Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Sustainability for nitrile gloves in the UK 2. RE: Freezing Heritage Dioramas 3. Recommendation for an adhesive for acrylic that has passed the Oddy Test 4. RE: Servants' Stories Interpretation 5. RE: Microscope for media ID through glazing 6. Issue 29/1 of IPH Paper History & FILIGRANES - Carmen Hidalgo ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Brandon Hamer Posted: Tuesday December 16, 2025 7:27 AM Subject: RE: Sustainability for nitrile gloves in the UK Message: Thank you all for your replies! The resources are very useful and helpful in reaching a solution that works for us. We're particularly interested in the charity scheme, thank you Anna, as this would be similar to the scheme we were using that sadly ended. It will be interesting to see what comes from recyclable/biodegradable gloves in the future and whether there will be a clear answer to concerns any time soon. ------------------------------ Brandon Hamer Conservator AOC Archaeology Group Penicuik United Kingdom ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 12-04-2025 04:44 From: Anna Zwagerman Subject: Sustainability for nitrile gloves in the UK Hi Brandon, Aside from the Terracycle scheme there is a fund that collects gloves for charity in the UK, however you need to collect at least 8kg. These are their specifications: Disposable Gloves Scheme (8kg)- All brands of household disposable gloves made out of vinyl, latex, nitrile or polyethylene.- BUT NOT disposable gloves that have been used with harsh chemicals or unhygienic substancesAnd here is the link:Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/recyclingMSH>Best wishes,Anna ------------------------------ Anna Zwagerman Conservation Officer Perth United Kingdom ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 11-28-2025 05:17 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 ------------------------------ 2.From: Helena Jaeschke Posted: Tuesday December 16, 2025 7:27 AM Subject: RE: Freezing Heritage Dioramas Message: Melissa asked about freezing taxidermy in glass cases. We had to freeze a small display with stuffed birds that had been attacked by carpet beetle. The case had a wooden back and base, with glass sides, top and front. It was clearly not airtight as pests had got in, buy the glass was fixed and we were concerned about the risk if we tried to open the case. We wrapped the case in polythene sheet and taped all edges and folds to make sure it was airtight. We froze it at -29C for a week. After allowing it to defrost slowly at room temperature, we unwrapped it and all was well, even the glass eyes of the birds. All the best Helena ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 12/15/2025 7:09:00 PM From: Melissa Holt Subject: Freezing Heritage Dioramas Hi, We have two heritage showcases made of timber with glass panels, that have dioramas of taxidermied birds inside. Does any one have any experience freezing an object such as this? Thank you! Melissa Juillard Conservator The Australian Museum 3.From: Claire Curran Posted: Tuesday December 16, 2025 5:18 PM Subject: Recommendation for an adhesive for acrylic that has passed the Oddy Test Message: Hello, We are in the process of creating a sealed display and storage enclosure for a gold-plated brass record. I have attached a schematic that illustrates the enclosure. The client chose acrylic sheet for all three layers and a through acrylic bolt/rod. Later additions to this diagram include acrylic washers adhered to the interior sides of each outer sheet of acrylic to secure/immobilize the record within the enclosure, resulting in the appearance of the record floating. In this way the record only makes contact with the through acrylic rod and the washers on either side of the record. We are running in to an issue with finding an adhesive to adhere the rod and washers to the acrylic sheet that passes the Oddy Test. While we are open to using solvents for adhesion, given the health risks, we are hoping to avoid this. Can anyone recommend an adhesive for acrylic that is safe for use in a sealed enclosure? Thank you! Claire ------------------------------ Claire Curran Objects Conservator ICA-Art Conservation Cleveland United States ------------------------------ 4.From: Lidwien Speleers Posted: Tuesday December 16, 2025 5:18 PM Subject: RE: Servants' Stories Interpretation Message: Dear