Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. [Job Vacancy, Singapore] Senior Conservator and Head of Section (Inorganic Objects), Heritage Conservation Centre 2. RE: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables 3. Pressure Sensitive Tapes Symposium - Save the Date! 4. RE: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables 5. DEADLINE EXTENSION - CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - JAIC special issue on CONSERVATION OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 6. Looking for participants to complete a 5-minute survey: Expanding Access to the NRHP: Amending a Historic Property Designation 7. CO2 Blasting on Outdoor Bronze 8. RE: Gilder's bole ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Fiona Lee Posted: Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:17 AM Subject: [Job Vacancy, Singapore] Senior Conservator and Head of Section (Inorganic Objects), Heritage Conservation Centre Message: Senior Conservator and Head of Section (Inorganic Objects), Heritage Conservation Centre The Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC) is an institution of the National Heritage Board (NHB) and supports the collecting and display activities of 12 institutions under NHB and the Visual Arts Cluster. HCC's main mission is to care for the National Collection, facilitate its current and future access and promote its use while enhancing its cultural significance. HCC is located in a purpose-built facility that serves as the centralised storage and conservation labs for the National Collection of Singapore. The National Collection encompasses a wide range of art and heritage objects, including but not limited to decorative objects, social history objects, contemporary art installations, industrial and technical heritage objects, musical instruments, and re-functionalised objects. Currently, the Conservation Services department at HCC comprises 6 conservation specialisations organised in sections: Inorganic Objects; Organic Objects; Paintings; Paper, Photographs & Digital Media; Textiles; and Conservation Science. HCC is now recruiting a Senior Conservator/ Head of Section (Inorganic Objects) to lead the Inorganic Objects conservation section. Key Responsibilities As Head of Section of the Inorganic Objects team, you will be expected to fulfil dual roles as a team manager and as a senior conservator: carrying out leadership and management functions, and delivering conservation work at an individual-contributor level. Leadership and management functions · Set the team direction in alignment with priorities defined at departmental and institutional levels while overseeing the day-to-day operations of the section. · Manage team resources to prioritise, scope, and successfully deliver conservation support for collections-related projects, including exhibitions and storage, within NHB. · Supervise staff in the section to reinforce constructive work behaviour and performance. This includes mentoring and coaching staff, identifying training needs, and facilitating general staff development. · Manage section staffing, including the hiring and selection of conservators and interns. · Contribute to the management of the Conservation Services department and facilitate work across departments and divisions in NHB, while closely working with the other Heads of Sections and leaders of relevant working groups. This includes establishing and monitoring yearly work plans and administering budgets allocated to the section, according to HCC and NHB procedures. · Represent HCC in collaborations with other institutions as and when required, to advance its reputation as a leader on conservation matters, locally, regionally and internationally. · Oversee and provide advice on conservation work undertaken by conservators in the Inorganic Objects section, including collections care, conservation treatments, scientific analyses, and project management. · Ensure that conservation guidelines and standards of practice for a holistic approach to collections care and access are based on current ethics and principles, and that they are timely and adequately implemented by the section within allocated resources. · Set research directions for the section that are aligned with the overall research priorities of the Conservation Services department, and supervise and drive the resulting research activities in the section. · Oversee and drive outreach activities of the section relating to collections care and conservation, which may include areas of professional collaboration, education, and capability development, involving both professional and non-professional target audiences that are internal or external to HCC and NHB. Operational functions As required,in the capacity of an Inorganic Objects conservator: · Manage exhibition projects, liaising between stakeholders to cover both conservation-related and administrative aspects of exhibition preparations, including preventive conservation as necessary. · Provide advice on collection display methods and maintenance of collections storage facilities to staff at NHB institutions, the HCC Collections Management department, and other stakeholders. · Identify, design, and execute complex