Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Expressions of Interest – Conservators (Marina, CA) 2. Showing our Metal: Identifying and Managing Hazardous Substances in Book Covers 3. Employment Opportunity - Chester Beatty Library (Ireland) 4. Two upcoming events with Conserv 5. Job postings- Assistant/Associate/Objects Conservator (x2) at the Menil Collection 6. Mount Maker Recommendations- Florida Panhandle Region ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Sophie McAloone Posted: Tuesday March 3, 2026 8:39 AM Subject: Expressions of Interest – Conservators (Marina, CA) Message: Our Marina studio builds on the model of our long-established UK practice, bringing the same structured studio approach, technical standards, and client focus to the US. We work with private collectors, institutions, insurers, and the art trade, undertaking a wide range of conservation and restoration projects. We welcome expressions of interest from conservators who may wish to join our team, particularly those specialising in paintings, paper, objects, frames, and contemporary art. We are keen to hear from practitioners with strong practical experience, sound professional judgement, and a collaborative approach to studio work. Initial appointments would typically be offered on an hourly basis, in the region of $30–$50 per hour, dependent on experience and contract structure. Longer-term arrangements may be considered following an initial period. Further information about our work can be found at: https://fineart-restoration.com/ <https://fineart-restoration.com/> Expressions of interest, including a brief outline of specialism, experience, and current location, should be sent to: [email protected] With best wishes, Sophie McAloone Operations & Conservation Manager Fine Art Restoration Company – Marina, California ------------------------------ Sophie McAloone Operations & Conservation Manager Fine Art Restoration Company ------------------------------ 2.From: Yuhong Zhang Posted: Tuesday March 3, 2026 8:44 AM Subject: Showing our Metal: Identifying and Managing Hazardous Substances in Book Covers Message: The AICCM Book and Paper Special Interest Group is thrilled to host a special webinar with Hayley Webster and Dr Rosemary A Goodall, sharing insights from their recently published Studies in Conservation article, "Showing our Metal: Identifying and Managing Hazardous Substances in Book Covers in the Museums Victoria Library." >From 2020–2024, Museums Victoria undertook extensive research into hazardous >substances present in pre-1900 book bindings within Australian collections. >Using XRF and FTIR, the team identified arsenic-, mercury-, lead-, and >chromium-based pigments in book covers of various colours. This session will present updated findings developed since publication of the article and outline practical library protocols designed to support the safe identification, handling, and management of affected materials. An excellent opportunity for conservators, librarians, collection managers, and heritage professionals to deepen their understanding of hazardous materials in historic book collections. 1 April 2026 1–2pm AEDT (Melbourne/Sydney/Canberra/Hobart) — Online webinar (Registered participants can access the recording up to three months.) — Free for AICCM Members | $10 Non-Members — Limited to 100 participants The presentation will be followed by a Q&A and discussion session - bring your questions and share your experiences. Booking Link: Please complete the booking form at https://aiccm.org.au/events/heavy-metals-in-books-paper/ <https://aiccm.org.au/events/heavy-metals-in-books-paper/> The link to the Zoom webinar will be sent to you in your booking confirmation. For booking enquiries, contact AICCM Secretariat at [email protected] . Sincerely, Yuhong and Hanna Convenors AICCM Book and Paper Special Interest Group 3.From: Peter Van de Moortel Posted: Tuesday March 3, 2026 10:29 AM Subject: Employment Opportunity - Chester Beatty Library (Ireland) Message: Dear All, Sharing this on behalf of the Head of Collections at the Chester Beatty. -- We are recruiting for a Head of Conservation at the Chester Beatty. The collection ranges from cuneiform tablets to mid-twentieth century works. The majority of the works are books and works on paper or vellum often in spectacular bindings; the collection also includes works on bark, jade, papyrus, ivory and some textiles etc. The primary focus of the collection is Western, East Asian, Islamic, and North African. The advertisement can be found through the link below: https://chesterbeatty.ie/about/careers/vacancies/ <https://chesterbeatty.ie/about/careers/vacancies/> -- Peter Van de Moortel Chief Conservator Kimbell Art Museum ------------------------------ Peter Van de Moortel Chief Conservator Kimbell Art Museum Ft Worth United States ------------------------------ 4.From: M. Susan Barger Posted: Tuesday March 3, 2026 1:00 PM Subject: Two upcoming events with