Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup.
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1. Online Chemistry bridging course for conservation
2. Icon Emerging Professionals Group: Lightning Presentations
3. JOB POSTING: Assistant Conservator (Projects) at the University Museum of
Zoology, Cambridge UK
4. RE: Inquiry: Archaeological Paper Materials from Mass Grave
5. Online information session about the Master's Degree in Cleaning
Methodologies for Cultural Heritage (UB), 16th of April at 6 p.m.(Spanish time)
6. Job: Conservation Project Researcher - National Portrait Gallery - London
7. RE: Inquiry: Archaeological Paper Materials from Mass Grave
8. Job Opportunity - Operations Manager, Collection Care (The National
Archives, UK)
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1.From: Christian Dreyer
Posted: Friday April 10, 2026 6:39 AM
Subject: Online Chemistry bridging course for conservation
Message: Online Chemistry bridging course for conservation
An online Chemistry
course for
conservation is
being presented by
The South African
Institute for Heritage
Science & Conservation.
The course was
developed to assist
students
transitioning to
conservation studies (e.g.
from the
Arts), and whom may
be lacking the crucial
perspective of chemistry:
"Bridging to
Chemistry for
Conservation"
Duration: 4 month
course
Course instructor:
Dr Christian Dreyer
Course fee:
USD795.00 /
Euro700.00
Part bursaries: The
Strimling
Conservation Studies
Fund has kindly
extended a USD200 /
Euro175 part-bursary to
each of the first 3
successful enrollments.
Registration:
Enrollment register
now open for
starting date 22
April 2026 or 27 May
2026.
For more
information, kindly
view the course
outline here
<http://www.sainst.org/documents/Linked_Documents/Chemistry%20for%20Conservation%20(Bridging)%20Prospectus_USD_EUR_GBP.pdf>.
To enquire about enrolling
click here
<http://www.sainst.org/Bridging_to_Chemistry_for_Conservation_Enrolment_Application.html>
or contact the
Academic
Administrator at [email protected] <[email protected]>
With kindest regards,
Dr
Christian Dreyer
(Programme
Director)
The
South African
Institute for
Heritage Science and
Conservation
Faculty
of Physical Sciences
Faculty of Commerce
www.sainst.org
<http://www.sainst.org/>
Provisionally
registered with the
Department of Higher
Education and
Training as a
private higher
education
institution
under the Act.
Registration
certificate No.
2018/HE07/007
Registered as:
The South
African
Institute for
Heritage Science
(Pty) Ltd.
Registration Number:
2015/317414/07
2.From: Zoe Voice
Posted: Friday April 10, 2026 6:39 AM
Subject: Icon Emerging Professionals Group: Lightning Presentations
Message:
As a precursor to the Icon - The Institute of Conservation
<https://www.icon.org.uk/> 2026 Conference, the Icon Emerging Professionals
Group is hosting an online Lightning Presentations Event on 11th June at 6pm
BST ⚡
If you are:
An emerging conservation professional (i.e. a student or person working in the
field for <5ish years)
Have an interesting topic, fun project, tricky case study (anything!) related
to conservation
Can fit it in a 5-7 minute presentation
We would love to hear from you! Just email [email protected]
<[email protected]> by 27th April to sign up to present
The event will also be free to attend to all, even if you are not an Icon
member or attending the conference. Booking will open for general admission on
1st May.
For more information about the event please follow the link: Icon26 Group
Event: 'Lightning Presentations ⚡️'
<https://www.icon.org.uk/events/icon26-group-event-lightning-presentations.html>
------------------------------
Zoe Voice
Events Co-ordinator, Icon Emerging Professionals Group
London, UK
------------------------------
3.From: Natalie Jones
Posted: Friday April 10, 2026 6:39 AM
Subject: JOB POSTING: Assistant Conservator (Projects) at the University
Museum of Zoology, Cambridge UK
Message:
We have an exciting opportunity available to come and join the team here at the
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge. <https://www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk/>
We are seeking a full-time, fixed-term Assistant Conservator (Projects) to
support a major collections move programme.
The post holder will play a key role in delivering practical conservation work
as part of a focused project team. This will include undertaking condition
assessments, preparing specimens for relocation, and ensuring appropriate
conservation workflows are applied throughout the move process. Where required,
you will carry out interventive treatments to stabilise objects for safe
transport and long-term storage, alongside implementing preventive measures to
reduce risk during handling and movement.
