Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Seeking Feedback on Olympus PreciV Software for SZX16 Microscope 2. Covering Library Stacks During Renovation Project 3. ICOM CC Working Group Coordinator(s) 4. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Paper Conservator at Artworks Conservation Ltd, Harrogate, UK 5. RE: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment 6. New Perspectives on Gwen John: A Forum. Cardiff 11 June 2026, 11am-4.30pm 7. Paper Conservator Positon at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens - San Marino, CA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Nikita Shah Posted: Thursday May 21, 2026 7:41 AM Subject: Seeking Feedback on Olympus PreciV Software for SZX16 Microscope Message: Hi all, We are currently working with an Olympus SZX16 stereo microscope paired with an Olympus camera and the Basic Stream software. The capture software is not compatible with Windows 11 and we are looking to transition to PreciV <https://evidentscientific.com/en/products/software/preciv?creative=651995300556&keyword=preciv%20software&matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&campaignid=19866316760&adgroupid=154049750384&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19866316760&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Nf2cSZ4nbTTNt5ZRnP353fgrda&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStpp8y11CMJr5XLZwWHzI1GccrQG0w2rwXCXKo4bG6DA3QoSB5QBma6GBoC5f0QAvD_BwE#preciv-core>, which was recommended by Olympus (now Evident Scientific) technical support. We are collecting feedback from users who have experience with PreciV. How well does it perform in practice - are there glitches with the software; how is the technical support? Additionally, for conservation‑related work, which version-PreciV Capture, PreciV Core, or PreciV Pro-offers the most appropriate functionality? Alternatively, we are also interested in hearing from anyone who has successfully used other cameras or image‑capture software with an Olympus Stereo microscope. Thanks in advance! ------------------------------ Nikita Shah Assistant Paintings Conservator Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Houston TX ------------------------------ 2.From: Heather Adams Posted: Thursday May 21, 2026 7:43 AM Subject: Covering Library Stacks During Renovation Project Message: Our library will be taking up carpet from the 70's (with the dearly departed remains of the padding). The project budget does not allow for moving the stacks during that renovation. My gut says to cover the stacks. What would you recommend? And if you've done this, do you have any tips or suggestions? Thank you Heather Adams Head of Preservation and Conservation Binghamton University Libraries LS2525 607-777-6207 <tel:607-777-6207> 3.From: Stephanie de Roemer Posted: Thursday May 21, 2026 7:43 AM Subject: ICOM CC Working Group Coordinator(s) Message: A call for conservators and heritage care practitioners to submitting their candidacy to stand for ICOM CC Working Group Coordinator 2026-2029 for the Working Groups: Archaeological Materials and Sites Education & Training in Conservation Glass & Ceramics Leather and related Materials Metals Murals, Stone, and Rock Art Objects of Indigenous and World Cultures Paintings Photographic Materials Sculpture, Polychromy, and Architectural Decorations Wet Organic Archaeological Materials The role of ICOM-CC Working Group Coordinator is a fantastic opportunity to participate in facilitating the strategic vision of the International Council of Museums Committee for Conservation on a global scale. As a Working Group coordinator you'll shape the Working Group's Triennial programme (2026-2029) with the members of the Working Group through organisng interim meetings, newsletters, and online forums. This role suits anyone who is passionate about networking, sharing and collabortion in conservation and with an interest in gaining experience in international working and strategic planning. To be eligable to stand, you have to be an ICOM-CC Voting member with current ICOM membership. To become a member, you have to become a member with the National ICOM Committee of the country you reside and work, and as part of this process select ICOM-CC (ICOM CONSERVATION) as your first Interantioanl Committee. For more details on the specific Working Groups please see: ICOM-CC | Working Groups <https://www.icom-cc.org/en/working-groups/list> To submit your candidacy to stand as Working Group Coordinator please see: ICOM-CC | Call for Candidates - ICOM CONSERVATION 2026-2029 triennium <https://www.icom-cc.org/en/news/call-for-candidates-icom-conservation-2026-2029-triennium> The firm deadline for submission of candidacies is: Monday 25 May 2026 (17:00 UTC+2). 4.From: Richard Hawkes Posted: Thursday May 21, 2026 7:43 AM Subject: JOB OPPORTUNITY: Paper Conservator at Artworks Conservation Ltd, Harrogate, UK Message: There is only a week to go until applications close for our job opportunity for a full-time, permanent position as a paper conservator at Artworks Conservation Ltd, The Chapel, Markington Hall, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK. Salary £30,389 per annum. We are a well-established, busy, independent paper conservation studio providing services for prestigious museums, galleries, institutions, collectors and the art market throughout the United Kingdom. The studio is in located in beautiful North Yorkshire, near the spa town of Harrogate and within reach of Leeds and York. We will only recruit candidates who already hold an unrestricted right to work in the UK (e.g., British/Irish citizens, EU Settlement Scheme status, or an existing spousal visa). Contact Richard Hawkes [email protected] to discuss the position. Further details on website Vacancy for a Paper Conservator, full time, £30,389 per annum - Artworks Conservation <https://www.artworksconservation.co.uk/vacancy-for-a-paper-conservator-full-time-30389-per-annum/> ------------------------------ Richard