Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession 2. RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount 3. Job Opportunity: Paper Conservator at Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) 4. RE: UK Source for heated suction table? 5. RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount 6. RE: UK Source for heated suction table? 7. RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount 8. RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount 9. Seeking Recommendations: Analytical Labs for Hazardous Materials Testing (Northern Plains Resource List) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Samantha Emmanuel Posted: Wednesday February 25, 2026 3:05 PM Subject: Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession Message: Dear Members of the Global Forum and AIC Community, We invite you to participate in an important survey <https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3reoGcyplMVVJCC> on the impact of censorship on conservation and allied professions. This survey was developed by the authors of the upcoming presentation: "Conservators Fighting Back Against Censorship and Inaction: Ethical Responses to Genocide and Cultural Erasure." Your insights will help us understand how censorship affects our work and community, particularly in relation to social justice struggles, academic freedom, and professional ethics. The survey is mostly multiple choice and takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and is structured to protect your anonymity. This survey includes questions on social and political issues that may be sensitive or contentious, and we are grateful for your time, consideration, and willingness to engage with these important subjects. Results of this survey will be presented in our talk at the American Institute for Conservation 2026 Annual Meeting in Montreal on Thursday, April 30th. Please complete this survey by Friday, March 27th, 2026. Survey link: https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3reoGcyplMVVJCC <https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3reoGcyplMVVJCC> Sincerely, Samantha Emmanuel, adrian hernandez, Gillian Marcus, and Aisha Wahab Please email [email protected] <[email protected]> for any technical issues or questions about the survey. ------------------------------ Samantha Emmanuel Wall Painting Conservator Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent San Jose United States ------------------------------ 2.From: Ann Frisina Posted: Wednesday February 25, 2026 3:05 PM Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Message: Because this artifact is porous and flexible on the front and covered with fur on the verso, applying Japanese paper hinges is not a good solution. The front will be discolored with any application of wheat starch paste. The fur on the verso prevents a strong attachment of a paper hinge to the actual hide underneath. The paper hinges will also pull at the guard hairs. I have used your system with stiffer hides that have smoother surfaces, and I wish I could use it here. It's the near verticality of the mount that is creating out biggest hurdle. Written in haste, Ann ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] 612-384-0340 http://www.mnhs.org/Textile Conservator ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 02-24-2026 15:47 From: Niccolo Caldararo Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Yes, I can see the problem here. We had investigated pressure hanging systems in 1991, but our experiments demonstrated that they tended to create impressions and to lose local "bite" allowing the skin to creep away from anchors. This is why we went to the Japanese tissue method which worked as planned. Each tissue "anchor" held and the taught nature of the place fixation did not allow creep and yet did not produce any physical deformation of the skin. Niccolo Original Message: Sent: 2/24/2026 10:08:00 AM From: Ann Frisina Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount I love the idea of pockets! Actually, I was thinking about using a design with Mylar or fabric inserted through the hole. This is a tricky issue due to the pliability of the brain-tanned skin and the Near Verticality of the mount. So that issue led me to the idea of a plex or vivak clip/button that would be the width of the Slit/hole and secured to the mount with a mechanical fastener like a screw underneath. However, this button system only supports the perimeter leaving the center to bag and migrate downward. This near vertical mount prevents a strong friction bond between the buffalo hide, hair side down, and instead creates a weak attachment to the mount in the center. In my opinion I don't think a friction mount will work at all in this instance because of the near verticality of the mount. ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] <[email protected]> 612-384-0340 http://www.mnhs.org/Textile <http://www.mnhs.org/Textile> Conservator ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 02-21-2026 12:48 From: Yadin Larochette Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Hi Ann,I'm not sure this would work, but have you considered sewing a lining to the skin through the existing (tanning process) holes, and securing your mounting system to that? One option might be pockets for magnets along the top (band of 1 ft or so) in areas where the skin "dips" when laying horizontally, that would be closest to the wall when vertical. I remember seeing a variation of this system published somewhere... I can see if I can find it if it's of interest?Best,Yadin Original Message: Sent: 2/20/2026 12:58:00 PM From: Ann Frisina Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount I have been tasked with mounting a large, newly tanned buffalo hide on a near-vertical, flat mount approximately 8x8. The exhibition is expected to last between 6 months to a year. Mounting this hide will likely require a mechanical fastener to secure it in place. Sewing Velcro isn't appropriate as it will create damage via sewing holes through the hide. Magnets utilized from the top or bottom are not suitable, as fur on the verso will be crushed below. Finally, magnets may have difficulty creating a strong connection between the hide and the mount as the fur prevents the hide from lying flat. I am wondering if anyone has utilized the existing holes, created during tanning, to secure a large hide to a flat mount. It's my hope that plex rods with magnets or another form of mechanical attachment can be inserted through the existing holes to the mount below, preventing the hide from slipping down the mount. Any ideas on possible solutions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your time on this matter. Best Ann ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] <[email protected]> 612-384-0340 http://www.mnhs.org/Textile <http://www.mnhs.org/Textile> Conservator ------------------------------ 3.From: Michael Lee Posted: Wednesday February 25, 2026 3:08 PM Subject: Job Opportunity: Paper Conservator at Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) Message: PAPER CONSERVATOR Position Summary The Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) seeks a motivated professional for the position of Paper Conservator with interest in developing their photograph conservation skills. The individual will join the staff of the Paper, Photograph and Asian Paintings Conservation Department. The opening is a full-time position located in NEDCC's new facility located in Andover, Massachusetts. Founded in 1973, NEDCC <https://www.nedcc.org/> is a non-profit conservation and preservation services center supporting the collections of its private and institutional clients. The Paper Conservator will be joining a team of paper and photograph <https://www.nedcc.org/about/staff/paper-and-photograph-conservation-laboratory-staff> conservators and technicians. The individual's responsibilities will primarily focus on treating a variety of paper based artifacts across diverse material types from contemporary fine art drawings, paintings and prints to archival materials, oversize and 3D paper objects. The department's objectives are to increase NEDCC's professional capabilities; to meet all of our clients' commitments whether a major museum, small historical society, or library; to diversify our technical and practical skills including strengthening NEDCC's Photograph and Asian paintings proficiencies; and to accelerate our material science knowledge and capability. If selected for an interview, the applicant is expected to present a portfolio of completed projects during the interview process. A presentation before the senior staff will be required. Responsibilities Reporting to the Director of Paper, Photograph and Asian Paintings Conservation, the qualifying Paper Conservator will: Conduct conservation treatments on paper-based works adhering to the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). Perform treatments conforming to the collections holding institution's expectations. Evaluate objects, prepare and draft condition reports, and develop treatment plans. Collaborate with NEDCC's Conservators, Framing Specialists, Registrar, and Imaging Specialists to meet the center's fiscal and strategic goals. Perform all duties as assigned in support of NEDCC's conservation activities and to further NEDCC's mission to educate our constituents via webinars and consultations as needed. Qualifications A master's degree from a recognized conservation program or the minimum equivalent of 3 years of experience performing hands on conservation treatment is required. Good organizational and verbal skills and an ability to work collegially in a group environment are essential. Preference may be given to individuals with a strong desire to develop photograph conservation skills. Essential skills must include Well-developed precision hand-skills. Excellent eye for color rendering. Excellent communication skills. Ability to treat fragile, oversized, and historically-valuable