Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Assistant Paper Conservator at the Art Institute of Chicago 2. Reassembling a Roman hull from hundreds of fragments: the Iulia Felix project ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Sylvie Pénichon Posted: Saturday April 18, 2026 6:04 PM Subject: JOB OPPORTUNITY: Assistant Paper Conservator at the Art Institute of Chicago Message: The Art Institute of Chicago is hiring an Assistant Paper Conservator Hiring range: $55,000 - $62,000 About the Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity. About the Department Responsible for the treatment, research, and long-term preservation of over 300,000 works of art in the Art Institute's collections, the Department of Conservation and Science is integral to the museum's mission to safeguard the world's artistic and cultural legacy for future generations. Founded in 1956 with a single paintings conservator, the department has grown to a staff of over 30 specializing in nine disciplines organized in five divisions: Objects and Textiles, Paintings and Frames, Paper and Books, Photography and Media, and Scientific Research. Members of the department contribute to the advancement of the field and the broader awareness of conservation issues through multiple avenues of specialized and societal dissemination, are involved in object-based teaching and scientific research, and actively support the education of future conservation and museum professionals. Position Summary The Assistant Conservator carries out examination, research and treatment of objects in the permanent collection, providing ongoing care to works of art on paper and other paper-based museum collections. Conducts in-depth studies and publishes on artists' technique and on methods and materials used in the making or caring of works of art. Assists with preparation, installation, and documentation of exhibitions and loans, and serves as a courier with artwork as needed. Assists with collection care and preventive conservation processes. Is committed to and actively engaged in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. For details on this position, and to apply, follow the link to the museum's recruiting page <https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/ART1010AICH/JobBoard/d263cd2b-c4ef-4e10-8876-a2896406a573/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=62241eba-6603-4500-9f6a-69b15bddf1d1> Come work with us! ------------------------------ Sylvie Pénichon William E. Urschel Family Director, Paper, Photography and Media Conservation The Art Institute of Chicago ------------------------------ 2.From: Simone Morbin Posted: Saturday April 18, 2026 6:05 PM Subject: Reassembling a Roman hull from hundreds of fragments: the Iulia Felix project Message: Hello everyone, I'd like to share a recent conservation project involving the Roman vessel Iulia Felix, which may be of interest to colleagues working with archaeological wood and highly fragmentary structures. Project background The ship was originally recovered about thirty years ago, and the surviving elements had undergone different phases of treatment and storage. The current museum team launched a comprehensive reassessment to stabilize, document, and reconstruct the material. Condition and preparation The hull survived as hundreds of fragments, in some cases dozens for a single plank (one element contained around 90). Many surfaces were still covered by thick PEG residues, so I developed an adapted cleaning method using controlled steam combined with mechanical action to safely expose the wood. All fragments were fully re‑catalogued, documented, and reorganized to prepare for reconstruction. Reconstruction process Using 1:1 overlays of the original planking, we matched and reassembled the elements. I acted as the technical link between the different specialists involved - archaeologists, conservators, and the engineer/architect responsible for the support - ensuring that documentation, interpretation, and physical assembly remained aligned. Conservation treatments Over 2024–2025 we carried out: final cleaning of PEG residues identification of missing pieces among dispersed fragments structural joins using epoxy resin gap‑filling and edge stabilization preparation of elements for mounting Mounting and interpretation During assembly, some initial hypotheses were refined as new correspondences emerged. Working with the architect and archaeologists, we adjusted the support structure to reflect a more accurate hull geometry while maintaining stability and readability. Outcome The reconstructed portion of the Iulia Felix was completed and inaugurated on 18 December 2025. The project offered valuable insights into the challenges of working with long‑stored PEG‑treated wood and with large archaeological structures surviving only as fragmentary elements. I'd be glad to hear how others have approached similar reconstructions or long‑term PEG treatments. More information about the vessel and the exhibition can be found on the museum's website: Museo Nazionale di Archeologia subacquea dell'Alto Adriatico di Grado <https://museoarcheologiasubacqueagrado.cultura.gov.it/> Museo Nazionale di Archeologia subacquea dell'Alto Adriatico di Grado remove preview <https://museoarcheologiasubacqueagrado.cultura.gov.it/> Museo Nazionale di Archeologia subacquea dell'Alto Adriatico di Grado Il Museo Nazionale di Archeologia Subacquea dell'Alto Adriatico custodisce un tesoro straordinario riemerso dalle profondità del mare. View this on Museo Nazionale di Archeologia subacquea dell'Alto Adriatico di Grado > <https://museoarcheologiasubacqueagrado.cultura.gov.it/> Below is one of the reconstructed sections of the hull, now on display at the museum. ------------------------------ Simone Morbin Conservator Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent Belluno Italy ------------------------------ 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.