Hawkes Director Artworks Conservation Harrogate United Kingdom ------------------------------ 5.From: Helena Jaeschke Posted: Thursday May 21, 2026 8:06 PM Subject: RE: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment Message: Dear Kayleigh Primal WS24 PRIMAL™ WS-24 Colloidal Dispersion <https://www.dow.com/en-us/pdp.primal-ws-24-colloidal-dispersion.154962z.html> is an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic copolymer that has been used very successfully to consolidate archaeological wood as well as other materials [Payton, R. (1984). The conservation of an eighth century BC table from Gordion. Studies in Conservation, 29(sup1), 133–137. The conservation of an eighth century BC table from Gordion <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/sic.1984.29.Supplement-1.133> ] originally in Preprints of the Contributions to the Paris Congress, 2-8 September 1984. Adhesives and Consolidants Historic England mention it in their guide <https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/waterlogged-organic-artefacts/heag260-waterlogged-organic-artefacts/> <https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/waterlogged-organic-artefacts/heag260-waterlogged-organic-artefacts/>https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/waterlogged-organic-artefacts/heag260-waterlogged-organic-artefacts/ <https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/waterlogged-organic-artefacts/heag260-waterlogged-organic-artefacts/> I have Primal WS24 if you'd like some for trials. All the best Helena ------------------------------ Helena Jaeschke, ACR FIIC Conservation Development Officer Museum Development South SWest Taunton UK ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 05-19-2026 11:34 From: Nichole Doub Subject: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment Hi Keyleigh, When I've had clients specifically ask about SP-11, I tell them that we avoid proprietary products that don't disclose their composition. Without knowing exactly what is in the formulation, it's hard to evaluate long-term aging behavior, reversibility, or how future conservation interventions might be affected by its use. Anecdotal stories from Australian colleagues have mentioned crosslinking of the polymer. And no, SP-11 is not compatible with freeze drying. Freeze dryers were designed around water as the primary, and essentially only, solvent. Without knowing the solvent system involved in a proprietary treatment like this, there's a real possibility of complications or damage to a standard freeze-drying setup. As for the iron nails, have you explored using corrosion inhibitors in the PEG solution to help manage active corrosion during treatment? Kind regards, Nichole ------------------------------ Nichole Doub Head Conservator Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory Saint Leonard United States ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 05-18-2026 05:32 From: Kayleigh Spring Subject: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment Dear All, I am wondering if anyone has any advice or experience with using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment? SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment> I have some roman wooden boxes with nails that are waterlogged and require treatment. I have ruled out PEG due to the presence of the iron nails. I have used Glycerol previously on waterlogged leather that contained nails but noticed people do not advice this for wood due to it leaving a tacky finish. My main questions are: It says that you can just submerge the wood in the solution and leave it. How do you know when the solution has fully permeated the wood? Is there a way to check the concentration of the final solution or is it known it will penetrate a certain thickness over a given length of time?We have a freeze dryer here that we would normally use with waterlogged material as we find trying to control the temperature and RH during air-drying difficult in our building. Can we still use a freeze drying method after impregnating with SP-11?It implies that the solution can be reused – does any waste need to be disposed of as hazardous waste? Does anyone know what the solutions ingredients are? Any help is greatly appreciated. Kind regards Kayleigh Preservation Solutionsremove preview <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment>SP-11 Waterlogged Wood TreatmentA professional conservation treatment designed for stabilizing waterlogged and excavated wooden artifacts. Use by underwater archaeologists and conservationist. View this on Preservation Solutions > <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment> ------------------------------ Kayleigh Spring Object Conservator Wiltshire Conservation Service Wiltshire United Kingdom ------------------------------ 6.From: Fiona McLees Posted: Thursday May 21, 2026 8:07 PM Subject: New Perspectives on Gwen John: A Forum. Cardiff 11 June 2026, 11am-4.30pm Message: As part of our current exhibition Gwen John: Strange Beauties at National Museum Cardiff , we invite you to join us for a day of talks and discussion exploring the life, work and lasting relevance of one of Wales's most distinctive artists. This one‑day event brings together curators, conservators, artists and researchers to share new insights into Gwen John's practice - from her careful methods and use of colour to the intensity of her vision. Together, we'll take time to look more closely, reflect more deeply, and consider how Gwen's work continues to speak to us today. Speakers include: Lucy Wood, Curator of Gwen John: Strange Beauties Claire Curneen, contemporary ceramic artist Fiona McLees, Senior Paper Conservator Rachel Beard, Senior Paintings Conservator Helena Anderson, PhD researcher (University of Bristol & Amgueddfa Cymru) Dr Ceridwen Lloyd‑Morgan, Honorary Research Fellow, Bangor University Tickets are £15 for the day, concessionary rates also available. For further information and to book tickets: New Perspectives on Gwen John: A Forum | Museum Wales <https://museum.wales/cardiff/whatson/12862/New-Perspectives-on-Gwen-John-A-Forum/> ------------------------------ Fiona McLees Uwch Gadwraethydd Papur / Senior Paper Conservator Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales Parc Cathays / Cathays Park Caerdydd / Cardiff CF10 3NP +44(0)29 20573237 amgueddfa.cymru / museum.wales ------------------------------ 7.From: Kristi Westberg Posted: Thursday May 21, 2026 8:08 PM Subject: Paper Conservator Positon at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens - San Marino, CA Message: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is seeking a Paper Conservator <https://huntingtonlibrary.