Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Tar paper - papier goudronné 2. How can conservation professionals establish a meaningful role within interdisciplinary heritage-science institutions? 3. AIC 2027 Annual Meeting Call for Papers! 4. Conserving LGBT+ History Webinar: Anne Lister's Journals, Online, 22nd October 2026, 4pm GMT (12pm EST) 5. Creating a Photograph Conservation Resource website in Spanish 6. RE: Tar paper - papier goudronné ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Christian Mueller-Straten Posted: Monday September 7, 2026 7:10 AM Subject: RE: Tar paper - papier goudronné Message: Hi Rita, Tar paper is available in Germany in roll form. Unlike "tarboard" (roofing felt)-which was used for flat-roof waterproofing and moisture barriers until 1962-tar paper is used in overseas packaging applications: as a lining for cardboard boxes or wooden export crates (sometimes as an interleaving layer), as a packaging wrap, as water-repellent packaging, as a vapor barrier, or in insulation. Reinforced versions of tar paper are also available, featuring wire reinforcement or polyethylene coating. Examples: https://www.einpacken.de/verstaerktes-teerpapier/p-364.html?srsltid=AfmBOoq41sEz5cr23CY6wBOAdYCumSQVEsF1sgo5k2OepOZ9KfqEnk0Q <https://www.einpacken.de/verstaerktes-teerpapier/p-364.html?srsltid=AfmBOoq41sEz5cr23CY6wBOAdYCumSQVEsF1sgo5k2OepOZ9KfqEnk0Q> or https://www.hilde24.de/Papier-und-Pappe/Fett--und-wasserabweisende-Papiere/Bitumenpapier/2029/?srsltid=AfmBOoqi_bHLJJ735qGNxPD8Z-d8jFw5YIP-BnLJJzOQPJKBonLvtxXa <https://www.hilde24.de/Papier-und-Pappe/Fett--und-wasserabweisende-Papiere/Bitumenpapier/2029/?srsltid=AfmBOoqi_bHLJJ735qGNxPD8Z-d8jFw5YIP-BnLJJzOQPJKBonLvtxXa> or https://flex-pack.it/de/industrielle-verpackung/teerpapier/ <https://flex-pack.it/de/industrielle-verpackung/teerpapier/> The Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tar_paper <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tar_paper> confuses roofing felt with tar paper, and tar with bitumen. Tar paper comes in several colors, including black, brown, and dark red. Some companies also refer to the product as "oil paper" or "bitumen screed paper" (compliant with DIN 18560). Remark to roofing felt: Nowadays, roofing felt is permitted in the EU only in the form of bitumen-based felt. This is because tar-based roofing felt can contain high levels of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are considered carcinogenic. The risk is particularly high with older roofs. Potential asbestos content: Asbestos was incorporated into some older tar paper to increase the material's durability. It is impossible to tell with the naked eye whether roofing felt contains asbestos. Due to its various constituents-such as tar and, in the case of older materials, potentially asbestos-roofing felt must be disposed of as hazardous waste. This means it cannot be mixed with other waste or construction debris for disposal in a general waste container or a standard household trash bin. Best Christian ------------------------------ [Christian] [Mueller-Straten] [Researcher, Publisher, Art Historian] [Owner] [Verlag Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten] [Munich] [Germany] [0049-89-839 690 43] [https://www.museum-aktuell.de] https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 09-06-2026 13:22 From: Rita Udina Subject: Tar paper - papier goudronné Dear colleagues, I have recently conserved an artwork on tar paper, a material that was unfamiliar to me until I was commissioned to carry out this project. Other names for this material include tarred paper, bituminous paper, asphalt paper, roofing felt and building paper. In French: papier goudronné, papier bitumé, carton bitumé, papier brun; in Spanish: papel embreado, papel alquitranado, papel bituminoso; and in Catalan: paper embreat, paper enquitranat, paper bituminós. As these terms suggest, it is basically a paper coated or impregnated with tar, bitumen or asphalt, typically dark or black in appearance. It seems to have been used mainly as a temporary protective material against water or humidity, for example as wrapping or lining material for boxes, books or other objects during transport. I would be very grateful for any information regarding this type of paper: references, conservation case studies, historical uses, or the equivalent terms in Italian, German or other languages. I have already completed the conservation treatment of the artwork, but any further information would still be of great interest. Many thanks in advance, Rita Udina C. Sant Pere, 24, local 08330 - Premià de Mar Barcelona, SPAIN +34 937548880 (whtspp) [email protected] <[email protected]> https://ritaudina.com <https://ritaudina.com> ------------------------------ Rita Udina Book & Paper Conservator Rita Udina · Book & Paper Conservation Premià de Mar Spain ------------------------------ 2.From: Soodabeh Sajadi Posted: Monday September 7, 2026 9:16 AM