Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Online Course on the History of European Picture Frames 2. RE: Newly exposed underwater cultural heritage 3. RE: Paintings research query response summary 4. RE: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility 5. Digitizing Experimental Music for Preservation 6. RE: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility 7. RE: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility 8. Meetup - Sustainable Labs Community - August 25 9. UPDATE - Practice with Papers: Screening for Select Heavy Metals in Museum Collections Webinar October 12th 10. RE: Paintings research query response summary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Hubert Baija Posted: Wednesday August 12, 2026 7:00 AM Subject: Online Course on the History of European Picture Frames Message: The HISTORY of EUROPEAN PICTURE FRAMES course is offered again in September. This online workshop reaches out as an eye-opener for beginners, and as a refresher for professionals. With an experienced guide you will travel through five centuries of styles, art historical context, and historical techniques. Registration at https://www.beloit.edu/summer-programs/center-for-collection-care/courses/online-courses/#course_7478 <https://www.beloit.edu/summer-programs/center-for-collection-care/courses/online-courses/#course_7478> 2.From: Vania Janković Posted: Wednesday August 12, 2026 7:03 AM Subject: RE: Newly exposed underwater cultural heritage Message: Hi! I have been in contact with Gordana Karović. Unfortunately, this time she has no information about the current state of the artefacts or any plans to work on them. Since she is practically the pioneer of underwater archaeology in Serbia, it seems that, unfortunately, no conservation or archaeological work is currently taking place along the Danube in Serbia. For now at least! But thank you for recommending her! It was helpful to get in touch with her and double check what the situation is on the Serbian side. ------------------------------ Vania Janković Academy of Arts Novi Sad Serbia ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 08-06-2026 08:39 From: Frederick Van De Walle Subject: Newly exposed underwater cultural heritage Hi there, Did you try Gordana Karović? She certainly did some work in the past MSc in Archaeology, BSc in Marine Archaeological ConservationCurator of the collections dealing with the history of navigation at Museum of Science and Technology Belgrade, Serbia Best, Fred ------------------------------ Frederick Van De Walle Holmes Heritage Consulting. ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 08-05-2026 13:05 From: Vania Janković Subject: Newly exposed underwater cultural heritage Dear Paul, Thank you for your reply and for mentioning Dr. Ian MacLeod's work. I am lucky enough to be familiar with his research on cathodic protection and sacrificial anodes, and it is really a fascinating approach to the long-term preservation of such shipwrecks. My post was really aimed at finding out whether anyone is currently undertaking documentation, monitoring, or other conservation work on the archaeological remains that are being exposed along the Danube due to the unusually low water levels this summer. I can imagine that the UK has a wealth of experience in the conservation of underwater archaeological sites, and I very much appreciate you taking the time to share your insight. If you happen to know of any projects or colleagues involved in the type of work I was asking about, I would be very interested to read up on their work! Many thanks, Vania ------------------------------ Vania Janković Academy of Arts Novi Sad Serbia ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 08-04-2026 08:57 From: Paul Harrison Subject: Newly exposed underwater cultural heritage Look at the work Ian MacLeod et al are doing in Western Australia and from there elsewhere, ships have aluminium and or zinc blocks on them in operation to hinder corrosion Ian has a phd in this , his people attach big aluminium blocks to them the block then corrodes ship survives . I was in discussion with him and then a councillor and a Baroness whom I know , who sits in the House of Lords , I am a Brit , our second tier for an interesting wreck we have in the UK Paul Harrison FIIC Original Message: Sent: 8/3/2026 4:23:00 PM From: Lora Angelova Subject: RE: Newly exposed underwater cultural heritage Hi Vania, The same day I saw your post, I also read this news in the Bulgarian media about the remains of a mammoth uncovered in the Danube near Ruse. The video interview includes a bit about the conservation process. Although it's Bulgarian, it might be somewhat legible to you, as our languages are so close. I don't know the colleagues in the Regional History Museum, but I can potentially try to find someone who can put you in touch. Do let me know if that would be helpful. https://bnt.bg/news/mamutat-ot-dunav-kak-shte-badat-obsledvani-ostankite-i-kakva-istoriya-shte-razkazhat-v419541-350476news.html Best wishes, Lora ------------------------------ Lora Angelova Senior Scientist - Treatment Studies Research Getty Conservation Institute Los Angeles United States ------------------------------ 3.From: Noelle