interventive conservation projects and treatments on artworks and artefacts from the National Collection, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and according to HCC and NHB procedures. · Carry out documentation and knowledge management processes to ensure that all conservation-related documentation is of good quality, appropriately comprehensive, and accessible in the long-term. · Provide expert assessments of the condition and care requirements of proposed acquisitions. · Contribute to and/or conduct conservation research projects to enhance collection knowledge and support access and use of the National Collection. When relevant and possible, initiate collaborations and build partnerships locally, regionally and/ or internationally, with main stakeholders including source communities and local communities of users. · Present conservation findings and research results at local or international venues and publish articles on conservation techniques and practices. · Develop and conduct outreach activities relating to collections care and conservation, for both professional and non-professional audiences that are internal or external to HCC and NHB. These may include working with relevant stakeholders to generate greater awareness, interest, and knowledge in preservation and conservation. Requirements · A relevant Masters degree in Conservation from a recognised training institution. Equivalent proven experience will be considered. · Relevant practical experience of preferably 10 years in inorganic objects conservation and at least 5 years of proven leadership and management experience. Experience in an institutional/ public sector setting is preferred. · Expertise in stone conservation will be an advantage. · Proven experience in providing advice on complex conservation treatments, supervising less-experienced staff members, and managing projects (e.g. exhibitions, storage). · Ability to carry out comprehensive and complex treatments with a high degree of cultural and aesthetic sensitivity and manual dexterity, while working under limited supervision. · Experience in conducting research work in the conservation of inorganic materials, with proven dissemination of results. Solid record demonstrating scholarship and publications will be an advantage. · Ability to develop and execute heritage science and conservation research in line with HCC's research strategies around sustainability and vision as a centre of excellence. · Broad understanding of modern conservation practice and its integration with the historical study of objects, proficiency in laboratory methods, and familiarity with analytical instrumentation. · Keep up to date with developments in conservation through self-directed learning and training, with evidence of continual professional development. · Possess exposure to handling multi-cultural materials with sensitivity and sound contextual judgements in applying conservation principles and practices, while working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders. · Familiarity and experience with tropical climates and cultural materials from South-east Asia and Asia preferred. · Possess initiative with the ability to effectively multi-task, organise, and prioritise work within a given timeline, within the dynamic environment of a complex organisation. · Ability to lead, coach, and impart conservation skills and knowledge effectively. · A strong team player with good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders across departments and institutions. · Ability to adapt to a multi-lingual and multi-racial environment. · Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluency in English is required. · Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel. Work Location The Senior Conservator/Head of Section (Inorganic Objects) will mostly be based at HCC (32 Jurong Port Road, Singapore 619104), and will be required to occasionally travel to other work locations in Singapore. Successful candidates will be offered a 2-year contract in the first instance. Salary Range: $6000-9000 (Singapore Dollar) with attractive Relocation and Benefits Package To apply, please click below to submit your application. Senior Conservator/Head of Section (Inorganic Objects), HCC | Careers@Gov <https://jobs.careers.gov.sg/jobs/hrp/17673659/005056a3-53e2-1fd1-a1a8-3428542cb402> All interested applicants should follow the instructions at the Careers@Gov website to submit their application. Deadline for submission is 31 August 2026 Please direct any questions to: Phyllis Koh [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ - ------------------------------ 2.From: James Moss Posted: Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:20 AM Subject: RE: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables Message: Hi Arianna, Local kitchen counter fabricators have a lot of experience cleaning/scouring/grinding stone. You should take advantage of their expertise (although you should keep an eye on any chemicals they might use that could affect objects placed on the slate in the future). Then follow up with Craig's suggestion. Regards, Jim Moss ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 7/21/2026 12:39:00 PM From: Craig Deller Subject: RE: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables Hi Arianna, My first thought (after a good cleaning) would be to melt a hardened mix of microcrystalline wax onto the surface. By hardened, I mean the addition of Polywax 2000 to Multiwax 835, or some variation. A resin may delaminate and oil doesn't seem practical Hope that is useful, Craig Craig Deller Cultural Heritage Conservator Fellow-AIC / IIC LinkedIn Profile <https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-deller-faic-fiic-80b8a6374/> ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 7/20/2026 3:08:00 PM From: Arianna Carini Johnston Subject: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables After 25 years of heavy use, we are looking to refresh our slate counters and table tops in our lab spaces. The slate appears thirsty and inconsistent in color, but we are hesitant to apply a commercial sealant or oil without understanding how it will affect the surface or age. We also acknowledge polishing the surface would be the ideal first step, but we do not have the equipment, expertise, or time. They don't need to be perfect afterwards, just... better. Any recommendations or other experiences with large scale slate are appreciated. Thanks! ------------------------------ Arianna Carini Johnston Conservator Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab ------------------------------ 3.From: Sarah Saetren Posted: Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:14 PM Subject: Pressure Sensitive Tapes Symposium - Save the Date! Message: AIC's Book and Paper Group and FAIC are excited to announce the upcoming symposium, Pressure Sensitive Tapes: Manufacture, Deterioration, and Evolving Approaches to Treatment. The two-day symposium will take place on October 4-5, 2027, at the Indiana State Library, followed by a hands-on workshop and tours on October 6. The symposium will be live-streamed so that those who cannot attend in-person can participate virtually. The program will refresh participants' understanding of the practical issues surrounding pressure sensitive tapes as well as gain knowledge of some of the evolving research and treatment approaches. Speakers will present on topics such as historic and modern manufacture of pressure sensitive tapes; characteristic deterioration pathways of different tape formulations; traditional and cutting-edge approaches to pressure sensitive tape removal and stain reduction; and ethical considerations when treating objects made of or having pressure sensitive tape. Stay tuned for the call for papers coming in August! ------------------------------ Sarah Saetren FAIC Education Manager ------------------------------ 4.From: Arianna Carini Johnston Posted: Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:15 PM Subject: RE: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables Message: Hi Craig, Thanks for the suggestion, but this is exactly the opposite of what we'd want. We regularly work with solvents like mineral spirits, stoddard solvent, and occasionally acids and bases and we would not want anything significantly reactive or migratory in our working surface. I also think of wax as quite a bulky molecule that I don't think would penetrate very deeply into the porous slate. I agree with your assessment of a resin or an oil as well. Best, Arianna ------------------------------ Arianna Carini Johnston Conservator Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-21-2026 12:39 From: Craig Deller Subject: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables Hi Arianna, My first thought (after a good cleaning) would be to melt a hardened mix of microcrystalline wax onto the surface. By hardened, I mean the addition of Polywax 2000 to Multiwax 835, or some variation.A resin may delaminate and oil doesn't seem practical Hope that is useful,Craig Craig DellerCultural Heritage ConservatorFellow-AIC / IIC LinkedIn Profile <https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-deller-faic-fiic-80b8a6374/> 5.From: Ellen Chase Posted: Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:16 PM Subject: DEADLINE EXTENSION - CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - JAIC special issue on CONSERVATION OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Message: In order to give people time beyond the summer holiday season, the deadline to submit abstracts for the JAIC special issue on "Conservation Outreach and Community Engagement" is now September 15, 2026. Full details and additional deadlines are listed below: DEADLINE EXTENSION - CALL FOR ABSTRACTS JAIC special issue on "CONSERVATION OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT" The Journal of American Institute for Conservation (JAIC) and the organizers of the special issue seek submission on the topic of "Conservation Outreach and Community Engagement." Due to the enthusiasm for the 2025 AIC Annual Meeting Concurrent Session "We're All in This Together: Conservation Outreach and Community Engagement," the Outreach and K-12 subcommittees are putting together a special issue of the JAIC on the topic. The aim of the special issue is to expand upon the presentations from the annual meeting and highlight successful case studies as well as