Eleanor, In Dordrecht, the Netherlands, the curator of the historic house museum Huis van Gijn, Wyke Sybesma, has researched the servants that worked there and you will also find them on the website. A few years ago colleagues of the museum lived in the house for 24 hours, upstairs and downstairs, each with his/her own role to play. From this we experienced how it was to live in the house, to be a servant or lady of the house and we created footage that was used in the tour of the museum. Come and visit if you happen to be in the neighbourhood. And take a look at the site (unfortunately only the Dutch site is elaborate). Here you will find the servants: https://www.huisvangijn.nl/de-bewoners/ <https://www.huisvangijn.nl/de-bewoners/> and more on the project under "verhalen". Kind regards, Lidwien Speleers paintings conservator Dordrechts Museum and 19th century servant for one day ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 12/15/2025 8:06:00 AM From: Eleanor Palmer Subject: Servants' Stories Interpretation Dear all, I work for a historic house and we are in the process of rethinking the ways we tell our servants' stories and engage visitors with the Servants Quarters. Currently, most of our interpretation is focussed on the wealthy who owned, built, and lived in the house. However, I think many visitors relate more to the 'life below stairs' so would appreciate more information about the servants' lives. I was wondering if any of you would like to share interesting ways you've seen historic houses engage visitors with servants' stories and bring the servants quarters to life. This can either be at your own properties or ones you've visited, and anything you think hasn't worked so well would also help our research very much. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thank you, Eleanor ------------------------------------------- 5.From: George Schwartz Posted: Tuesday December 16, 2025 5:19 PM Subject: RE: Microscope for media ID through glazing Message: Dear Emily, You didn't mention what magnification power you're looking for. There is a line of monoculars by SpecWell with various powers and prices. I have been using a 4x10mm for inspecting artwork hanging on walls for years. It's a telescope, but it will focus down to about 10" working distance when fully extended. And it's available at a surprisingly low price on eBay <https://www.ebay.com/itm/116284228559?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=116284228559&targetid=2295557531950&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9012050&poi=&campaignid=21415037908&mkgroupid=173029509028&rlsatarget=aud-1412318123216:pla-2295557531950&abcId=9450163&merchantid=115361315&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21415037908&gbraid=0AAAAAD_QDh-4tM8azGBOe01n1b9GhqI3f&gclid=Cj0KCQiAo4TKBhDRARIsAGW29bfMxBEmEoSPETwMHgpv82tUMXLyJMPbbO8KK56oxcqjygwZSkxKQDIaAodhEALw_wcB> 4X may not be enough for some cases, and there are others <https://www.google.com/search?q=over+10+x+magnification+specwell+monocular&shoprs=CAESESoPCPqacRIJCQAAAAAAACRAGAEqEnNwZWN3ZWxsIG1vbm9jdWxhcjI8CAESF092ZXIgMTAgeCBtYWduaWZpY2F0aW9uIhEqDwj6mnESCQkAAAAAAAAkQCoCGAE6CAj6mnEQADAGWLmzIGAB&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj8qYSTx8KRAxULSjABHXHEB1UQip4GKAR6BAgoEFs>, at higher magnification, also with close focus capability, and at higher prices. There are also magnifiers used by surgeons and dentists, at various prices and qualities, some with included lighting. So it all depends on your needs and your budget. Best of luck, George ------------------------------ George Schwartz Principal, Senior Conservator ConservArt, Inc. Boca Raton FL [email protected] Chair CIPP 2011-2013 Conservators in Private Practice ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 12-15-2025 10:46 From: Emily Cloutier Subject: Microscope for media ID through glazing Bonjour George! I have a number of loupes, though none as strong as yours, but most of them have a cm or so at best working distance. Often contemporary photographs are framed with a pretty deep space between the work and the glazing (1-2") and I have yet to find something portable that would allow for quick up close exams. I still might consider the 30x40 loupe, it would be an upgrade from mine! Merci pour la suggestion! Emily ------------------------------ Emily Cloutier Conservator - Art on Paper and Photographs Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal Montreal Canada ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 12-02-2025 10:58 From: George Schwartz Subject: Microscope for media ID through glazing 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] <[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 ------------------------------ 6.From: Valeria Orlandini Posted: Tuesday December 16, 2025 5:19 PM Subject: Issue 29/1 of IPH Paper History & FILIGRANES - Carmen Hidalgo Message: Dear Colleagues, Attached find Volume 29 (Year 2025, Issue 2) of the periodical IPH Paper History addressing Carmen Hidalgo's legacy. Please note that this journal is designed for DIN A4 paper format, in case you wish to print it. Also, the magazine FILIGRANES has a special mention in honor of Carmen's long and prolific career as a conservator, paper historian, educator, administrator, scholar and with her great contributions on watermarks (i.e. filigranas – marcas de agua in Spanish) and the history of paper in the Iberian Peninsula among others. The next XVI Congreso Internacional Historia del Papel en la Península Ibérica will be held in Tibi (Alicante), Spain in 2027. <https://ahhp.es/xvi-congreso-internacional-historia-del-papel-en-la-peninsula-iberica/> XVI Congreso Internacional Historia del Papel en la ... <https://ahhp.es/xvi-congreso-internacional-historia-del-papel-en-la-peninsula-iberica/> Quienes esten interesados en hacer una subscripción a la publicación pueden contactar a Marino Ayala Campinún, Director de FILIGRANES, Revista del Centre d'Estudis del Museu Valencià del Paper en Banyeres de Mariola, en Alicante. FILIGRANES celebró en el año 2020 sus 10 números editados desde su creación en 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWWfq-xnrPI&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR06H_AI8KX3wKEzuTFpFLkZlL4K-LKBpKEtE_P92cZqo9qg7-F8iyNEymU <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWWfq-xnrPI&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR06H_AI8KX3wKEzuTFpFLkZlL4K-LKBpKEtE_P92cZqo9qg7-F8iyNEymU> Marino AYALA CAMPINÚN Tfno: 00 34 679779872 E-mail: <[email protected] <[email protected]>> Espero que sea de interés conocer más sobre esta revista anual en Español y especializada en la historia del papel en la Península Ibérica y filigranas/ marcas de agua entre otros temas. -- In Memoriam: Carmen Hidalgo It is with deep sadness that we say farewell to our dear colleague Mª del Carmen Hidalgo Brinquis, whose career and dedication have left an indelible mark on the Institute of Cultural Patrimony of Spain/ Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España (IPCE) in Madrid, Spain and on the conservation of the Ibero-American cultural heritage. Carmen Hidalgo died on February 7, 2025. Carmen was part of the team of professionals who, in 1986, laid the foundations of the former Instituto del Patrimonio Histórico Español. With determination and passion, she contributed to defining the lines of work, thus establishing the procedures and strengthening the teams that would make possible the protection and conservation of Spanish heritage. Her work was tireless, overcoming difficulties with great enthusiasm and dedication that often characterized her. At the IPCE she played a fundamental role as Coordinator of the Historical Documentation and the Research Area and, since 2002, acted as the Head of the Books and Documents Service. Her vision drove key initiatives, such as the National Plan for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage of the 20th Century and the Hispanic Watermarks/ 'Filigranas Hispánicas' database, in addition to her role as founder and Secretary General of the Hispanic Association of Paper Historians/ Asociación Hispánica de Historiadores del Papel(AHHP). But beyond her extraordinary career, those of us who were lucky enough to know her feel that Carmen was much more. Her passion for her work went hand in hand with an infinite generosity, always ready to share her knowledge, to guide and accompany with a smile that never faded, no matter how overwhelming the task. Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España, IPCE. Ministerio de Cultura Marian Dirda and Valeria Orlandini ------------------------------ Valeria Orlandini Conservator of Works on Paper and Photographic Materials Chevy Chase MD (301) 657-2682 ------------------------------ 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.
