Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Cultural Heritage Destruction in Iran 2. Job Posting: Conservator, Digital and Time-Based Media, HCC, Singapore 3. Courses: Identification of print making techniques 4. RE: Small suction platen source 5. RE: Small suction platen source 6. RE: Small suction platen source 7. Early bird registration end March 17th - Regeneration, Retreatability and Reflection: The Lifetimes of Textile Conservation Celebrating 35 Years of the Icon Textile Group 8. Freelance Book Conservator, Independent Workshop, South East London 9. RE: Small suction platen source 10. RE: Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Aisha Wahab Posted: Friday March 13, 2026 6:52 AM Subject: Cultural Heritage Destruction in Iran Message: For anyone that has missed the latest calls and warnings from our cultural heritage sector about the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage in Iran by the United States and Israel, UNESCO <https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-expresses-concern-over-protection-cultural-heritage-sites-amidst-escalating-violence-middle>, ICOM <https://icom.museum/en/news/icom-calls-for-protection-of-museums-and-cultural-heritage-amid-conflict-in-iran-the-gulf-region-and-the-eastern-mediterranean/>, Museum Associations <https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/news/2026/03/blue-shield-warns-of-potential-war-crimes-against-irans-cultural-sites/>, ICOMOS <https://www.icomos.org/actualite/icomos-statement-middle-east/>, and USCBS <https://uscbs.org/statement-iran-conflict-cultural-heritage-march-2026/> have all posted about the concern for Iranian cultural heritage, the warning of potential war crimes against Iran's cultural sites, and the call for protection of cultural heritage in Iran. We are currently witnessing the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage, the loss of civilian life, and harm to our planet with this current war on Iran. The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage is against our code of ethics, against what we stand for as cultural heritage protectors, it violates the Geneva Conventions' Additional Protocols, the 1954 Hague Convention, and it violates international law. In less than 2 weeks of war, thousands of civilians have been killed or injured, toxic rain from bombed oil depots threatens the planet and people's health, and it has been reported that several UNESCO World Heritage sites have been damaged in Iran including the Golestan Palace, the Chehel Sotoon, the Masjed e-Jameh of Isfahan, Ali Qapu palace, several mosques around Nash e-Jahan Square, and prehistoric sites of the Khorrambad Valley. I fell in love with Iranian art and architecture prior to my career in conservation, when I was interning at the LA County Museum of Art under the Art of the Middle East Curator, Linda Komaroff, who showed me a world of magnificent beauty, craftsmanship and culture. A year and a half ago I fell in love all over again when I finally got the opportunity to visit Iran and witness in-person it's beauty, the kindness and hospitality of its people, and it's rich culture and history. I visited most of these World Heritage sites that have been damaged. It is heart breaking to witness such historical, cultural, and human loss and to know that my government is responsible, and my taxes are contributing to it. Please continue to stay informed, call your representatives, and use your voice to speak out against unethical wars, the deaths of civilians, and the destruction of cultural heritage. For further articles on the issue: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/03/10/unesco-sites-in-iranian-city-of-isfahan-and-others-across-countrydamaged-by-us-israel-strikes <https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/03/10/unesco-sites-in-iranian-city-of-isfahan-and-others-across-countrydamaged-by-us-israel-strikes> https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/12/dismay-as-ancient-heritage-sites-across-iran-damaged-in-us-israel-bombing <https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/12/dismay-as-ancient-heritage-sites-across-iran-damaged-in-us-israel-bombing> https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/world/middleeast/iran-heritage-sites-damaged.html <https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/world/middleeast/iran-heritage-sites-damaged.html> ------------------------------ Aisha Wahab (she/her) Paper Conservator Stanford Libraries ------------------------------ 2.From: Ummi Ramli Posted: Friday March 13, 2026 6:54 AM Subject: Job Posting: Conservator, Digital and Time-Based Media, HCC, Singapore Message: Job Description Position/Job Title: Conservator, Digital and Time-Based Media collection Organisation: Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC) Job Location: HCC, 32 Jurong Port Road, Singapore 619104 Reporting to: Senior Conservator, Paper, Photo