Conserv Message: Sharing two upcoming opportunities from Conserv that may be of interest! Next Thursday, March 12th, Conserv is hosting a live Ask Me Anything session featuring Hannah Monachino, a fire safety specialist with over a decade of experience in firefighting, emergency response, and prevention, with a focus on cultural and heritage institutions. Submit your questions before Thursday next week and join the live discussion from 1-2 PM Eastern at https://community.conserv.io/c/ama-s/ask-me-anything-fire-risks-and-emergency-preparedness-planning <https://community.conserv.io/c/ama-s/ask-me-anything-fire-risks-and-emergency-preparedness-planning> Starting March 25th, Conserv and FAIC's Connecting to Collections Care are partnering to offer a free three-part webinar series on environmental monitoring for collections. Designed for anyone caring for collections regardless of technical background, the series covers the why, how, and what now of environmental monitoring. Presented by preventive conservators Megan Brakob Narvey, Maddie Cooper, and Margalit Schindler. Register for one or all three at https://connectingtocollections.org/courses/ <https://connectingtocollections.org/courses/> ------------------------------ M. Susan Barger, PhD Conserv Community Board Santa Fe NM ------------------------------ 5.From: Corina Rogge Posted: Tuesday March 3, 2026 8:12 PM Subject: Job postings- Assistant/Associate/Objects Conservator (x2) at the Menil Collection Message: Dear friends and colleagues, we are excited to announce the following employment opportunities at the Menil Collection. Please feel free to distribute this widely and if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected] <[email protected]> The Menil Collection Employment Opportunity Title: Assistant, Associate, or Objects Conservator (x2) Department: Conservation Reports to: Director of Conservation Status: Full-time; exempt from overtime Work location: Onsite Annual salary: Assistant Objects Conservator $63 - 68,000 Associate Objects Conservator $73 - 78,000 Objects Conservator $82 - 97,000 Application deadline: Application review for these positions will begin on March 30,2026, and continue until the positions are filled. The Menil Collection in Houston, Texas, is seeking to hire two objects conservators at the Assistant, Associate, or Conservator level to join the Department of Conservation. Philanthropists and art patrons John and Dominique de Menil established the Menil Foundation in 1954 to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, culture, religion, and philosophy. In 1987, the Menil Collection's main building opened to the public. Today, the museum's art buildings and green spaces are nestled within a residential neighborhood in central Houston. On a 30-acre campus, visitors are invited to explore the Menil's main museum building, Menil Drawing Institute, Cy Twombly Gallery, and Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall. The museum's holdings include more than 25,000 works. The Menil continues to build on the visions and philosophies of its founders, with new acquisitions intended to keep the museum vibrant, intellectually curious, and relevant in an ever-changing world. The Conservation Department consists of a Director of Conservation, five full-time Conservators specializing in paper, paintings, and objects, a Conservation Imaging Specialist, a Matter/Framer, an Andrew W. Mellon Conservation Fellow, a Paper Conservation Technician, and two support staff. The department is housed within the Menil Collection's purpose-built conservation studios, which include shared and dedicated space for the conservation of paintings, objects, and works on paper, as well as for framing, analysis, and imaging. Since its founding in 1987, the Menil Collection Conservation Department has distinguished itself through its publications on treatments and materials research. Of particular note is the department's ongoing commitment to working with living artists, including the establishment of the Artists Documentation Program (ADP), which interviews artists and their close associates to better understand their materials, working techniques, and views on conservation and the long-term preservation of their works. General Responsibilities The Objects Conservators are responsible for the care and preservation of objects, outdoor sculpture, installations, and time-based media artwork in the care of the Menil Collection. The collection includes significant holdings of antiquities, art from Africa and Oceania, and modern and contemporary art. At all levels, the Objects Conservators will undertake research, preventive care, general maintenance, and conservation assessment and treatment. All work must be performed in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation's Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. Specific Duties 1. Maintain objects on view and in storage by regularly monitoring the objects and their environments and performing regular cleaning. 