Streeton Posted: Wednesday August 12, 2026 7:03 AM Subject: RE: Paintings research query response summary Message: This is a terrific topic. Another example that you might wish to follow up is The Seven Sacraments in Antwerp (1440-1445, Rogier van der Weyden and workshop). This altarpiece has portrait-heads that are painted on tin and adhered to the support. See https://vlaamsekunstcollectie.be/en/news/restauration-vanderweyden-seven-sacraments. Wishing you success with your research, Noëlle Streeton ------------------------------ N.L.W. Streeton, PhD, FIIC, Professor of Conservation, Department of Archaeology, Conservation & History, University of Oslo, T: +47 22859323 / M: +47 9932118 PI, POLYCHROME – "The Survival of Damaged Medieval Heritage in the Nordics" (ERC, 2024–2029) https://www.hf.uio.no/iakh/english/research/projects/polychrome/index.html The Survival of Damaged Medieval Polychromed Heritage in the Nordics | POLYCHROME | Project | Fact Sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission Sacred Medieval Objects and Their Afterlives in Scandinavia (Leiden: Brill, 2025) https://brill.com/display/title/70835 ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 08-11-2026 05:56 From: Sonia Santos Gómez Subject: Paintings research query response summary Muy interesante. Muchas gracias ------------------------------ Sonia Santos Gómez Professor, Paintings Conservation Universidad Compultense de Madrid, Conservación del Patrimonio Cultural Madrid Spain ------------------------------ 4.From: Simon Green Posted: Wednesday August 12, 2026 8:10 AM Subject: RE: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility Message: As neither a member or a conservator, I had not seen this proposal so I looked on the AIC website. I could not find it there either but I did find //www.culturalheritage.org/support-us/joinrg/support-us/join. Details of PM are on a separate tab, presumably as you have to be an individual member before starting the process to becoming a PM. This might be confusing to those outside the profession entirely who might think that being a member of any sort gives some sort of assurance of quality. Having said that it seems logical that within the AIC constitution only PMs should be able to vote on issues like Codes of Ethics, Conduct, Professional Standards etc since this impacts directly on those who have attained PM or Fellowship. Surely it is easy enough to allow different categories of members to have different voting rights. When Icon (the Institute of Conservation) reviewed its ethical standards over a decade ago, there was massive consultation with members and I cannot recall how the voting was categorised but I believe it was restricted to Accredited Members. In response to Bonnie Naugle's query, I would add the link https://www.icon.org.uk/accreditation.html Icon Accreditation was established in the 1990s and provides the most thorough scheme of its kind which is recognised internationally and conservators can apply from any part of the world. Declaration of interest; though not a conservator, I am an honorary life member of Icon. ------------------------------ Simon Barcham Green Maidstone ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 08-11-2026 11:00 From: Rosa Lowinger Subject: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility In most professions, ethical standards are set by trained, peer-reviewed practitioners - it's hard to imagine the AIA, AMA, or American Bar Association opening a vote on core ethical matters to non-professionals or those still working toward credentials. There's a lot of value in being inclusive, but if standards aren't ultimately set by trained professionals across career stages, they risk losing real meaning. Rosa Lowinger, F-AIC, FAPT, FAAR '09Founder/ Principal ConservatorRLA Conservation of Art + Architecture <http://www.rlaconservation.com> Miami • Los Angeles 305.573.7011 • 323.377.8425Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/RLAConservation> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/rlaconservation/> | Website <https://rlaconservation.com/> New Yorker on Dwell Time <https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/11/06/the-woman-restoring-basquiats-forgotten-ferris-wheel> Kirkus Starred Review of Dwell Time <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rosa-lowinger/dwell-time/> This email message and any files attached are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s), are confidential and may contain privileged information from Rosa Lowinger & Associates. The information is intended solely for use by the individual(s) or entit(ies) named as the recipient hereof and is also covered by the electronic communications privacy act (18 USC Sections 2510-2521). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, copying or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email immediately and destroy copies of the original message. Original Message: Sent: 8/10/2026 9:33:00 AM From: Anthony Hita Subject: RE: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility In addition to what you've said, George, I think there is one other thing we ought to consider: Voting to extend voting rights and therefore Code of Ethics modification power to the entire AIC membership and not just fellows or PMs also opens structural and philosophical changes up to a not insignificant avenue of manipulation since the bar for regular membership is "pay a due". PMs and Fellows have undergone screening and peer review, and so are known to be engaged practitioners who have committed to the organization and industry already. As the membership solicitation page says "We welcome as a member anyone who has an interest in the field of conservation, regardless of where they are from or located." At just $15/month for this access, it is a very low bar to give access to a portion of power that then theoretically binds the practice of all members. Whatever we might think about the PM and Fellow review process or the qualifications for those states, it is at least a peer review process. AIC isn't a nation that derives rule from the consent of the people that then has the authority to enact legal guidelines that are enforced by temporal state power in a Enlightenment philosophical sense, it is a professional organization that works by voluntary participation and then grants status based on professional qualifications and review. Voting to change the Code of Ethics has far less impact on an average member than it does on a PM or Fellow whose status is explicitly tied to conformance with that Code in a way average membership is not (even if the average member is obliged to follow the Code). I sympathize with the desire to be more open, fair, and just through extending voting rights to more people, and I also believe that those who have considered and proposed these changes have already debated many of these factors internally and are not in anyway proposing something nefarious. It may ultimately be a good thing for voting to be extended to all, I'm open to that possibility. But an increased voting pool means it will be exceptionally difficult to undo the change if it goes through and turns out to have been a poor decision since we'd have to then ask people to vote to remove their own voting rights, which I cannot see reasonably happening. It also means that the Code at the point of the expansion is going to be more calcified since it is harder to mobilize a larger voting pool towards any given end. So this is certainly not a simple change that should be made without consideration by individual voters. ------------------------------ Anthony Hita, PM-AIC Architectural Conservator LimeWorks.us Telford United States ------------------------------ 5.From: Gary Saretzky Posted: Wednesday August 12, 2026 8:10 AM Subject: Digitizing Experimental Music for Preservation Message: PPG Presents a Susan Swartzburg Memorial Lecture Cosponsored by the Newark (NJ) Public Library Speaker: Hannah Conner, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Presentation Title: "Specs and Ethics: Digitizing Analog, Experimental Music”’ Date: September 17, 2026 Time: 7pm Registration via Zoom: https://npl-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/D7ZcCx0qQmWFNK00NEZxyQ Abstract: Experimental music deliberately subverts conventions, using media in newfound ways and creating unfamiliar sounds. The preservation of this music often complicates traditional workflows and requires innovation. “Specs and Ethics: Digitizing Analog, Experimental Music” presents the principles and basic practices of preserving open reel audiotape and explores the idiosyncrasies introduced by experimental music. Bio: Hannah Conner is a graduate of the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she served as a Graduate Assistant of Media Preservation in the preservation department. Before pursuing her master's in library and information science, Conner attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, specializing in Media and Cultural Studies and French and Francophone Studies with a concentration in Critical Theory. In addition to her work in libraries and archives, Conner serves on the board of the International Council of Media Literacy. About PPG: Founded by Rutgers Librarian and educator Susan Swartzburg, PPG has been meeting for more than forty years on topics related to the preservation of cultural materials. In Susan’s honor, lectures by students are designated “Susan Swartzburg Memorial Lecture.” All the lectures are free to attend but attendees are encouraged to become members to help cover the organization’s expenses and to be informed about upcoming meetings. Dues are $5 per year. See http:/princetonpreservation.org for the dues form and other information about PPG. Gary Saretzky, Princeton Preservation Group 6.From: Kathleen Kiefer Posted: Wednesday August 12, 2026 12:37 PM Subject: RE: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility Message: I have to agree with Rosa. Inclusivity is important, but ethical standards are best based on a thorough and nuanced understanding of the field. Ethical standards are, in fact, important in gaining this understanding. Respectfully,KathleenKathleen Kiefer, Conservator Material Culture [email protected] <[email protected]> Material Culture Conservation Care and Conservation of Costume, Textiles and Fiber-Based Objects Materials Testing & Exhibition Preparation Services ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 