and Digital Media section (PPDM) Working Hours: 8.15am to 5.30pm About Heritage Conservation Centre, Singapore The National Heritage Board (NHB) preserves, presents and promotes the cultural heritage of Singapore. Our vision is to make heritage as the Pride in our Past, Legacy for our Future. The Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC) is a purpose-built facility for the storage and conservation of all artefacts under the custodianship of NHB (i.e., the National Collection), with the mission to care for, manage and facilitate access for these artefacts. To enhance the current and long-term access to the National Collection, HCC is committed towards consolidating its capabilities to care for the growing time-based media (TBM)collection, in analogue or digital format. HCC is now seeking an experienced individual to spearhead the development of the preservation and conservation of the TBM subset of the National Collection. Key Responsibilities and Duties: The individual will join a large team of conservators with various specialties such as paintings, objects, paper/photo, textiles alongside a small conservation science lab. The team is also involved in carrying out cross-department activities around issues pertaining to preventive conservation or to care of contemporary art/ design. Key Responsibilities and Duties: The individual will join a large team of conservators with various specialties such as paintings, objects, paper/photo, textiles alongside a small conservation science lab. The team is also involved in carrying out cross-department activities around issues pertaining to preventive conservation or to care of contemporary art/ design. Reporting to the Senior Conservator, you will be: - responsible for contributing to the preservation of Singapore's National Collection (NC) by participating in a wide range of conservation activities such as producing various condition reports and proposals, providing expert advice on the condition and future maintenance needs of proposed acquisitions and works planned for loans and exhibition, and ensuring preventive maintenance necessary for digital and media works in the NC. - playing an integral role in the development of conservation policies, procedures, and workflows within the HCC regarding the care of TBM collections in analogue and digital forms while likely contributing to the current HCC Contemporary Art Working Group. This includes but is not limited to supporting acquisition, developing guidelines for storage and display, best practices for conservation treatment, procedure and the proper care and handling of digital and media works of the collection; - conducting specialised research on the materials and techniques of artists represented in the collection whenever necessary and while working in collaboration with all relevant parties; - playing a leading role in advising and training HCC staff in best practices for the care, handling, display, storage, packing and shipping of digital and media works; - playing a fundamental role in supporting, planning and implementation for HCC digital storage and the HCC digital and media art conservation & preservation workstation and engaging as necessary in conservation and preservation-related special projects; - supervising conservation fellows or interns as required; and - supporting the development of the professional field involved in the preservation of the cultural heritage digital form in Singapore and SEA region by actively developing &/or contributing to knowledge and expertise sharing and dissemination activities. Requirements: - Background in conservation with specialisation in time-based media or digital art preservation; or equivalent skills and knowledge acquired through specialised professional experiences. - Preferably at least 5 years of practical postgraduate experience working with digital and media artworks; Institutional / museum experience is preferred. Candidate with less experience may be considered for the assistant conservator level. - Team player, at ease with dialogue-based decision-making process and collaboration with a diverse group of HCC conservation team and stakeholders while actively developing and contributing to the collaborative effort that care and display of TBM works required. - Ability and experience to address the preservation needs of complex works that include film, slide, video, audio, software-based, web-based, electronic, and other types of digital art including migration strategies to a high standard with full consideration of practical and ethical issues. - Capable of assisting with collection care activities such as assessments for new acquisitions, facilitation of loans, securing appropriate storage, cataloguing of active and obsolete equipment and creation of installation instructions as well as dealing with the presentation and maintenance of digital and media artworks on