Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Call for papers! Plastics for collections storage | Plastic Predicament London, UK 2. NAF 125 fire suppression gas 3. RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount 4. RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount 5. RE: UK Source for heated suction table? 6. Vibrational Spectroscopy Webinar Series 7. WEBINAR: Connecting the Histories of Canadian and American Conservation in the Mid-Twentieth Century | April 17, 2026; 12 pm EST online ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Laura Chaillie Posted: Thursday February 26, 2026 7:04 AM Subject: Call for papers! Plastics for collections storage | Plastic Predicament London, UK Message: CALL FOR PAPERS! Plastic predicament London, UK 12 November 2026 Join ICON's Modern Materials Group, Natural History Museum, Imperial College London, and the Science & Engineering Research for Cultural Heritage Network to discuss the challenges of using plastics in the storage of heritage collections. The symposium will dig into our love-hate relationship with these materials, looking at both the benefits and the drawbacks of using plastics for storage in museums and archives. We welcome submissions from all over the GLAM sector and related disciplines. Please note the symposium will take place in person in London 12 November 2026 and will not be recorded (although written abstracts will be circulated at the authors' discretion). This is to encourage open and non-judgmental discussions of potentially sensitive topics. Abstract Submission deadline: Thursday 26 March 2026 at 17:00 BST. More information can be found through the ICON website here <https://www.icon.org.uk/resource/call-for-papers-plastic-predicament-our-complicated-relationship-with-polymers-for-storage-of-collections.html> or feel free to email any questions to iconmodernmaterials at gmail ------------------------------ Laura Chaillie Objects Conservator London Museum London United Kingdom ------------------------------ 2.From: Marco Di Bella Posted: Thursday February 26, 2026 3:13 PM Subject: NAF 125 fire suppression gas Message: Good afternoon,Im looking for information regarding interaction between NAF 125 fire suppression gas with library and archive materials. Is there any study or documented occurrence of adverse effects? Ive read the scarce information available on-line:The NAF S 125 formulation includes a patented additive that reduces the levels of decomposition by-products normally generated by halocarbons during extinguishment and enhances extinguishing performance (inter alia US Patent No. 6,402,975 and EU Patent No. 630,278)and the explicit reference to decomposition byproducts worries me a little in case of accidental release.If anyone has experience on that or information to share Id be extremely grateful.Marco Di Bella Funzionario Restauratore Conservatore________________________Istituto Centrale per la Patologia degli Archivi e del LibroVia Milano, 76 - 00184 RomaTel 06.48291219 3.From: Beverly Perkins Posted: Thursday February 26, 2026 3:13 PM Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Message: Hello! I really wasn't addressing that comment to you but to anybody with no experience in leather. Sorry if I offended! Best, Bev ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 2/25/2026 7:21:00 PM From: Niccolo Caldararo Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount 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 ------------------------------ 4.From: Beverly Perkins Posted: Thursday February 26, 2026 3:13 PM Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount Message: Of course the very best is to exhibit hides and textiles like this flat. And then when that won't work you can argue for a lower angle. ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 2/25/2026 7:21:00 PM From: Niccolo Caldararo Subject: RE: Mounting large buffalo hide on near vertical mount 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 ------------------------------ 5.From: Cristiana Acerbi Ginatta Posted: Thursday February 26, 2026 3:14 PM Subject: RE: UK Source for heated suction table? Message: Dear Celeste: I second my friend Lyzanne in recommending Robin's equipment. I have been using her heated suction table for several years and have been very pleased with the performance. You can truly modulate the suction and the temperature, and since the suction is on the entire surface, I have also used it for localized consolidation, to drive in the consolidant as I apply it on the front. The surface of the table is a synthetic textile, so no worries about the texture of small holes in a metal sheet, or accidental scratches on a metal sheet. Robin came and installed the unit, and trained me on how to operate the controls. That's shortened the learning process. I highly recommend RH Conservation Engineering's equipment. If you explore the website, you may get an