In addition to project-specific work, the role will contribute to wider
collections care across the Museum. This includes supporting environmental
monitoring, integrated pest management (IPM), and maintaining appropriate
storage conditions. The post holder will also assist with conservation
treatments for displays, exhibitions, and stored collections, including work
with fluid-preserved specimens.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience as part of a
fast-paced, cross-disciplinary team, working across a wide range of natural
history collections. The role requires the post holder to have good general
knowledge and experience in the care and conservation of organic materials.
While experience in natural history collections is desirable, training will be
provided to support the development of specialist skills.
The successful candidate must be able to work independently and
collaboratively, manage competing priorities, and deliver work to project
deadlines.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months
Salary: £31,236-£35,608
Closing date: 23 April 2026
Full details about the post, and how to apply, can be found here:
https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/assistant-conservator-projects-fixed-term-pf49286
<https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/assistant-conservator-projects-fixed-term-pf49286>
------------------------------
Natalie Jones
Conservator
Cambridge
United Kingdom
------------------------------
4.From: Simon Green
Posted: Friday April 10, 2026 6:40 AM
Subject: RE: Inquiry: Archaeological Paper Materials from Mass Grave
Message:
Dear Madzida
It is not often that a conservator is engaged in such important human and legal
research and I very much respect what you are doing.
Apart from stabilising the moisture content your main concern is to stop any
further biological degradation. Many years ago, we had a large batch of flax
pulp which was damp and had active fungal growth. After quite a lot of research
we put the whole lot through a food irradiation facility which killed the fungi
without significant affect on the cellulose. We took advice of the best dose
that would not break down the chain length of cellulose by more than a minimal
amount. I think we used gamma irradiation but there are quite a lot of options
as outline at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_irradiation There is plenty
more more formal research on line.
Our issue did not have the concerns that you would have about security of the
material but you could probably deal with this by close supervision of the
contractor and transport. You may also be concerned about the effect of any
other biological evidence within the materials but I cannot make an suggestions
on that.
I hope that this important work proceeds successfully.
------------------------------
Simon Barcham Green
Maidstone
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-09-2026 09:31
From: Madžida Smajkić
Subject: Inquiry: Archaeological Paper Materials from Mass Grave
Dear colleagues,
I am a paper conservator working at the Gazi Husrev-beg Library in Sarajevo,
Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have recently established cooperation with the
Memorial Center Srebrenica, which holds a very specific and sensitive type of
material.
They are dealing with paper documents (letters, notes) that were recovered from
mass graves related to the events of July 1995. These materials were found in
direct contact with soil, moisture, and decomposition-related substances. To
this day, new remains are still being discovered, which is why such items are
considered evidentiary material.
The material is extremely fragile and shows signs of biological activity
(mold/microorganisms). Additionally, due to its evidentiary nature, any
interventive treatment is highly restricted.
At this stage, the primary concern is how to stabilize and safely store such
material, without compromising its integrity or potential forensic value. We
are currently in the assessment phase and no treatments have been undertaken.
I would be grateful if you could advise:
whether there are conservators or institutions with experience in
archaeological or highly degraded paper from similar contexts,
or any guidelines/references relevant to this type of material.
Any direction or contact would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Madzida Smajkic
5.From: Marta Oriola-Folch
Posted: Friday April 10, 2026 6:40 AM
Subject: Online information session about the Master's Degree in Cleaning
Methodologies for Cultural Heritage (UB), 16th of April at 6 p.m.(Spanish time)
Message: The University of Barcelona (Spain) has recently launched the one
year Master's Degree in Cleaning Methodologies for Cultural Heritage with three
conservation specialities: Pictorial surfaces, Graphic documents and Inorganic
materials.
https://web.ub.edu/en/web/estudis/w/masterdegree-m2108?presentation
<https://web.ub.edu/en/web/estudis/w/masterdegree-m2108?presentation>
Next entry of students: February 2027
Pre-enrolment now open
Information session: Thursday 16th of April at 6 p.m. (Spanish time). Just log
in at this link to follow the session:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/32390653098804?p=uE2WhvFcOiCvErQ0fU
<https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/32390653098804?p=uE2WhvFcOiCvErQ0fU>
The master and the information session will be in Spanish.