objects. Ability to work efficiently while maintaining conservation standards. Ability to work harmoniously in a group environment. Ability to meet deadlines and assist in coordinating group projects. Ability to think critically and creatively about conservation treatments. The minimum annual salary for this opening is $55,000. Salaries are commensurate with education, years of experience, and skill level. A comprehensive benefits and retirement package is included. NEDCC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Only persons with the legal right to work in the United States are eligible to apply. This position will remain open until it is filled. Application Process To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three references as a single PDF to: Michael Lee, Director of Paper, Photograph and Asian Paintings Conservation, at mlee <at> nedcc <.> org. Qualifying candidates will be expected to present a portfolio of completed projects during the full day interview process. A thirty-minute PowerPoint presentation before the senior management staff will be required demonstrating experiences and technical acumen. Michael K. Lee Director of Paper & Photograph Conservation NEDCC/Northeast Document Conservation Center 600 Federal St., Suite 100-S Andover, MA 01810 Phone: 978-470-1010 www.nedcc.org <http://www.nedcc.org/> 4.From: Robin Hodgson Posted: Wednesday February 25, 2026 5:38 PM Subject: RE: UK Source for heated suction table? Message: Hi, Have you checked out the RH Conservation Engineering site and the low mass hot suction table? These are supplied worldwide and are the most advanced technology in this area. Regards Robin Mistress, Ms., she, her. Robin HODGSONFIIC, PMAICCM "Meakins Rise"16 Meakins Road <x-apple-data-detectors://7>Flinders <x-apple-data-detectors://7>Victoria 3929 <x-apple-data-detectors://7>AUSTRALIA <x-apple-data-detectors://7> Mobile: 0419 89 29 19 <tel:0419%2089%2029%2019>Skype: robin_hodgson www.RHConservationEng.com <x-msg://1/www.RHConservationEng.com> www.Robin-Hodgson.com <x-msg://1/www.Robin-Hodgson.com> ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 2/24/2026 9:35:00 AM From: Tomasz Lojewski Subject: RE: UK Source for heated suction table? Hello Celeste, I can recommend a manufacturer in Poland that produces such suction tables if you can't find anyone in the UK. Best regards, Tomasz Lojewski [email protected] ------------------------------ Tomasz Lojewski AGH University Of Science and Technology Krakow Poland ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 02-23-2026 05:37 From: Celeste Sturgeon Subject: UK Source for heated suction table? Hello, We are looking to invest in a heated low-pressure suction table for lining paintings, but since the sad death of Paul Willard and the subsequent closure of Willard Instruments, we're struggling to find any other UK suppliers for suction tables. Does anyone have any suggestions for UK suppliers, or failing that, does anyone in the UK have experience of ordering a suction table from abroad (I've been looking at Deffner & Johann and GMW in Germany as possibilities). I'm just not sure about the costs and logistics of ordering such a large item from outside the country! Thank you in advance for any suggestions you might have! ------------------------------ Celeste Sturgeon Senior Technician Lincoln Conservation Lincoln United Kingdom ------------------------------ 5.From: Niccolo Caldararo Posted: Wednesday February 25, 2026 5:39 PM Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Message: Of course in this venue one cannot examine the object for condition of type or preparation. And it depends on what you call "hide" and "brain cured." Our specimen had been prepared in a traditional fashion for painting, with the hair removed. You might want to consult Arden King's comprehensive analysis of skin preparation types: "Aboriginal Skin Dressing in Western North America," (submitted originally as a dissertation in 1938 with Kroeber and Lowie as committee members). Niccolo ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 2/25/2026 9:25:00 AM From: Ann Frisina Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Because this artifact is porous and flexible on the front and covered with fur on the verso, applying Japanese paper hinges is not a good solution. The front will be discolored with any application of wheat starch paste. The fur on the verso prevents a strong attachment of a paper hinge to the actual hide underneath. The paper hinges will also pull at the guard hairs. I have used your system with stiffer hides that have smoother surfaces, and I wish I could use it here. It's the near verticality of the mount that is creating out biggest hurdle. Written in haste, Ann ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] 612-384-0340 http://www.mnhs.org/Textile Conservator ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 02-24-2026 15:47 From: Niccolo Caldararo Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Yes, I can see the problem here. We had