Subject: How can conservation professionals establish a meaningful role within interdisciplinary heritage-science institutions? Message: Hi all, I would like to bring up a question around a challenge I suspect isn't unique to me, but that I haven't found much written about: how do you establish and formalize a conservation role within an art-characterisation laboratory where conservation was never structurally part of the workflow to begin with? A bit of context: I am a PhD student and the only member with a professional conservation background, working alongside specialists in art history, digital heritage, imaging, and physico-chemical analysis. The laboratory's core workflow has historically focused on imaging and scientific examination (multispectral imaging, UVF, IRFC, MA-XRF, digital microscopy, and related techniques) primarily for the technical study and authentication of artworks. Elements of conservation interpretation have been incorporated into art-characterisation and diagnostic reports provided by science and technical experts, but there is no formally defined conservation assessment where my contribution could fit within this pipeline Over the past months, as opportunities have arisen, I have been trying to contribute as a team member bringing a conservation perspective to this existing pipeline rather than duplicating the expertise already present in the laboratory. This has included drafting SOPs for object handling, in-lab examination and emergency response, proposing a framework for reviewing technical reports, and exploring how conservation expertise could add value to the interpretation of analytical results. however, It's still not convincing managers as a Conservation-especific contribution. Where I'd love the community's input: What could the role of a conservator be in a heritage-science laboratory? Are there existing models, standards, or precedents (AIC, ICON, ICOM-CC, ENCoRE, etc.) for conservation's structural place within analytical/scientific labs that I should be looking at? Genuinely appreciate any experience, stories, or reading you can point me toward. Thank you, Soodabeh Sajadi ------------------------------ Soodabeh Sajadi Research Assistant The Cyprus Institute ------------------------------ 3.From: Abed Haddad Posted: Monday September 7, 2026 9:16 AM Subject: AIC 2027 Annual Meeting Call for Papers! Message: We are pleased to return to Albuquerque for our 55th Annual Meeting under the theme: "Community of Trust" For this meeting, we will reflect on how trust is established, maintained, challenged, and renewed. Our gathering together at the Annual Meeting should be built on trust, and that current is what carries us towards new ways of examining our own practice and how our work shapes the way histories are interpreted and shared. It's trust in one another's expertise, the evidence that informs our decisions, the institutions we work within, the lived experiences of our colleagues, and the relationships we cultivate. It is also important to consider how conservators earn and maintain trust across disciplines and communities through collaboration, transparency, and accountability. Trust also motivates us to seek out what we may lack and acknowledge that care for our heritage is often carried out beyond our traditional professional boundaries. We will explore how trust influences conservation, strengthens our connections, and reinforces our collective dedication to uplifting one another. Explore the expanded theme on the AIC website! <https://www.culturalheritage.org/events/annual-meeting/current-meeting/call-for-submissions> We are currently seeking a variety of submissions for the Annual Meeting, including: General Abstracts: presentations and posters. Deadline: September 30. Networking Events: luncheons, speed mentoring, happy hours, and short small-group meetings, such as officer meetings. Deadline: December 15, though proposals will start being considered in October; luncheon proposals will be reviewed as they come in. Pre-conference Events: workshops, seminars, symposia, community partnership project. Deadline: September 30. Thematic Sessions seeking submissions include: What is a Conservation Professional? Cross-Specialty General Tips Session: Imaging and Building Trust Tending the Afterlife: The treatment of mummified human remains Time Travelers: Accelerated Aging and Predictive Modeling Navigating Contemporary Commissions Navigating Ethical Dimensions in Contemporary Art in the Artist's Absence Radioactive Objects in Collections Mitigating Mold with Trust A.I. Literacy in Conservation Practice Low-Toxicity and Sustainable Alternatives in Conservation Practice Stabilizing the Surface: Materials and Techniques for Flaking Media Navigating Capital Projects and Construction at Your Institution Community Stewardship and Long-term Management of Archaeological and Historic Sites In-situ Photogrammetry for Site-Specific Sites and Monumental Objects Luncheons