8/11/2026 11:01:00 AM From: Rosa Lowinger Subject: RE: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility In most professions, ethical standards are set by trained, peer-reviewed practitioners - it's hard to imagine the AIA, AMA, or American Bar Association opening a vote on core ethical matters to non-professionals or those still working toward credentials. There's a lot of value in being inclusive, but if standards aren't ultimately set by trained professionals across career stages, they risk losing real meaning. Rosa Lowinger, F-AIC, FAPT, FAAR '09Founder/ Principal ConservatorRLA Conservation of Art + Architecture <http://www.rlaconservation.com> Miami • Los Angeles 305.573.7011 • 323.377.8425Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/RLAConservation> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/rlaconservation/> | Website <https://rlaconservation.com/> New Yorker on Dwell Time <https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/11/06/the-woman-restoring-basquiats-forgotten-ferris-wheel> Kirkus Starred Review of Dwell Time <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rosa-lowinger/dwell-time/> This email message and any files attached are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s), are confidential and may contain privileged information from Rosa Lowinger & Associates. The information is intended solely for use by the individual(s) or entit(ies) named as the recipient hereof and is also covered by the electronic communications privacy act (18 USC Sections 2510-2521). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, copying or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email immediately and destroy copies of the original message. ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 8/10/2026 9:33:00 AM From: Anthony Hita Subject: RE: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility In addition to what you've said, George, I think there is one other thing we ought to consider: Voting to extend voting rights and therefore Code of Ethics modification power to the entire AIC membership and not just fellows or PMs also opens structural and philosophical changes up to a not insignificant avenue of manipulation since the bar for regular membership is "pay a due". PMs and Fellows have undergone screening and peer review, and so are known to be engaged practitioners who have committed to the organization and industry already. As the membership solicitation page says "We welcome as a member anyone who has an interest in the field of conservation, regardless of where they are from or located." At just $15/month for this access, it is a very low bar to give access to a portion of power that then theoretically binds the practice of all members. Whatever we might think about the PM and Fellow review process or the qualifications for those states, it is at least a peer review process. AIC isn't a nation that derives rule from the consent of the people that then has the authority to enact legal guidelines that are enforced by temporal state power in a Enlightenment philosophical sense, it is a professional organization that works by voluntary participation and then grants status based on professional qualifications and review. Voting to change the Code of Ethics has far less impact on an average member than it does on a PM or Fellow whose status is explicitly tied to conformance with that Code in a way average membership is not (even if the average member is obliged to follow the Code). I sympathize with the desire to be more open, fair, and just through extending voting rights to more people, and I also believe that those who have considered and proposed these changes have already debated many of these factors internally and are not in anyway proposing something nefarious. It may ultimately be a good thing for voting to be extended to all, I'm open to that possibility. But an increased voting pool means it will be exceptionally difficult to undo the change if it goes through and turns out to have been a poor decision since we'd have to then ask people to vote to remove their own voting rights, which I cannot see reasonably happening. It also means that the Code at the point of the expansion is going to be more calcified since it is harder to mobilize a larger voting pool towards any given end. So this is certainly not a simple change that should be made without consideration by individual voters. ------------------------------ Anthony Hita, PM-AIC Architectural Conservator LimeWorks.us Telford United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 08-08-2026 17:12 From: George Wheeler Subject: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility I am grateful to Bonnie Naugle and Noah Smutz for providing background and information as I try to focus my thinking on the upcoming vote to expand voting rights to all AIC members. What follows are some points that I hope that members will consider before casting their vote. First, I am uncomfortable with members of the AIC leadership, whether officers, committee members, or staff, urging us to vote a certain way (in this case "for"). This is particularly concerning when those solicitations do not include full discussions of plusses, minuses, and implications, or, when