investigated pressure hanging systems in 1991, but our experiments demonstrated that they tended to create impressions and to lose local "bite" allowing the skin to creep away from anchors. This is why we went to the Japanese tissue method which worked as planned. Each tissue "anchor" held and the taught nature of the place fixation did not allow creep and yet did not produce any physical deformation of the skin. Niccolo Original Message: Sent: 2/24/2026 10:08:00 AM From: Ann Frisina Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount I love the idea of pockets! Actually, I was thinking about using a design with Mylar or fabric inserted through the hole. This is a tricky issue due to the pliability of the brain-tanned skin and the Near Verticality of the mount. So that issue led me to the idea of a plex or vivak clip/button that would be the width of the Slit/hole and secured to the mount with a mechanical fastener like a screw underneath. However, this button system only supports the perimeter leaving the center to bag and migrate downward. This near vertical mount prevents a strong friction bond between the buffalo hide, hair side down, and instead creates a weak attachment to the mount in the center. In my opinion I don't think a friction mount will work at all in this instance because of the near verticality of the mount. ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] <[email protected]> 612-384-0340 http://www.mnhs.org/Textile <http://www.mnhs.org/Textile> Conservator ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 02-21-2026 12:48 From: Yadin Larochette Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Hi Ann,I'm not sure this would work, but have you considered sewing a lining to the skin through the existing (tanning process) holes, and securing your mounting system to that? One option might be pockets for magnets along the top (band of 1 ft or so) in areas where the skin "dips" when laying horizontally, that would be closest to the wall when vertical. I remember seeing a variation of this system published somewhere... I can see if I can find it if it's of interest?Best,Yadin Original Message: Sent: 2/20/2026 12:58:00 PM From: Ann Frisina Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount I have been tasked with mounting a large, newly tanned buffalo hide on a near-vertical, flat mount approximately 8x8. The exhibition is expected to last between 6 months to a year. Mounting this hide will likely require a mechanical fastener to secure it in place. Sewing Velcro isn't appropriate as it will create damage via sewing holes through the hide. Magnets utilized from the top or bottom are not suitable, as fur on the verso will be crushed below. Finally, magnets may have difficulty creating a strong connection between the hide and the mount as the fur prevents the hide from lying flat. I am wondering if anyone has utilized the existing holes, created during tanning, to secure a large hide to a flat mount. It's my hope that plex rods with magnets or another form of mechanical attachment can be inserted through the existing holes to the mount below, preventing the hide from slipping down the mount. Any ideas on possible solutions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your time on this matter. Best Ann ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] <[email protected]> 612-384-0340 http://www.mnhs.org/Textile <http://www.mnhs.org/Textile> Conservator ------------------------------ 6.From: Lyzanne Gann Posted: Wednesday February 25, 2026 5:40 PM Subject: RE: UK Source for heated suction table? Message: Hi Celeste, I am not in the UK but far afield from my source of equipment just the same. I am based in the US and have purchased two suction devices and an IR device from RH Conservation Engineering in Australia. The IR unit runs off of a control panel similar to the Willard heated spatula. I do know colleagues in the UK that have purchased hot suction tables from RH and will wait for them to add their experiences. The point I want to make is that despite that distance (AUS to US), Robin Hodgson has provided in-person and virtual support for me in setting up and troubleshooting these devices beyond the initial sale. That level of service, extending to rewiring and repairing items on site for me here has been something I deeply appreciate and did not expect at the time of the sale. It seems that she travels to the locations where the equipment is installed if initial troubleshooting is not successful, makes repairs, and follows up to make sure you are fully functioning. It has saved me in two crucial moments of treatment. She is also a conservator, so some of our conversations centered on how I was trying to use the equipment and my expected goal for function and she was able to adjust the pump for me. I would have a conversation with Robin as part of initial research as this sounds like an important purchase. Just my two cents. Good luck to you. Lyzanne Gann Conservator of works on paper and photographic materials Gann