Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. FRAME: Concept, History and Conservation Symposium 3, Hobart, February 16-18, 2026 - Registration NOW OPEN 2. RE: Ventilation Holes in Archive Boxes 3. RE: Sustainability for nitrile gloves in the UK 4. RE: Microscope for media ID through glazing 5. RE: Microscope for media ID through glazing 6. Online conference - Resilient Communities, Resilient Archives: Protecting Heritage, Memory & Land in Palestine & Lebanon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Malgorzata Sawicki Posted: Tuesday December 2, 2025 6:30 AM Subject: FRAME: Concept, History and Conservation Symposium 3, Hobart, February 16-18, 2026 - Registration NOW OPEN Message: We are thrilled to announce that Registration is NOW OPEN for the 'FRAME: Concept, History and Conservation Symposium 3', Studio Theatre, Hedberg Building, Hobart, Tasmania, February 16-18, 2026! Join us in beautiful Hobart for this exceptional gathering of frame conservation professionals and enthusiasts, featuring ground-breaking research from leading cultural institutions worldwide. HOW TO REGISTER: Visit our updated symposium website at: https://lnkd.in/gYwRxSxg <https://lnkd.in/gYwRxSxg> to explore registration options and secure your place. Registration is processed through the Studio Theatre ticketing system. Full PROGRAM is now available on the website: Program - FRAME: Concept, History and Conservation: Symposium 3 <https://www.framesymposium3.com/program> The program showcases our outstanding line-up of speakers from around the world who will share their cutting-edge research and insights. Exclusive ACCOMMODATION Offer: We've partnered with The Old Woolstore to provide symposium attendees with convenient, quality accommodation at a special rate. Located in the heart of Hobart, just a short walk from the waterfront, The Old Woolstore offers spacious hotel rooms and apartments perfect for your stay. Special 10% Discount: Use promo code 'WOOLSTAY10' when booking Valid dates: February 16-18, 2026. Learn more: Visit www.oldwoolstore.com.au <http://www.oldwoolstore.com.au/> to explore room options. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to Hobart for what is an unrivalled opportunity to learn, laugh and network with our community of frame aficionados! Anita Gowers and Malgorzata Sawicki on behalf of the FRAME Symposium 3 Committee. ------------------------------ Malgorzata Sawicki Professional Consultant in Gilded Wood Conservation Sydney Australia ------------------------------ 2.From: Helene Tello Posted: Tuesday December 2, 2025 6:31 AM Subject: RE: Ventilation Holes in Archive Boxes Message: Dear Emily, All of the received comments are useful and thoughtful. Still I wonder on the importance of a microclimate inside the boxes .... Overall you will get more input by contacting the BibTox group <https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/units/departments/art-conservation/our-people/melissa-tedone/> [email protected] <[email protected]>. to consider the a) Material of the boxes. Are they acid free and/or free of other harmful substances? b) Are harmful substances on the archival materials to be expected sourced by pesticides like inorganic or organic active ingredients (arsenic, mercury, DDT, thymol, lindane, etc.)? I guess probably nobody has ever tested these issues. To my knowledge they are most important to decide which boxes should be in use. Please reach out at any time if need. All the best, Helene P.S.: May be the attached contribution is useful for you. Dr. Helene Tello Fellow IIC Fulbright scholar Hornstr. 20 10963 Berlin E-Mail: [email protected] <[email protected]> Web: www.helenetello.com <http://www.helenetello.com/> Mobil: +49-(0)178-5756674 ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2078-4821 <https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2078-4821> NEUERSCHEINUNG Schädlingsbekämpfung in Museen. Wirkstoffe und Methoden am Beispiel des Ethnologischen Museums Berlin 1887 - 1936 https://www.vandenhoeck-ruprecht-verlage.com/AuthorProfile/index/id/108589/name/Helene+Tello <https://www.vandenhoeck-ruprecht-verlage.com/AuthorProfile/index/id/108589/name/Helene+Tello>, ISBN: 978-3-412-52460-9, Böhlau Verlag Köln, 1. Auflage, 2022. NEW RELEASE The Toxic Museum - Berlin and Beyond https://www.routledge.com/The-Toxic-Museum-Berlin-and-Beyond/Tello/p/book/9781032526348 <https://www.routledge.com/The-Toxic-Museum-Berlin-and-Beyond/Tello/p/book/9781032526348> ISBN: 9781032526348, Routledge Francis & Taylor Group, 1st Edition, 2023. ------------------------------ Helene Tello Conservator in Private Practice Berlin Germany ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 11-24-2025 08:05 From: Emily Mullin Subject: Ventilation