moments of reflection on challenges. Conservation outreach and engagement are inherently collaborative and encompass a wide range of activities, from writing a blog post to developing a K-12 curriculum. They can involve building relationships with anyone from fellow museum professionals to the general public. Outreach and storytelling are essential to the future of the field, but it can seem daunting to begin engaging in this work. We invite papers from anyone involved in outreach and community engagement work, including from people in private practice, emerging professionals, museum educators and other allied professionals. Article types sought include research articles, short case studies, literature reviews, and ethical considerations. AREAS OF INTEREST Areas of interest include but are not limited to: • Building diverse audiences and community engagement • Creating understanding with museum colleagues and allied professionals • Gaining buy-in and/or funding for cultural heritage preservation; political advocacy • K-12 or family programs and intergenerational learning • Outreach to artists • Experiences speaking with the media SUBMISSION DETAILS Authors are invited to submit an abstract in Word format (500 words max), including title of the proposed paper, and an article outline to the organizers by September 15, 2026, at [email protected] <[email protected]> or [email protected] <[email protected]>. The organizers will notify authors by October 31, 2026, of their decision, and selected articles must be submitted in their entirety through JAIC's online portal by April 30, 2027. Guidelines and style guide are at www.culturalheritage.org/journal <http://www.culturalheritage.org/journal>. You may send inquiries about the special issue to Ellen Chase and Rebecca Rushfield at the above email addresses. ------------------------------ Ellen Chase Objects Conservator Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art ------------------------------ 6.From: Rafael Frank Benzecry Posted: Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:24 PM Subject: Looking for participants to complete a 5-minute survey: Expanding Access to the NRHP: Amending a Historic Property Designation Message: Hello, everyone, My name is Rafael, and I am looking for participants to complete a 5-minute survey I developed about historic preservation. I am conducting this initiative independently, without any formal affiliation or external funding. My goal is not to promote any particular viewpoint, but rather to gather ideas and feedback that I can use to advocate for meaningful improvements to the federal historic preservation program. Survey link: https://forms.gle/krsHF6qmN7v9rHjZ9 <https://forms.gle/krsHF6qmN7v9rHjZ9> I would greatly appreciate your participation. I would also be grateful if you could share it with your colleagues and contacts. Thank you for your time and support. Best, ------------------------------ Rafael Frank Benzecry San Francisco United States ------------------------------ 7.From: Megan Escene Posted: Wednesday July 22, 2026 5:03 PM Subject: CO2 Blasting on Outdoor Bronze Message: Hello Everyone, Our names are Olivia Fiore and Megan Escene. We are pre-program interns at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston conducting research on CO2 cleaning for an outdoor bronze sculpture. Has anyone had success in full removal of coating on bronze sculpture using CO2 blasting, without the need for additional strippers or solvents? Thank you, Megan Escene and Olivia Fiore ------------------------------ Objects Conservation Pre-Program Interns Department of Conservation and Scientific Research Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ------------------------------ 8.From: Steven Prins Posted: Wednesday July 22, 2026 5:04 PM Subject: RE: Gilder's bole Message: Dear Caroline, You will also find a good assortment of gilding supplies, including clay, at Sepp Leaf in NYC: https://www.seppleaf.com/products/supplies <https://www.seppleaf.com/products/supplies>. Sinopia in CA also makes bole: https://www.sinopia.com/water-gilding-grounds-gesso-and-bole-clays <https://www.sinopia.com/water-gilding-grounds-gesso-and-bole-clays>. Theirs can be found at other retailers, i.e. Jackson's in the UK. Hope that helps. Good luck. Best to all, Steven ------------------------------ Steven Prins Santa Fe, NM ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-21-2026 08:13 From: Kristin Rattke Subject: Gilder's bole Dear Caroline Have you checked out the German gold leaf manufacturer Eytzinger yet? They have a large range of bole clay, including a bole powder without glue called Poliment-powder: https://www.eytzinger.com/products/poliment/ <https://www.eytzinger.com/products/poliment/> My friend and master gilder, Michelle Sachs, is Eytzinger's key account manager, so if you have any questions about the products or technical questions about gilding please feel free to contact her at [email protected] <[email protected]>. Best wishes from Berlin, Kristin Rattke Paintings conservator ------------------------------ Kristin Rattke Paintings Conservator in Private Practice Stavanger Norway ------------------------------ 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.