Preservation Services, LLC Dallas, Texas, United States ------------------------------ Lyzanne Gann Conservator Gann Preservation Services, LLC Dallas United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 02-23-2026 05:37 From: Celeste Sturgeon Subject: UK Source for heated suction table? Hello, We are looking to invest in a heated low-pressure suction table for lining paintings, but since the sad death of Paul Willard and the subsequent closure of Willard Instruments, we're struggling to find any other UK suppliers for suction tables. Does anyone have any suggestions for UK suppliers, or failing that, does anyone in the UK have experience of ordering a suction table from abroad (I've been looking at Deffner & Johann and GMW in Germany as possibilities). I'm just not sure about the costs and logistics of ordering such a large item from outside the country! Thank you in advance for any suggestions you might have! ------------------------------ Celeste Sturgeon Senior Technician Lincoln Conservation Lincoln United Kingdom ------------------------------ 7.From: Beverly Perkins Posted: Wednesday February 25, 2026 6:21 PM Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Message: I would not recommend using any adhesive on the hide. Beverly Beverly N. Perkins Chief Conservator c: 307.250.4919 <tel:307.250.4919> o: 307.578.4029 <tel:307.578.4029> e: [email protected] <[email protected]> Connecting people to the stories of the American West centerofthewest.org <http://centerofthewest.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/centerofthewest> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuAFfHYYbWXPYtZrsut8Hgw> <https://www.instagram.com/centerofthewest/> ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 2/25/2026 4:21:00 PM From: Niccolo Caldararo Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Of course in this venue one cannot examine the object for condition of type or preparation. And it depends on what you call "hide" and "brain cured." Our specimen had been prepared in a traditional fashion for painting, with the hair removed. You might want to consult Arden King's comprehensive analysis of skin preparation types: "Aboriginal Skin Dressing in Western North America," (submitted originally as a dissertation in 1938 with Kroeber and Lowie as committee members). Niccolo ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 2/25/2026 9:25:00 AM From: Ann Frisina Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Because this artifact is porous and flexible on the front and covered with fur on the verso, applying Japanese paper hinges is not a good solution. The front will be discolored with any application of wheat starch paste. The fur on the verso prevents a strong attachment of a paper hinge to the actual hide underneath. The paper hinges will also pull at the guard hairs. I have used your system with stiffer hides that have smoother surfaces, and I wish I could use it here. It's the near verticality of the mount that is creating out biggest hurdle. Written in haste, Ann ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] 612-384-0340 <tel:612-384-0340> http://www.mnhs.org/Textile Conservator ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 02-24-2026 15:47 From: Niccolo Caldararo Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Yes, I can see the problem here. We had investigated pressure hanging systems in 1991, but our experiments demonstrated that they tended to create impressions and to lose local "bite" allowing the skin to creep away from anchors. This is why we went to the Japanese tissue method which worked as planned. Each tissue "anchor" held and the taught nature of the place fixation did not allow creep and yet did not produce any physical deformation of the skin. Niccolo Original Message: Sent: 2/24/2026 10:08:00 AM From: Ann Frisina Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount I love the idea of pockets! Actually, I was thinking about using a design with Mylar or fabric inserted through the hole. This is a tricky issue due to the pliability of the brain-tanned skin and the Near Verticality of the mount. So that issue led me to the idea of a plex or vivak clip/button that would be the width of the Slit/hole and secured to the mount with a mechanical fastener like a screw underneath. However, this button system only supports the perimeter leaving the center to bag and migrate downward. This near vertical mount prevents a strong friction bond between the buffalo hide, hair side down, and instead creates a weak attachment to the mount in the center. In my opinion I don't think a friction mount will work at all in this instance because of the near verticality of the mount. ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] <[email protected]> 612-384-0340 <tel:612-384-0340> http://www.mnhs.org/Textile <http://www.mnhs.org/Textile> Conservator ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 02-21-2026 12:48 From: Yadin Larochette Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Hi Ann, I'm not sure this would work, but have you considered sewing a lining to the skin through the existing (tanning process) holes, and securing your mounting system to that? One option might be pockets for magnets along the top (band of 1 ft or so) in areas where the skin "dips" when laying horizontally, that would be closest to the wall when vertical. I remember seeing a variation of this system published somewhere... I can see if I can find it if it's of interest? Best, Yadin Original Message: Sent: 2/20/2026 12:58:00 PM From: Ann Frisina Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount I have been tasked with mounting a large, newly tanned buffalo hide on a near-vertical, flat mount approximately 8x8. The exhibition is expected to last between 6 months to a year. Mounting this hide will likely require a mechanical fastener to secure it in place. Sewing Velcro isn't appropriate as it will create damage via sewing holes through the hide. Magnets utilized from the top or bottom are not suitable, as fur on the verso will be crushed below. Finally, magnets may have difficulty creating a strong connection between the hide and the mount as the fur prevents the hide from lying flat. I am wondering if anyone has utilized the existing holes, created during tanning, to secure a large hide to a flat mount. It's my hope that plex rods with magnets or another form of mechanical attachment can be inserted through the existing holes to the mount below, preventing the hide from slipping down the mount. Any ideas on possible solutions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your time on this matter. Best Ann ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] <[email protected]> 612-384-0340 <tel:612-384-0340> http://www.mnhs.org/Textile <http://www.mnhs.org/Textile> Conservator ------------------------------ 8.From: Niccolo Caldararo Posted: Wednesday February 25, 2026 7:30 PM Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Message: Dear Beverly: I think you might have taken my reference to my article as direction for the hanging of the reference item. That was not my intention. What I offered was the method of testing and consultation with the curatorial staff and stakeholders in the process of developing answers to display. Each item must be judged individually as proper for display and the kinds of display that are designed. In the case of this reference item the challenges are considerable and there is always the option for not displaying it or changing the design to fit the needs of the condition of the object. As I mentioned in my last message, without examining the object one cannot tell what the options are. But one of these is a slant board or a mirror construction where the object lies flat but the reflection is visible to the viewer and the viewer can also see the object in the flat condition. Niccolo ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 2/25/2026 5:49:00 PM From: Beverly Perkins Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount I would not recommend using any adhesive on the hide. Beverly Beverly N. Perkins Chief Conservator c: 307.250.4919 o: 307.578.4029 e: [email protected] <[email protected]> Connecting people to the stories of the American West centerofthewest.org <http://centerofthewest.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/centerofthewest> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuAFfHYYbWXPYtZrsut8Hgw> <https://www.instagram.com/centerofthewest/> ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 2/25/2026 4:21:00 PM From: Niccolo Caldararo Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Of course in this venue one cannot examine the object for condition of type or preparation. And it depends on what you call "hide" and "brain cured." Our specimen had been prepared in a traditional fashion for painting, with the hair removed. You might want to consult Arden King's comprehensive analysis of skin preparation types: "Aboriginal Skin Dressing in Western North America," (submitted originally as a dissertation in 1938 with Kroeber and Lowie as committee members). Niccolo ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 2/25/2026 9:25:00 AM From: Ann Frisina Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Because this artifact is porous and flexible on the front and covered with fur on the verso, applying Japanese paper hinges is not a good solution. The front will be discolored with any application of wheat starch paste. The fur on the verso prevents a strong attachment of a paper hinge to the actual hide underneath. The paper hinges will also pull at the guard hairs. I have used your system with stiffer hides that have smoother surfaces, and I wish I could use it here. It's the near verticality of the mount that is creating out biggest hurdle. Written in haste, Ann ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] 612-384-0340 http://www.mnhs.org/Textile Conservator ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 02-24-2026 15:47 From: Niccolo