Holes in Archive Boxes Hi all! I have just started a new job as conservator at a county archive in the UK. All the archive boxes they are using here have 'ventilation holes' in them, please see images attached. I had never seen this before coming here and was told it was to stop a microclimate from forming. The holes in my option defeats many of the benefits boxes give in protecting the archival material within. My plan therefore going forward is to be ordering boxes without holes in them. I was wondering if anyone else had ever come across this as an archival practice before or can think of any positives? ------------------------------ Emily Mullin Book and Paper Conservation Student City & Guilds of London Art School London United Kingdom ------------------------------ 3.From: Stephanie de Roemer Posted: Tuesday December 2, 2025 6:31 AM Subject: RE: Sustainability for nitrile gloves in the UK Message: Hi Brandon, We (Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge) went through similar discussions and had a contract with Terra cycle. However, the university stopped this contract as the company wasn't forthcoming on requests answering enquiries about their processes of recycling, and it appears these are shipped off somewhere for 'disposal'. As mentioned by others, there does not appear to be a straight forward alternative. Some gloves which are marketed as biodegradable are actually degrading and contributing to microplastic pollution and on further enquiry, it turned out that the biodegradable referred to the cardboard box these gloves came in. With all this greenwashing marketing, we have continuous discussions about when and why we use gloves. We reintroduced cotton gloves and tend to at times even decide against gloves alltogether. We do not throw gloves out after every single use, but may re-use them. So preventing use and more conscious use of gloves is a very valuable approach. Obviously this is based on good discussions and training, but it is worthwhile as there are other considerations why and which gloves to use, irrespectively to sustainanle development ambitions. ------------------------------ Stephanie de Roemer Conservator of Objects Cambridge University Museums/ Shared Conservation Service Cambridge United Kingdom ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 12-01-2025 11:37 From: Katharine Fugett Subject: Sustainability for nitrile gloves in the UK Hi Brandon, The AIC Sustainability Committee looked into some glove recycling options as part of our 2022 AIC News article (Volume 47, Issue 5) on nitrile gloves and their sustainability and use which can be found here: https://www.culturalheritage.org/resources/resources-for-conservation-professionals/publications/aic-news?e02bf88d-c56e-46ba-8ee1-0195aa96c9dc=eyJsaWJyYXJ5ZW50cnkiOiJmMDlkYjI3Zi00NzRlLTQxMzMtOTFlYi0wMTk3ZjZjNDNmYjEifQ%3D%3D <https://www.culturalheritage.org/resources/resources-for-conservation-professionals/publications/aic-news?e02bf88d-c56e-46ba-8ee1-0195aa96c9dc=eyJsaWJyYXJ5ZW50cnkiOiJmMDlkYjI3Zi00NzRlLTQxMzMtOTFlYi0wMTk3ZjZjNDNmYjEifQ%3D%3D> Showa gloves will not biodegrade in your typical backyard compost. They must be disposed of in an industrial compost setting which at least in the US is a landfill. What makes them different from your typical nitrile glove is they have been manufactured to biodegrade faster. In the end, they are still ending up in a landfill. I personally find this to be greenwashing and don't love it as a sustainable solution. I'd be curious to hear if you have better infrastructure for this in Scotland and how Showa recommends you dispose of them over there. Good luck! Best, Kate -- Professional Associate, American Institute for ConservationPreventive Conservator, National September11 Memorial & Museum Original Message: Sent: 11/28/2025 5:17:00 AM From: Brandon Hamer Subject: Sustainability for nitrile gloves in the UK Hi all, We're currently looking into changing our nitrile gloves towards being more sustainable. For gloves which are synthetic, this means reducing the production of landfill waste by using gloves that are biodegradable and/or using gloves that can be recycled. As always there is an interest in keeping costs to a reasonable level. Our context: largely archaeological with some historic material. Scotland specifically, in case that makes a difference with recycling schemes. So far, based on previous posts/threads and from a little digging, I've found the following information: 1). Schemes to recycle gloves The Ansell Nitrile Glove Recycling Programme | TerraCycle UK <https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB/brigades/gloves> Recycle Disposable Gloves | Zero Waste Box™ by TerraCycle <https://shop.terracycle.com/en-GB/products/disposable-gloves-zero-waste-box?