------------------------------
Marta Oriola-Folch
Paintings Conservation Professor
Facultat de Belles Arts, Universitat de Barcelona
Barcelona
Spain
------------------------------
6.From: Nivine Arafa
Posted: Friday April 10, 2026 9:10 AM
Subject: Job: Conservation Project Researcher - National Portrait Gallery -
London
Message:
Talentech - Conservation Project Researcher
<https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=2833&ProjectId=143781&DepartmentId=18956&MediaId=5>
Salary: £11,622 based on £38,742 FTE
Part time / 24 hours and 3 days per week.
6 months FTC
Role Purpose:
The National Portrait Gallery holds the world's most significant public
collection of Tudor and Jacobean paintings. Between 2007 and 2012, its
transformative research project 'Making Art in Tudor Britain' generated
unprecedented heritage-science data on 120 portraits from the sixteenth and
early seventeenth centuries. A central element of the project was the taking of
paint samples, mounted as cross-sections, to investigate paint composition and
structure. However, images and detailed metadata from these cross-sections are
not currently in formats suitable for broad dissemination.
The missing piece: sharing cross-sections from the 'Making Art in Tudor
Britain' project is a research initiative supported by Heritage Science Data
Service Small Grants Programme. You will take a key role delivering the
project, with responsibility to identify cross-sections produced during the
original research; extract relevant metadata from the reports; re-photograph
samples; review and align metadata with the new images; and prepare the full
dataset for sharing with HSDS for wider dissemination.
The resulting coherent and accessible dataset will unite cross-section images
and metadata with extensive associated heritage-science information, providing
an essential reference point for understanding painting materials and
techniques in Britain during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The National Portrait Gallery holds the world's most significant public
collection of Tudor and Jacobean paintings. Between 2007 and 2012, its
transformative research project 'Making Art in Tudor Britain' generated
unprecedented heritage-science data on 120 portraits from the sixteenth and
early seventeenth centuries. A central element of the project was the taking of
paint samples, mounted as cross-sections, to investigate paint composition and
structure. However, images and detailed metadata from these cross-sections are
not currently in formats suitable for broad dissemination.
The missing piece: sharing cross-sections from the 'Making Art in Tudor
Britain' project is a research initiative supported by Heritage Science Data
Service Small Grants Programme. You will take a key role delivering the
project, with responsibility to identify cross-sections produced during the
original research; extract relevant metadata from the reports; re-photograph
samples; review and align metadata with the new images; and prepare the full
dataset for sharing with HSDS for wider dissemination.
The resulting coherent and accessible dataset will unite cross-section images
and metadata with extensive associated heritage-science information, providing
an essential reference point for understanding painting materials and
techniques in Britain during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Key Accountabilities:
With support from internal and external stakeholders, review and establish
imaging and metadata protocols, and project methodology
Gather and assess existing cross-sections and associated data
Use microscopy to study samples and compare them with corresponding reports,
re-labeling where necessary
Photograph samples, label according to project protocols, store in Digital
Asset Management System
Extract and capture existing and new metadata, aligning with new images
Prepare the full dataset for deposit with HSDS
The above list is indicative but not exhaustive. As such, in addition to the
key accountabilities and responsibilities listed the post holder may be
required to perform other duties commensurate with the scope and/or level of
the role
To read the full job description, please follow the link: Conservation Project
Researcher Job Description
<https://recruiter.hr-manager.net/Export/Attachments/ViewFileManagerDocument.aspx?id=9f64be1a-bdd2-4e69-b46b-6eeca80a7cd0&cid=2833>
Key Experience, Skills and Criteria:
Educated to degree level or higher in the conservation of easel paintings,
conservation science, or technical art history, or equivalent relevant
experience working in the field of conservation.
Knowledge and understanding of the materials and techniques of Tudor and
Jacobean period paintings
Proficiency in the examination and interpretation of painting sample
cross-sections
Experience of using microscope cameras and software to capture clear images of
cross-section samples
Ability to work with archival documentation to locate, review and extract
relevant information
Ability to understand and interpret cross-section analysis reports, including
technical examination results such as SEM-EDX and polarized light microscopy
Excellent organization skills with a methodical approach and the ability to
work to deadlines
Demonstrable skills organizing and presenting data using Excel and other IT
software as required
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external
colleagues and stakeholders
Strong and effective communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrable analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent working knowledge and application of COSHH and Health & Safety
guidelines
We offer a competitive benefits package, including:
Generous pension scheme
29 days annual leave allowance, in addition to bank holidays
Interest free season ticket and bicycle loans
Rental deposit scheme
Employee assistance programme
Free entry to many UK museums, galleries and exhibitions
Staff discounts on purchases in online shop
Professional & personal development opportunities
Closing date for returned applications is 9:00am on 27th April. First round
interviews will take place on the 11th May in person. Please indicate on the
notes section of your application form, if you will be unable to make these
dates.