Caldararo Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Yes, I can see the problem here. We had investigated pressure hanging systems in 1991, but our experiments demonstrated that they tended to create impressions and to lose local "bite" allowing the skin to creep away from anchors. This is why we went to the Japanese tissue method which worked as planned. Each tissue "anchor" held and the taught nature of the place fixation did not allow creep and yet did not produce any physical deformation of the skin. Niccolo Original Message: Sent: 2/24/2026 10:08:00 AM From: Ann Frisina Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount I love the idea of pockets! Actually, I was thinking about using a design with Mylar or fabric inserted through the hole. This is a tricky issue due to the pliability of the brain-tanned skin and the Near Verticality of the mount. So that issue led me to the idea of a plex or vivak clip/button that would be the width of the Slit/hole and secured to the mount with a mechanical fastener like a screw underneath. However, this button system only supports the perimeter leaving the center to bag and migrate downward. This near vertical mount prevents a strong friction bond between the buffalo hide, hair side down, and instead creates a weak attachment to the mount in the center. In my opinion I don't think a friction mount will work at all in this instance because of the near verticality of the mount. ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] <[email protected]> 612-384-0340 http://www.mnhs.org/Textile <http://www.mnhs.org/Textile> Conservator ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 02-21-2026 12:48 From: Yadin Larochette Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Hi Ann, I'm not sure this would work, but have you considered sewing a lining to the skin through the existing (tanning process) holes, and securing your mounting system to that? One option might be pockets for magnets along the top (band of 1 ft or so) in areas where the skin "dips" when laying horizontally, that would be closest to the wall when vertical. I remember seeing a variation of this system published somewhere... I can see if I can find it if it's of interest? Best, Yadin Original Message: Sent: 2/20/2026 12:58:00 PM From: Ann Frisina Subject: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount I have been tasked with mounting a large, newly tanned buffalo hide on a near-vertical, flat mount approximately 8x8. The exhibition is expected to last between 6 months to a year. Mounting this hide will likely require a mechanical fastener to secure it in place. Sewing Velcro isn't appropriate as it will create damage via sewing holes through the hide. Magnets utilized from the top or bottom are not suitable, as fur on the verso will be crushed below. Finally, magnets may have difficulty creating a strong connection between the hide and the mount as the fur prevents the hide from lying flat. I am wondering if anyone has utilized the existing holes, created during tanning, to secure a large hide to a flat mount. It's my hope that plex rods with magnets or another form of mechanical attachment can be inserted through the existing holes to the mount below, preventing the hide from slipping down the mount. Any ideas on possible solutions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your time on this matter. Best Ann ------------------------------ Ann Frisina Textile Conservator [email protected] <[email protected]> 612-384-0340 http://www.mnhs.org/Textile <http://www.mnhs.org/Textile> Conservator ------------------------------ 9.From: Caitlin Gallupe Posted: Wednesday February 25, 2026 10:12 PM Subject: Seeking Recommendations: Analytical Labs for Hazardous Materials Testing (Northern Plains Resource List) Message: I'm reaching out to the list to ask for recommendations for accredited analytical labs that you've had good experiences working with for hazardous materials testing. I'm currently assisting Your Neighborhood Museum (YNM), which is planning to provide training for local Tribes and small institutions in the Northern Plains region. As part of this effort, we're compiling a region-specific resource list to support smaller organizations that may need occasional testing. We're especially interested in labs that can test for a range of hazardous materials, such as Arsenic, Asbestos, Lead, Mercury. Ideally, we're looking for labs that: -Are reasonably priced, particularly for small institutions -Can work with small sample quantities -Allow clients to collect and mail in their own samples -Are located in Montana or the broader Northern Plains region, or that reliably accept mail-in samples If you've had positive experiences with particular labs, regional or national, I'd greatly appreciate hearing about them. Thank you in advance for any recommendations or thoughts! Best, Caitlin ------------------------------ Caitlin Gallupe Graduate Student (Class of 2024) Jen Kim Conservation Victoria 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.