the argument is framed as standing on higher moral and ethical grounds. Strictly from a political strategy point of view, doing so is risky and often leads to backlash. Put in simple language, no one likes to be told what to do, particularly from those in positions of authority. This is human nature. A version of this played out during the exploration of certification in 2010, which led to a strong vote against certification. Second, some members have characterized the vote as "simply" bringing our By-Laws into conformity. There are some good arguments for that conformity. One is fairness: if you are obliged to follow the Code of Ethics, then you should be able to vote on it. Another is: if you want to enjoy the benefits of membership, you should pay a price for that. However, there is nothing "simple" about this decision and to characterize it in that way is either naive or disingenuous. In conversations with other AIC members, the questions that arise are: 1. Has this vote and the previous vote that expanded conformity to the Code of Ethics to all members been fully thought through? 2. Is possible that we would be compounding an error we have already made? I wonder if we could engage in the wonderful development in recent years at the AIC Annual Meeting where we openly discuss our "mistakes"? Third, there are other options for membership, and the associated responsibilities and obligations of that membership, that many other professional organizations enact. Some such categories of membership do not provide voting rights or demand professional ethical obligations. These memberships could apply to people from allied disciplines who wish to be a member in AIC, or to those in conservation who do not want to make the effort and take on responsibilities of a PM or a Fellow. It also allows someone to retain membership even when they object to all or parts of the Code of Ethics. This is not a trivial point. The recent draft of the Code (currently being edited), replete with virtue signaling and legal concerns for those in private practice, gave many of us pause and would undoubtedly have led to loss of membership. Finally, my hope is that the current vote for extension of voting rights will be withdrawn or that members reject the proposal. I believe we need to fully consider (and perhaps reconsider) the impact of the decisions we have and might make. *(See optional personal note) My further hope is that those working on the next draft of the Code of Ethics make it simple. Important issues like climate change and global warming (which all members might not agree on) might be better addressed in The Guidelines for Practice or even better, in a position or white paper that helps guide or stimulate people's thinking without demanding agreement or conformity (such as the AIC's position paper on the trade in African elephant ivory). In my view the Code of Ethics boils down to: don't hurt art and anyone associated with it. *Personal note: I have often heard and have sometimes fallen prey to: elders have wisdom and youth has energy. This statement flies in the face of my personal experience. While I know a few elders with lots of energy, I have had the experience and privilege of working with bright, energetic and indeed wise students and other young professionals. It is a false dichotomy that promotes intergenerational divide when what we need, particularly at this time, is intergenerational solidarity. ------------------------------ George Wheeler Senior Scientist Highbridge Materials Consulting, Inc. New York United States ------------------------------ 7.From: Aliaksei Fedarenka Posted: Wednesday August 12, 2026 12:37 PM Subject: RE: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility Message: Canadian Association of Professional Conservators code of ethics: https://capc-acrp.ca/en/about/publications/code-of-ethics-and-guidance-for-practice ------------------------------ Aliaksei Fedarenka Principal Capital Conservation Services Ottawa Canada ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 08-11-2026 14:01 From: Bonnie Naugle Subject: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility Hi everyone, Since this topic was posted on the Global Forum and not in the AIC Member Community, I'd love to get more perspectives from our allied and international colleagues! How do other associations and organizations around the world consider their own codes of ethics and/or guidelines for practice? How often do you update or change them, and what processes do you use? Here are a few codes/guidelines I found: AICCM: https://aiccm.org.au/about/code-ethics-and-practice/ <https://aiccm.org.au/about/code-ethics-and-practice/> CAC-ACCR: https://www.cac-accr.ca/about-us/ <https://www.cac-accr.ca/about-us/> AASLH: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/download.us.aaslh.org/NOV+2025+FINAL_+AASLH+Statement+of+Standards+and+Ethics.pdf <https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/download.us.aaslh.org/NOV+2025+FINAL_+AASLH+Statement+of+Standards+and+Ethics.pdf> E.C.CO.: https://www.ecco-eu.org/home/ecco-documents/ <https://www.ecco-eu.org/home/ecco-documents/> Are there others? I think most importantly, what do you refer to in your work? All the best, Bonnie ------------------------------ Bonnie Naugle Communications & Membership Director American Institute for Conservation and Foundation for Advancement in Conservation Washington, DC ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 08-10-2026 12:28 From: Suzanne Davis Subject: Expanding AIC Voter Eligibility Dear George, Thanks for your message. For a bit of recent historical context, I was serving as AIC vice president when this issue first began to be discussed about seven years ago. It grew in importance as members worked to update the Bylaws and revise the Code of Ethics. During my time on the board, the issue was considered and debated by the board and several committees and task forces before being brought to increasingly broader groups, including the Internal Advisory Group, annual meeting attendees, and all members for further discussion both in person and online. AIC's culture strongly values consensus, which can mean that projects take a long time to move from discussion to completion. By the time an issue reaches a vote, it's understandable that many members may not remember the full history. For those who have been involved throughout, however, this vote may feel like the natural culmination of years of thoughtful discussion. Although I no longer serve AIC in a volunteer capacity, my own view is that all AIC members should abide by the organization's Code of Ethics, as is the case in other professional organizations I belong to. It has never made sense to me that this applies to some members but not others. I also agree that the Code should be simple. And if members are expected to abide by it, they should be able to vote on it. To me, these points feel straightforward, although I know other AIC members might see the issue differently. I'll be very interested to learn the outcome of the vote. Best wishes, Suzanne------------------------ Suzanne L. Davis (she/her/hers) <https://www.mypronouns.org/>Senior Associate Curator and Head of ConservationKelsey Museum of Archaeology <https://lsa.umich.edu/kelsey>University of Michigan, 434 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1390 USA 8.From: adrian hernandez Posted: Wednesday August 12, 2026 5:10 PM Subject: Meetup - Sustainable Labs Community - August 25 Message: Dear Community Members, For those in the same hemisphere, we hope summer is treating you well! With the fires and heat waves happening all over the world, we thought it would be appropriate to make this the topic of August's community meetup. We can discuss any other questions or updates you all wish to share with the community or get feedback on, as usual. Mark your calendars for Tues Aug 25th at 8am PT / 11am ET / 4pm BST to join us for an open forum community meeting of the Sustainable Labs CoP. Invite your colleagues! Here's the link to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84418944074?pwd=qoEO6UP32BJ1lhMkqfUH5VzF7KoxAa.1 <https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84418944074?pwd=qoEO6UP32BJ1lhMkqfUH5VzF7KoxAa.1> All the best, AIC / Icon Sustainability Teams ------------------------------ adrian hernandez AIC Sustainability Committee Outreach Officer ------------------------------ 9.From: Marianne Kelsey Posted: Wednesday August 12, 2026 5:10 PM Subject: UPDATE - Practice with Papers: Screening for Select Heavy Metals in Museum Collections Webinar October 12th Message: Please see the update below for international participants, as well as an updated list of materials participants will need to source for themselves: Ever wish you knew more about hazardous materials characterization? Here is your chance to learn more from the comfort of your own studio or lab! The Southeast Region Conservation Association is excited to announce our fall webinar: Practice with Papers: Screening for Select Heavy Metals in Museum Collections Monday, October 12, 2 - 4 PM via Zoom Heavy metals commonly found on objects in museum collections pose a hazard not only to the conservators charged with their care, but to any stakeholders who might handle the object over its lifetime. Identifying the precise hazard allows the handler to reduce their exposure by taking the proper safety precautions. Safe and appropriate screening is a first step towards protecting the health of those who might encounter these hazards in collections. Join us for a virtual workshop extension from the SERCA 2026 Annual Meeting as we practice screening for lead, cobalt, arsenic, and mercury. Facilitator Brittany Dinneen will demonstrate tests while discussing tips and limitations. The qualitative tests rely on both commercially available strips and papers, as well as papers that can be made in your own lab. Screening is carried out on the microscale in order to minimize sample size. Registration fee provides shipping of a kit to include test papers, samples, workspace protection, personal protective equipment, a list of tools and labware necessary for setting up the workspace prior to the workshop, and access to a digital kit with instructions and safety data sheets. ***Please note that due to shipping restrictions, participants will be responsible for finding their own source for zinc dust/powder, hydrochloric acid, and nitric acid to carry out some of the tests. While some sample material will be included, participants are also encouraged to find their own knowns and unknowns for testing.