_gl=1*1s9nepb*_gcl_au*MTIyODA5ODM5OC4xNzU5NzM3MDUw*_ga*MTk5NDExMjg0OC4xNzU5NzM3MDQ4*_ga_YKZ00C3L4J*czE3NjA2MDg5MjMkbzIkZzEkdDE3NjA2MDkwMDIkajU2JGwxJGg1NjkwMzU5NDc.> The Ansell scheme requires that the institution buys the Ansell gloves and the costs of recycling appear to be included in the cost of the gloves. The second scheme, with a purchased recycling box, is similar but doesn't seem to restrict the specific gloves that are used (aside from them being vinyl, nitrile or latex). Does anyone have direct experience of using these or similar services. 2. Biodegradable nitrile gloves Unigloves Biotouch Nitrile Work Gloves 100pk - SafetyGloves.co.uk <https://www.safetygloves.co.uk/GM0082.html?msclkid=bbe2f9e2628b1f291f6991011b562d86> SHOWA 7500pf gloves - Search <https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=163&q=SHOWA+7500pf+gloves&cvid=6e19f6fddccc4e0ebc4ba36934eee29d&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQABhAMggIAhDpBxj8VdIBBzc4NmowajGoAgCwAgA&FORM=ANNAB1&PC=LCTS> The Biotouch gloves come with certificates for: EN 374 (Standard for Chemical Resistance Gloves) EN 455 (Standard for Medical Gloves) EN 455-1 (Freedom from Holes) << I think this might be a step up from our current gloves! EN 455-2 (Physical Properties) The Showa gloves have been noted on this forum as having desirable qualities: lack of residues, good performance in Oddy tests) and are biodegradable, thicker, and suitable for handling sensitive art/metallic surfaces. These do have an increased purchase cost, but are then biodegradable in the ground and involve no additional organisation/costs for recycling. As it's still a plastic there is a concern over what 'biodegradable' really means - are they merely breaking down into microplastics? Another concern is that these gloves will be less suitable for working with solvents - even the non-biodegradable nitrile gloves deteriorate after exposure to ethanol or acetone and perform poorly against white spirits and stronger non-polar solvents. It is noted that the biotouch gloves do have chemical resistance certificates, but how applicable these are more specifically to conservation use is not too clear. Does anyone have any further insights into these biodegradable gloves? Any other input or information is greatly appreciated. Thank you, ------------------------------ Brandon Hamer Conservator AOC Archaeology Group Edinburgh United Kingdom ------------------------------ 4.From: George Schwartz Posted: Tuesday December 2, 2025 12:03 PM Subject: RE: Microscope for media ID through glazing Message: Bonjour Emily! I'm using a 30x40 loup and find it quite versatile. It will give you better than 1cm of space from whatever you need to examine. I've uploaded a picture of it, it's available from many sources (Amazon is out of stock) at various advantageous prices. Good Luck! George (Anciennement de Montreal) ------------------------------ George Schwartz Principal, Senior Conservator ConservArt, Inc. Boca Raton FL [email protected] Chair CIPP 2011-2013 Conservators in Private Practice ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 12-01-2025 12:14 From: Emily Cloutier Subject: Microscope for media ID through glazing Hello all, I am looking for some kind of portable microscope (digital or analog) with a longer depth of field. Basically, I am looking for something that would allow me to examine framed graphic and photographic works through glazing, mostly for media identification. I have a couple of pocket microscopes that are great, but the subject has to be up against the microscope to be able to see anything, so even a 1/4" gap + thickness of the glazing is enough to make them useless with framed works. Has anyone solved this problem? Thanks! Emily ------------------------------ Emily Cloutier Conservator - Art on Paper and Photographs Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal Montreal Canada ------------------------------ 5.From: Gawain Weaver Posted: Tuesday December 2, 2025 12:04 PM Subject: RE: Microscope for media ID through glazing Message: Hi Emily--I did this for a museum collection survey and used a Proscope HR2 with a 400x lens (I used a 400x lens because I needed to differentiate Cibachrome from dye coupler prints, which needs the additional magnification). I had to remove the clear plastic tip that was made to keep the subject at a distance that was in focus. The distance from the front of the glazing to the surface of the print took the place of the plastic tip. It also had a lens that could be focused. The Proscope line is discontinued (and mine just failed after 10 years), but I just purchased a Dino-Lite Edge Plus AM8517MZT (US$1399!), which also has a plastic tip that helps with setting the focus