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/HuntingtonCareers/job/Paper-Conservator_R0001208> to join a skilled and collegial team caring for one of the world's most significant collections of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and works of art on paper. This is a treatment-focused role where you will spend the majority of your time carrying out hands-on conservation work across a remarkably diverse range of materials, from medieval manuscripts and works of art on paper to modern archival collections. Conservation at the Huntington is an evolving practice. There is genuine room for a thoughtful conservator to bring their expertise, influence workflows, and leave their mark on how the department operates. You'll work closely with preparators and curators across both library and museum divisions, navigating the different sensibilities each demands - art on paper treatments often prioritize aesthetic outcomes, while library materials call for a different set of considerations around access and handling. We're looking for a generalist who is confident working across a wide range of time periods and media, and who is energized by the complexity and richness of a collection like ours. If you have questions about the role or what it's like to work here, please reach out to Kristi Westberg at [email protected] <[email protected]>. View the full posting <https://huntingtonlibrary.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/HuntingtonCareers/job/Paper-Conservator_R0001208> About the Role The Paper Conservator is responsible for the physical care, preservation, and conservation treatment of manuscripts, photographs, and works of art on paper in the Library and Art collections. This position reports to the Dibner Senior Book and Paper Conservator and works closely with Library and Art Division staff across the institution in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and shared ideas are the norm. S/he/they will demonstrate a background of working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach. Essential Duties Examines, analyzes, and performs both basic and complex paper conservation treatments on a broad range of paper-based materials including printed material, unbound manuscripts, photographs, works of art on paper, and parchment in accordance with AIC guidelines. Provides full written and photographic documentation of treatments in accordance with AIC guidelines. Prepares condition assessments, conducts surveys, and provides other written reports as necessary. Contributes to permanent and rotating exhibits including reviewing materials, making recommendations, and performing treatment. Reviews and prepares materials for incoming and outgoing loans. Participates in preparing materials for digitization. Working with other staff, develops and implements preservation and treatment strategies at the collection level. Participates in departmental activities such as emergency response and environmental control. Keeps current on new developments in the field and participates in regional and national preservation activities as appropriate. Participates in educating staff, readers, and the wider public on matters related to conservation. Assists in general organization, maintenance, and management of conservation laboratory. Researches and recommends laboratory equipment and supplies. Works closely with supervisor and curatorial staff to set treatment priorities for paper materials. Conducts or assists with workshops, seminars, and other training. May train and supervise interns. Other duties as assigned. Candidate Requirements and Experience Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Master's degree from a graduate training program in conservation. Thorough knowledge of conservation theory and practice, and materials science as it applies to paper-based materials. Ability to perform complex conservation treatments both art and archival materials as demonstrated through a portfolio. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Demonstrated computer and related technology skills. Evidence of professional activity, most typically through membership and participation in AIC. Preferred: Professional experience in conservation of paper-based materials in an institutional setting highly preferred. Demonstrated experience with exhibit or loan preparation including item examination, treatment, matting, framing, mounting, and evaluating transit needs. Compensation & Benefits We provide competitive compensation, generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees including: Pay Range: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00. Commensurate on experience. Medical, Dental, Vision 403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match Hybrid remote work schedule available for applicable positions Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds The Application Process Please submit a cover letter and CV/resume as a single PDF attachment. You will have the opportunity to submit additional documents on the "My Experience" section of the application. ------------------------------ Kristi Westberg Senior Book & Paper Conservator The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. 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