*** If you are not located in the continental U.S., we cannot ship to you. However, you may purchase the commercial kits and reagents on your own and register at a reduced rate. Please reach out to [email protected] <[email protected]> with questions. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS 9/1! $45 for SERCA members $55 for non-members To register, complete the registration form here: Registration Form <https://forms.gle/MV8BXGTT8e1K7ABM7> Or visit the SERCA website at: https://sercaconservation.org/current-events-workshops/ <https://sercaconservation.org/current-events-workshops/> ------------------------------ Marianne Kelsey SERCA Communications Coordinator Paper Conservator Kelsey Conservation Greensboro NC ------------------------------ 10.From: Mark Aronson Posted: Wednesday August 12, 2026 5:11 PM Subject: RE: Paintings research query response summary Message: Hi Elizabeth, Not sure if you received my added remarks by direct email, but here they were: In things British also look at John Martin. The YCBA Deluge has a huge cut out at the bottom left, sort of the shape of a winged sofa-ish. Scroll though the images until you get to the x-radiograph. https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/tms:5017 <https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/tms:5017> A prints person whose name was ??? mentioned that Martin experimented with mezzotint by cutting out prints of different values of dark or black and collaging them together as studies in value, but I don't know these studies, but I see there is a lot about Martin and mezzotint on-line. So he wasn't afraid of cutting up canvas either - it seems. Also in earlier practice on the continent - Jan van Scorel's Jerusalem Pilgrims in the Franshalsmuseum in the Netherlands, has a portrait on tin that was glued on - presumably because the sitter was not local to the creation of the panel? I can't find the picture on the museum's website but here is a link: https://art-in-space.blogspot.com/2015/04/jan-van-scorel-12-members-of-haarlem.html <https://art-in-space.blogspot.com/2015/04/jan-van-scorel-12-members-of-haarlem.html> The portrait sixth from the RIGHT with a slightly yellow/pasty complexion was painted on tin and then glued on. (I worked on this painting as a fellow, now a hundred years ago.) There is another such painting in some Dutch collection, but I'm not jogging it out of my memory just now. Mark ------------------------------ Mark Aronson Senior Conservator Yale Center for British Art New Haven United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 08-10-2026 17:13 From: Elizabeth Mansfield Subject: Paintings research query response summary Thanks to everyone who responded to my original query regarding the use of cut-and-paste techniques by European portrait painters. Several members of the list asked for a summary of the information I received. Here it is: It seems the cut-and-paste technique was as not as unusual among oil painters as 18th-century British commentators seem to suggest (George Vertue referred to its use by Hamlet Winstanley in 1739 "quite new and extraordinary"). Aside from Winstanley and R.E. Pine, whose works prompted my query, 18th-century British examples include Hogarth's portrait of David Garrick as Richard III (Walker Art Gallery), Zoffany's portrait of the Drummond Family (see Jessica David's paper on this painting in the collection of the YCBA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmUscyrPhtY <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmUscyrPhtY>), and Reynolds' portrait of George Townshend, 4th Viscount Townshend in Ontario (see Mannings, no. 1764). Thanks to the specialists in pastel portraits and paper conservation who informed me of the frequency with which Hugh Douglas Hamilton and Maurice-Quentin La Tour used a cut-and-paste method in their pastel portraits on paper. On Hamilton, see Louise O'Connor's article, https://doi.org/10.1080/18680860.2018.1642024 <https://doi.org/10.1080/18680860.2018.1642024>; on La Tour, see Rena Hoisington's 2006 IFA dissertation on La Tour. The earliest examples of the technique that I heard about are 16th-century Venetian paintings. Research on pasted heads in a work by Tintoretto is currently underway at the NGA in Washington, with results to be published in the future (Joanna Dunn and Christie Romano are among those involved in the research). Late 17th- / early 18th-century French portrait painters also made use of the technique. Curator Elodie Vaysse (Chateau de Versailles) will publish her research on the technique in a forthcoming monograph. Also brought to my attention were painted photographs, popular in the 19th century. Some portrait painters (especially miniaturists) pasted a photographic portrait onto a support and then painted over the photograph and support, resulting in a compelling painted likeness with no obvious trace of the underlying photo visible. I would be glad to learn of further examples, should others come to mind. Sincere thanks to all, Elizabeth [email protected] <[email protected]> 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.