distance, so I'm guessing that it will be able to serve a similar function. While this unit is 8MP and 10x-220x, there are lower resolution options from Dino-Lite that are somewhat more affordable. Gawain ------------------------------ Gawain Weaver Photograph Conservator Gawain Weaver Art Conservation San Francisco Bay Area Free Process ID Charts: http://gawainweaver.com/processID ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 12-01-2025 12:14 From: Emily Cloutier Subject: Microscope for media ID through glazing Hello all, I am looking for some kind of portable microscope (digital or analog) with a longer depth of field. Basically, I am looking for something that would allow me to examine framed graphic and photographic works through glazing, mostly for media identification. I have a couple of pocket microscopes that are great, but the subject has to be up against the microscope to be able to see anything, so even a 1/4" gap + thickness of the glazing is enough to make them useless with framed works. Has anyone solved this problem? Thanks! Emily ------------------------------ Emily Cloutier Conservator - Art on Paper and Photographs Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal Montreal Canada ------------------------------ 6.From: Michelle C. Smith Posted: Tuesday December 2, 2025 4:51 PM Subject: Online conference - Resilient Communities, Resilient Archives: Protecting Heritage, Memory & Land in Palestine & Lebanon Message: Dear colleagues, I wanted to pass along this announcement for a free online conference happening this weekend, 2pm to 8pm (Jerusalem) on December 5, 6 & 7, titled Resilient Communities, Resilient Archives: Protecting Heritage, Memory & Land in Palestine & Lebanon <https://www.archiveslab.org/events/resilient-communities-resilient-archives/english-program-resilient-communities-resilient-archives>. The program includes presentations on the preservation of built heritage, family and municipal archives, a/v materials, intangible culture, and more. Presentations will be in either English or Arabic; see the full program for details. Conference program <https://www.archiveslab.org/events/resilient-communities-resilient-archives/english-program-resilient-communities-resilient-archives> <https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MmKWuwUzRpy4RT55nnqnMQ> | Register <https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MmKWuwUzRpy4RT55nnqnMQ> الجدول الكامل <https://www.archiveslab.org/events/resilient-communities-resilient-archives/arabic-program-resilient-communities-resilient-archiveshttps://www.archiveslab.org/events/resilient-communities-resilient-archives/arabic-program-resilient-communities-resilient-archives> Here is the description from the organizers: We are pleased to present the full program for the online conference, "Resilient Archives, Resilient Communities," taking place on December 5, 6 and 7, 2025. Below, you will find the full conference schedule of keynotes and panels here, along with presentation abstracts and speaker biographies. Featuring 7 keynotes, 30+ speakers, and 9 panels that center the work and perspectives of archivists, memory workers and cultural stewards in Palestine and Lebanon. Register today! <https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MmKWuwUzRpy4RT55nnqnMQ> Join us as we build community, strengthen networks, and fight erasure together. Through this conference, we are highlighting local voices in international debates on transitional memory, digital archiving in conflict zones, and community-centered models of heritage so we can together contribute to a broader global shift toward ethical, equitable, and community-embedded digital preservation. Register today! <https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MmKWuwUzRpy4RT55nnqnMQ>The conference is sponsored and supported by the "Safeguarding Archives, Building Resilience in Palestine, Lebanon & the Global South" initiative of the Fighting Erasure project <https://www.archiveslab.org/projects/fighting-erasure>; International Council on Archives' Programme Commission; International Council on Archives' Palestine Archives Task Force; Middle East Librarians Association's Archives & Records Advocacy & Training Group; Archives & Digital Media Lab; the Archival Community - Palestine; Lebanese Library Association; Litwin Books; Archival Technologies Lab at City University of New York; University of Amsterdam "Decolonial Futures". Please direct any questions to the conference organizers, archives & digital media lab Fighting Erasure project <https://www.archiveslab.org/projects/fighting-erasure>. ------------------------------ Michelle C. Smith (she/her) San Francisco Public Library [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.
