenaires externes a-t-elle eu un impact sur d'autres aspects de votre pratique ? Des expériences uniques découlant d'un projet collaboratif. Un projet d'équipe vous a-t-il déjà amené.e à assumer un rôle inattendu? Quelles innovations sont nécessaires lorsqu'on travaille sous pression? Comme toujours, les applications hors-thème sont aussi les bienvenues! Nous acceptons présentement des applications pour des présentations de 15 minutes. Pour appliquer, envoyez un résumé de votre présentation au formulaire Google ci-dessus avant le 7 décembre 2025. Pour toutes questions, écrivez-nous au [email protected]. ------------------------------ Alison Moule Conservation Project Manager Textile Museum of Canada Toronto Canada ------------------------------ 5.From: Adrienne Bell Posted: Tuesday November 18, 2025 1:05 PM Subject: Non-Aqueous Deacidification Prior to Encapsulation? Message: The Department of Preservation and Conservation Services, University Libraries, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is interested in whether institutions are non-aqueously deacidifying materials prior to encapsulation or not. Any research, protocols, or thoughts supporting the decision would be appreciated. Responses can be sent directly to [email protected] <[email protected]>; if there is any interest from other institutions, responses can be compiled for anonymity and shared. ------------------------------ Adrienne Bell Senior Conservator UNC Chapel Hill Libraries Chapel Hill NC ------------------------------ 6.From: Gretal Evans Posted: Tuesday November 18, 2025 1:09 PM Subject: Conservator Positions at AOC Archaeology Group Edinburgh Message: Hello, Please see the attached job postings. Many thanks Gretel Evans ACR 7.From: Silvia Callegari Posted: Tuesday November 18, 2025 4:53 PM Subject: RE: Calcium deposit on bronze sculptures in fountains Message: Hello @Myriam Lavoie <https://www.culturalheritage.org/people/myriam-lavoie1> and @Craig Deller <https://www.culturalheritage.org/people/craig-deller1>. Would you be willing to share the chart you referenced. I have also encountered a fountain with a similar problem and am interested in your search to establish acceptable parameters for fountains with bronze sculptures. Thank you for raising this issue! ------------------------------ Silvia Callegari Conservator EverGreene Architectural Arts, Inc. District Heights United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11-07-2025 12:31 From: Myriam Lavoie Subject: Calcium deposit on bronze sculptures in fountains Hello again! @Craig Deller <https://www.culturalheritage.org/people/craig-deller1>, thank you for the information provided. Your experience is quite telling. The results we had for the fountain water is 91 mg/L (ppm), which is 'moderately hard' according to your chart, which seems a helpful comparision. Thankfully, the fountain has a modern automated system and the city is open to add a filtering component - we just need to figure what system exactly. At first read, a lot of softening systems swap calcium / potassium ions for sodium ions, which does not seem like a big win with bronzes. But we will shortly have a discussion with the company who does the fountain water system maintenance, and we will see if they can offer that filters calcium without adding sodium or other problematic ions. @Martha Singer <https://www.culturalheritage.org/people/martha-singer>, bonjour très chère, merci pour le tuyau. J'espère que tu vas bien. Si tu as envie de venir pratiquer ton français et manger des bons croissants, tu es toujours la bienvenue à Québec. Bises. @Tom Podnar <https://www.culturalheritage.org/profile?UserKey=b04e06e7-8ef9-41c8-9b53-90f7f5d868ee>, thanks for the invitation, I will reach out shortly. ------------------------------ Myriam Lavoie Sculpture Conservator Centre de Conservation du Quebec Quebec Canada ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 11-04-2025 11:44 From: Myriam Lavoie Subject: Calcium deposit on bronze sculptures in fountains 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 ------------------------------ 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.