2. Respond to incidents involving damage or potential damage to objects and communicate with departments across the museum to mitigate future risk. 3. Prepare objects for exhibition or loan through assessments, reports, and treatments. Schedule artwork movements, request photography, and coordinate mount making for objects as needed. Determine exhibition, handling, storage, and packing requirements for objects in the collection. 4. Assess the condition of objects acquired by the Menil Collection. 5. Serve as Conservation Department liaison for selected Menil Collection temporary exhibitions. 6. Assist with installations and de-installations as needed. 7. Represent the Conservation Department on select internal committees and working groups. 8. Perform occasional domestic and international courier duties. 9. Investigate and advise on equipment purchases and provide input on the Objects Conservation budget. 10. Select non-exhibition-driven treatment or research projects in consultation with the Director of Conservation and Curators and create project budgets. 11. Engage with artists, studio assistants, or estates to document working practices, materials, and installation parameters for the Artists Documentation Program (ADP). 12. Attend professional meetings, give lectures, and publish papers. 13. Assist in the general maintenance and upkeep of the Conservation studio. 14. Participate in public outreach efforts, including the Menil Collection's public and membership programming and social media. 15. Work with departments across the museum to continually improve procedures and policies that promote collaboration and consistency. Depending upon experience level and expertise, additional duties may include: 1. Serve as an accountable project lead on significant projects such as research symposia, grants, or workshops. 2. Coordinate time-based media working group, and work collaboratively across museum departments to refine and implement workflows related to the care, documentation, registration, storage, and display of time-based media. 3. Maintain time-based media belonging to or on loan to the museum through regular fixity checks, research, and documentation. 4. Work collaboratively with Exhibition Design and Collections Management to procure, manage, and install time-based media display equipment. 5. Research obsolescence risks for artworks and communicate with other museum departments as needed to stockpile supplies, address obsolescence, and coordinate decision-making for long-term care of time-based media Qualifications 1. A Master's degree from a recognized art conservation program with a specialization in Objects is required, along with substantial practical experience (see levels below) and the ability to develop and undertake innovative treatments. Assistant Conservator: 0-5 years post-graduate experience. Associate Conservator: 5-8 years post-graduate experience Conservator: 8+ years of post-graduate experience 2. To support the needs of our diverse collection, a broad knowledge of materials and techniques is expected. 3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 4. Proven experience collaborating in a team environment. 5. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and work independently are essential. Benefits The position comes with a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation and sick time, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, AD&D, and LTD coverage. Employees may also participate in the Menil's 401(k) plan and receive an employer contribution equivalent to 5% of wages earned after one year on the job. How to Apply Please send a cover letter, which includes the hiring level being sought, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references, which may be submitted electronically here <https://tally.so/r/3y12ZB> or mailed to: Human Resources The Menil Collection 1511 Branard Street Houston, Texas 77006 The Menil Collection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce. The Menil is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. ------------------------------ Corina Rogge President of the American Institute for Conservation Director of Conservation The Menil Collection Houston TX ------------------------------ 6.From: Nicole Peters Posted: Tuesday March 3, 2026 8:13 PM Subject: Mount Maker Recommendations- Florida Panhandle Region Message: Looking for mount maker recommendations for a firm specializing in structural steel exhibit mounts for a cannon carriage (no cannon installed). Specifically, it is a reproduction Civil War flank casemate carriage made from powder-coated steel. The site is located in Pensacola, so any firms in the general MS/AL/GA and surrounding FL areas would be ideal. Any tips appreciated- thanks! ------------------------------ Nicole Peters Conservator NPS Harpers Ferry Center ------------------------------ 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.