We are committed to the employment and development of disabled people. When
assessing and shortlisting our candidate pool for interviews, we are committed
to removing any bias through our process to ensure all individuals with a
disability are included. To be invited to the interview stage, you must show
through your application that you meet the minimum criteria and/or the
desirable skills required for the role. If you tell us that you have a
disability we can make reasonable adjustments at interview, and, if you join
us, to your work arrangements.
------------------------------
Nivine Arafa
Human Resources
National Portrait Gallery
London
United Kingdom
------------------------------
7.From: Heather Godlewski
Posted: Friday April 10, 2026 1:52 PM
Subject: RE: Inquiry: Archaeological Paper Materials from Mass Grave
Message:
I have had past experience triaging moldy documents that had been in floods,
and the first order of business was always to carefully bag and deep freeze
them for an extended period. This both helped to dry the documents and
halt/slow mold growth. Eventually documents were removed in batches to control
thaw time and condensation, separated in cases where items were stuck together,
and fully dried in a fume hood or outside with good ventilation. Only then
could mold bloom and debris be vacuumed from surfaces with a Hepa vac. None of
this careful handling guaranteed that the paper or media remained intact,
unfortunately.
I don't know if this helps you. I wish you the very best of luck in preserving
these items. I'm sure the responsibility is a heavy weight.
------------------------------
Heather Godlewski
Paper Conservation Technician
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Richmond
United States
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-09-2026 09:31
From: Madžida Smajkić
Subject: Inquiry: Archaeological Paper Materials from Mass Grave
Dear colleagues,
I am a paper conservator working at the Gazi Husrev-beg Library in Sarajevo,
Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have recently established cooperation with the
Memorial Center Srebrenica, which holds a very specific and sensitive type of
material.
They are dealing with paper documents (letters, notes) that were recovered from
mass graves related to the events of July 1995. These materials were found in
direct contact with soil, moisture, and decomposition-related substances. To
this day, new remains are still being discovered, which is why such items are
considered evidentiary material.
The material is extremely fragile and shows signs of biological activity
(mold/microorganisms). Additionally, due to its evidentiary nature, any
interventive treatment is highly restricted.
At this stage, the primary concern is how to stabilize and safely store such
material, without compromising its integrity or potential forensic value. We
are currently in the assessment phase and no treatments have been undertaken.
I would be grateful if you could advise:
whether there are conservators or institutions with experience in
archaeological or highly degraded paper from similar contexts,
or any guidelines/references relevant to this type of material.
Any direction or contact would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Madzida Smajkic
8.From: Sophie Adlam
Posted: Friday April 10, 2026 1:52 PM
Subject: Job Opportunity - Operations Manager, Collection Care (The National
Archives, UK)
Message:
Job Opportunity - Operations Manager, Collection Care (The National Archives,
UK)
Salary: £33,784 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: Sunday 26th April 2026
The National Archives houses one of the world's most extraordinary collections,
spanning more than a thousand years of history. Our Collection Care department
works at the forefront of conservation and heritage science, ensuring that this
remarkable record of the past is preserved and accessible for generations to
come.
We are now seeking a highly organised and proactive Operations Manager to help
shape, support and optimise the day-to-day running of our conservation studios
and heritage science laboratories.
At The National Archives, you will be part of a dynamic department dedicated to
innovation, research, and the long-term care of the nation's written heritage.
This is a role for someone who thrives in a busy, collaborative environment and
enjoys enabling specialist teams to work at their best.
This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible
working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the
operational needs of the Department.
A combination of onsite and home working is available, and applicants should be
able to regularly travel to our Kew site.
For full details and to apply, please click this link:
https://nationalarchives.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/Kew/Operations-Manager---Collection-Care_JR200809-1
<https://nationalarchives.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/Kew/Operations-Manager---Collection-Care_JR200809-1>
------------------------------
The National Archives
Kew, Richmond, UK
------------------------------
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