display. Experience with complex contemporary installations is desirable. - Ability to use diagnostic tools to examine condition and document the construction of digital art items. - Familiarity and experience with cultural materials in Southeast Asia would be advantageous. - Innovative and enthusiastic team player with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, have strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills in English. Remuneration · Monthly salary ranges from SGD3,500 to SGD6,000. · Medical coverage and other advantageous benefits. · Successful candidate will be offered a 2-year contract in the first instance. For any questions, please contact Esther Ng, Senior Conservator (Photograph) via email: ([email protected] <[email protected]>) To apply, please click HERE <https://sggovterp.wd102.myworkdayjobs.com/PublicServiceCareers/job/NHB-Heritage-Conservation-Centre-HCC/Conservator--Digital-and-Time-Based-Media-Collection_JR-10000048460> to submit your application. All interested applicants should follow the instructions at the Careers@Gov website to submit their application. Deadline for submission is 23 April 2026. ------------------------------ Ummi Ramli Management and Operations Support Assistant National Heritage Board Singapore Singapore ------------------------------ 3.From: Hildegard Homburger Posted: Friday March 13, 2026 6:55 AM Subject: Courses: Identification of print making techniques Message: Courses: Identification of print making techniques Hosted by Hildegard Homburger, Berlin, Germany in cooperation with IADA (International Association of Book and Paper Conservators) https://iada-home.org/events <https://iada-home.org/events/identification-of-prints-5/> Offered to conservators, art historians, archivists, registrars and others Identification of Manual Prints Berlin, Germany, 8th -9th October 2026 This two-day course focuses on manual artistic printing techniques. The individual printing techniques and their numerous sub-groups will be presented in detail with illustrated lectures. In the practical part the course offers the opportunity to look at a great number and variety of original prints under magnification. https://hildegard-homburger.de/erkennung.html <https://hildegard-homburger.de/erkennung.html> Identification of Photomechanical Prints Berlin, Germany, 12th -13th October 2026 planographic, screen and digital prints will be presented. The two-days course provides an opportunity to look at a great number and variety of original prints under magnification and to develop skills in the identification of their techniques. There will also be the opportunity to compare photomechanical with manual prints https://hildegard-homburger.de/photomechanisch1.html <https://hildegard-homburger.de/photomechanisch1.html> The language of the courses will be English. Maximum participants: 8 Costs for each course: 390 Euro or 350 Euro for IADA-members Registration requests should be sent to homburger(at)posteo.de Hildegard Homburger Papierrestaurierung www.hildegard-homburger.de <http://www.hildegard-homburger.de> ------------------------------ Hildegard Homburger Private Paper Conservator Berlin Germany ------------------------------ 4.From: Robin Hodgson Posted: Friday March 13, 2026 6:56 AM Subject: RE: Small suction platen source Message: Hi, something like this? Robin ------------------------------ Robin Hodgson Owner RH Conservation Engineering Flinders Australia ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-12-2026 10:11 From: Gillian Marcus Subject: Small suction platen source Our lab is looking to source a small suction platen, and we are having trouble finding one to order now that Talas no longer carries the very slim version they used to (I cannot remember the manufacturer). I'm curious if anyone has been able to find one or is considering getting rid of theirs? We're primarily a paper and book lab, so we're looking for something fairly slim and small if we can find it. Thank you! ------------------------------ Gillian Marcus Associate Conservator Newberry Library ------------------------------ 5.From: Samantha Couture Posted: Friday March 13, 2026 8:42 AM Subject: RE: Small suction platen source Message: Hi Gillian, Museum Services Corporation makes suction devises of all kinds. I have their 800 Series MSC Manuscript Suction Device, which I use with their vacuum pump. 800 Series: MSC Manuscript Suction Device MuseuM Services Corporation <https://museumservicescorporation.com/collections/small-suction-devices-vacuum-information/products/800-series-msc-manuscript-suction-device> They have great service and adjusted the length of the handle for me for a very reasonable fee. Sam -- Samantha Couture | Nora Saltonstall Conservator and Preservation Librarian Massachusetts Historical Society 1154 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215 Phone: 617-646-0506, Fax: 617-859-0074 Email: [email protected] The MHS offers many resources for visitors to learn, connect, and inspire. Learn more at www.masshist.org/visit. Please check www.masshist.org/visit/hours-and-admission for hours and closings due to holidays and other events. Researchers are encouraged to request an appointment. Learn more at www.masshist.org/library. ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 3/12/2026 10:12:00 AM From: Gillian Marcus Subject: Small suction platen source Our lab is looking to source a small suction platen, and we are having trouble finding one to order now that Talas no longer carries the very slim version they used to (I cannot remember the manufacturer). I'm curious if anyone has been able to find one or is considering getting rid of theirs? We're primarily a paper and book lab, so we're looking for something fairly slim and small if we can find it. Thank you! ------------------------------ Gillian Marcus Associate Conservator Newberry Library ------------------------------ 6.From: Denise Stockman Posted: Friday March 13, 2026 8:42 AM Subject: RE: Small suction platen source Message: You could try Museum Services Corporation: https://museumservicescorporation.com/search?type=product&q=suction ------------------------------ Denise Stockman Senior Paper Conservator The New York Public Library ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-12-2026 10:11 From: Gillian Marcus Subject: Small suction platen source Our lab is looking to source a small suction platen, and we are having trouble finding one to order now that Talas no longer carries the very slim version they used to (I cannot remember the manufacturer). I'm curious if anyone has been able to find one or is considering getting rid of theirs? We're primarily a paper and book lab, so we're looking for something fairly slim and small if we can find it. Thank you! ------------------------------ Gillian Marcus Associate Conservator Newberry Library ------------------------------ 7.From: Joanne Hackett Posted: Friday March 13, 2026 10:28 AM Subject: Early bird registration end March 17th - Regeneration, Retreatability and Reflection: The Lifetimes of Textile Conservation Celebrating 35 Years of the Icon Textile Group Message: Regeneration, Retreatability and Reflection: The Lifetimes of Textile Conservation Celebrating 35 Years of the Icon Textile Group The Icon Textile Group Spring Forum, to be held at the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester, April 17 2026. In person and on Zoom. The aim of this symposium is to discuss the past, present and future of textile conservation in celebration of thirty-five years of the Icon Textile Group. As the industry in the UK undergoes a generational turnover, how has the care and conservation of textiles changed? How have the past 35 years informed current practice? Where is the industry headed? How can we communicate the value of textiles and textile conservation to both the wider heritage industry and to the public to ensure that the textile conservation sector continues to grow and 'textile conservator' remains a viable career option? Tickets are on sale now via ICON at this link: Icon Textile Group Spring Forum 2026 <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/icon-textile-group-spring-forum-2026-.html> The conference will be available to view via Zoom but will not be recorded. ------------------------------ Joanne Hackett Lecturer in Textile Conservation University of Glasgow Kelvin Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage Research Pinner United Kingdom ------------------------------ 8.From: Ann-Marie Miller Posted: Friday March 13, 2026 10:29 AM Subject: Freelance Book Conservator, Independent Workshop, South East London Message: Freelance Book Conservator (Independent Workshop), South East London Codex Conservation Ltd was established in 2011 and is a thriving, energetic, independent workshop in South East London. We work with a variety of collections including museums, galleries and archives, on books and archival material. We support ongoing programmes of conservation and funding bids. Our works includes conservation services for new exhibitions, loans, digitisation and collections care support and advice. Working alongside an accredited conservator as part of a small, friendly team, you would be required to perform conservation treatments on unique archival material, manuscripts and rare books. This part time position would suit someone who relishes their practical work and loves working with diverse collections. Have you always wanted to experience life as a book conservator in private practice? Pay rate: £20-£30 per hour depending on experience on a flexible freelance basis. Up to 3 days per week, hours can be arranged to suit you. Key skills required: ● Post-graduate qualification in Book and Archives Conservation, or a minimum of 2 years relevant professional experience. ● Ability to work