appetite for more! All the best, Cristiana ------------------------------ Cristiana Acerbi Ginatta Conservator of Paintings Arte Viva LLC Dallas TX ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------ 6.From: Mina Porell Posted: Thursday February 26, 2026 3:14 PM Subject: Vibrational Spectroscopy Webinar Series Message: Are you new to infrared and Raman spectroscopy, or are you looking for a refresher before the IRUG conference and workshop? The Research and Technical Studies (RATS) specialty group <https://www.culturalheritage.org/groups/rats> is organizing a series of three webinars on vibrational spectroscopy leading up to the IRUG16 Conference & Workshop <http://irug.org/about-us/conferences> at the Winterthur Museum (October 6–9, 2026). You can register for the first webinar now (and mark your calendars for the other two)! Topic: Intro to Vibrational Spectroscopy Presented by Dr. Liora Mael (University of Delaware), with case studies by Dr. Annette S. Ortiz Miranda (The Walters Art Museum) and Dr. Anikó Bezur (Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, Yale University) When: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM EDT (1-hour presentation + Q&A) Where: Webinar via AIC's Learning Site Fee: Free for AIC members and students; $20 for non-members. For more information and registration: https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/intro-to-vibrational-spectroscopy <https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/intro-to-vibrational-spectroscopy> Raman and FTIR spectroscopies will be explored in greater depth in two following webinars on Tuesday, April 14, 1-2:30pm and Thursday, May 14, 1-2:30pm; more details and registration links to follow. All sessions will be recorded and available to registered participants on AIC's Learning Site. For assistance with registration, please contact [email protected] <[email protected]>. ------------------------------ Mina Porell (she/hers) RATS Chair (2025-2026) Associate Conservator of Paintings | Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library Affiliated Assistant Professor | Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation ------------------------------ 7.From: Abed Haddad Posted: Thursday February 26, 2026 3:15 PM Subject: WEBINAR: Connecting the Histories of Canadian and American Conservation in the Mid-Twentieth Century | April 17, 2026; 12 pm EST online Message: In anticipation of our upcoming AIC-CAC 2026 Meeting in Montreal, we invite you to kickstart your Annual Meeting with an online lecture and discussion with Leib Celnik, doctoral candidate at Johns Hopkins University's Department of History of Science and Technology. Celnik will analyze conservation practices during the mid-twentieth century, a period when major associations and graduate programs emerged, shaping and professionalizing the field in both countries. Celnik's research is informed by archival records, publications, and oral histories from both public and private conservation institutions, museums, and degree programs in both countries, focusing on the field's development to understand how and why art conservation adopted scientific methods and rhetoric. Celnik holds a bachelor's degree in the history of science and art history from Harvard University and an MPhil in the history and philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on the history of art conservation, with his master's dissertation on the importation of synthetic dyes used in eighteenth-century Japanese woodblock prints and his undergraduate thesis on the history of analyses of Greco-Roman marble sculpture. Leib is broadly interested in the history of the physical sciences, museum studies, and material culture studies. He is currently researching a dissertation that explores the history of art conservation across North America and Europe, focusing on how and why scientific methods and language were increasingly integrated into art conservation during the twentieth century. Celnik has collaborated with institutions such as the Harvard Art Museums, Dumbarton Oaks, and the Baltimore Museum of Art in areas of education, research, and curation. This lecture will be moderated by AIC Vice President Abed Haddad, Assistant Conservation Scientist at the Museum of Modern Art. This free, online lecture will take place on April 17, 2026, at 12 pm EST and is open to all. Please use this link <https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/connecting-the-histories-of-canadian-and-american-conservation-in-the-mid-twentieth-century-relier-les-histoires-de-la-conservation-canadienne-et-americaine-au-milieu-du-xxe-siecle#tab-product_tab_overview> to register. We hope to see you online! ------------------------------ Abed Haddad AIC Vice President (2025-2027) Assistant Conservation Scientist The Museum of Modern Art New York, NY ------------------------------ 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.