efficiently while maintaining high conservation standards. ● High level of professional engagement, preferably on the PACR pathway towards accreditation and practical knowledge of current practice and research. ● Well honed record keeping and documentation skills. ● Demonstrable experience of performing a range of conservation treatments, from preservation storage, in situ repairs to full binding reconstruction in leather, paper and parchment. ● Able to work independently and to follow instruction. ● Excellent communication skills. ● Well developed hand skills and attention to detail. ● Confident using MS Office, and online project management tools. ● Permission to work in the UK. How to apply: Please send a brief portfolio with your CV, a cover letter and 2 references to [email protected] <[email protected]>. Please write 'Book Conservator" in the subject line of your email. Deadline: 27.03.26 45 Belvedere Road, London, SE19 2HP Mobile: 0044 (0)7958003542 www.codexconservation.com <http://www.codexconservation.com> 9.From: J. Mowery Posted: Friday March 13, 2026 10:54 AM Subject: RE: Small suction platen source Message: Museum Services (385 Bridgepoint Way, So. St. Paul, MN 55075 , 1 (651) 450 8954) are the manufacturer of of the vacuum suction platen. affectionately called The Stealth sucker. be sure to include their suction pump, integral to the proper functioning of the device. I probably use it every other day and have so for more than a decade without any issues. An amazing device, reliable and indispensable when working with solvents, in removal of pressure sensitive tape adhesives, or unwanted ink stains.... J. Franklin MoweryMowery Conservation LLC100 West Venice Ave. suite EVenice, Florida, 34285cell 202-468-8644 ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 3/12/2026 10:12:00 AM From: Gillian Marcus Subject: Small suction platen source Our lab is looking to source a small suction platen, and we are having trouble finding one to order now that Talas no longer carries the very slim version they used to (I cannot remember the manufacturer). I'm curious if anyone has been able to find one or is considering getting rid of theirs? We're primarily a paper and book lab, so we're looking for something fairly slim and small if we can find it. Thank you! ------------------------------ Gillian Marcus Associate Conservator Newberry Library ------------------------------ 10.From: Lisa Goldberg Posted: Friday March 13, 2026 5:22 PM Subject: RE: Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession Message: Dear Victoria, Like you, many of us are struggling with the issues this thread is grappling with regarding the survey posted earlier this month. Our initial post with questions about the survey was not an attack, it was not personal, and it was not meant to elicit "backlash." We, and the other colleagues who wrote our initial response, understand that answering this survey is optional, yet the value of any survey increases with participation and representation. We wanted to engage and were interested in participating, but we had concerns that led us to respectfully ask questions that we hoped would help us better understand the purpose, design, and analysis of the survey. Yes, AIC has published other surveys asking for sensitive information (the Mental Health and Disability surveys), and we strongly believe that these too, should have been subjected to questions about data retention and use of sensitive information; in each case, using an IRB framework would have been (and is for this survey) a better way to handle collection of this kind of data. (Thank you Amy Brost for reminding us all about this useful framework.) The topics broached by this survey are broad in scope, difficult, and important - and they require a willingness to engage. We commend Samantha, Adrian, Gillian and Aisha for raising these concerns for community discussion. However, for a survey that aims to understand if people within our community feel silenced and marginalized, it is unfortunate that the survey elicited these feelings for some members. The issues raised by this survey require us all to sit with discomfort, see shades of gray, and hold competing truths. There is so much need and suffering in the world right now…..We hope our initial post and this response will be understood as an attempt to broaden the conversation so it can be as inclusive of our entire community as possible. Respectfully, Lisa Goldberg ------------------------------ [Lisa] [Goldberg] [Conservator] [Goldberg Preservation Services LLC] [Corning] [NY] [607 368 3963] ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 02-25-2026 00:00 From: Samantha Emmanuel Subject: Survey on Social Justice, Politics, and Censorship in the Cultural Heritage Profession 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 ------------------------------ 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.