seeking submissions include: Objects Conservation Tips Session Swap Shop: Practical Tips from Paper and Photograph Conservators Imaging Tips Session Tips for Better Documentation in Private Practice Shared Stewardship: An Asset-Based Future for Preventive Conservation Moments of Care: Relational Practices in Preservation and Conservation Keep an eye out for special calls! Bench Exchange: Contemporary Art and Objects Case Study Discussion Easel Exchange with PSG and RATS You can find expanded session descriptions here. <https://www.culturalheritage.org/events/annual-meeting/current-meeting/call-for-submissions> Sessions, Luncheons, and Panels featuring invited speakers are also listed! We have one submission form <https://culturalheritage.secure-platform.com/annualmeeting/>. You will need to create an account on our submission portal to access the form. You can begin a submission and save it to return later. However, you must complete the form and submit it for your abstract or proposal to be considered. For more helpful tips, please refer to the submission instructions. <https://www.culturalheritage.org/events/annual-meeting/current-meeting/call-for-submissions> For more questions, please email Abed Haddad, AIC Vice President ([email protected]), and Bonnie Naugle, Annual Meeting Program Lead ([email protected]) With appreciation, Abed and Bonnie ------------------------------ Abed Haddad AIC Vice President (2025-2027) Assistant Conservation Scientist The Museum of Modern Art New York, NY ------------------------------ 4.From: Elina Rodriguez Millan Posted: Monday September 7, 2026 9:17 AM Subject: Conserving LGBT+ History Webinar: Anne Lister's Journals, Online, 22nd October 2026, 4pm GMT (12pm EST) Message: Icon Scotland: Conserving LGBT+ History Webinar: Anne Lister's Journals Date and Time: Thursday 22 October 2026, 4:00-5:15pm GMT (12pm EST) Location: Online on Zoom Price: Donations starting at £1 Interested in LGBT+ History and/or books and paper conservation? Join us to hear all about Anne Lister and the conservation of her journals! All proceeds from this event will be donated to Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive <https://lavendermenace.org.uk/>, an Edinburgh archive of LGBTQ+ books. Get your tickets now. <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/conserving-lgbt-history-webinar-anne-lister-s-journals.html> Anne Lister, born in 1791, was the owner of Shibden Hall in Halifax. Today she is remembered as "the first modern lesbian", whose life and adventures were depicted in the BBC drama Gentleman Jack. Anne kept detailed diaries throughout her life, writing the most private and intimate sections in a secret code. In 2017, the West Yorkshire Archive Service <http://wyjs.org.uk/archive-service/> Conservation team stabilised the diaries for digitisation and access as source material for the TV drama. In this webinar, Shirley Jones and Elizabeth Stettler, Head of Conservation and Conservator for the WYAS, will outline the conservation work undertaken as well as reflect on the unexpected explosion of interest in Anne and her diaries following the TV drama, and the pioneering diary transcription project which coincided with the global Covid pandemic. There will be 'live' examples of Anne's diaries to see. All proceeds from this webinar will be donated to The Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive, an Edinburgh based archive dedicated to preserving LGBTQ+ books and providing a free and welcoming community archive space for reading, research and socialising. Tickets start at £1 but we'd like to encourage you to donate more to support Lavender Menace, either by paying more for your ticket or donating to the Save Lavender Menace! crowdfunding campaign <https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-lavender-menace>. Get your tickets now. <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/conserving-lgbt-history-webinar-anne-lister-s-journals.html> ------------------------------ Elina Rodriguez Millan Stone Conservator Historic Environment Scotland Communications Officer, The Icon Scotland Group [email protected] [email protected] ------------------------------ 5.From: Lauren Ashley-Irvine Posted: Monday September 7, 2026 9:17 AM Subject: Creating a Photograph Conservation Resource website in Spanish Message: Hello all! On September 25th, 6pm BST, the ICON Photographic Materials Group is running a webinar showcasing the work that goes into creating reference materials that we use in our daily conservation practice. "Fotografias Perdurables," is a collaborative website launched in August 2026, that has brought together Photograph Conservation professionals from around the world to make high-quality resources accessible in Spanish. We hope that you will join us to discuss how to inspire, stay connected and share knowledge in the field of Photograph Conservation! Building knowledge and fostering inspiration, the creation of a Photograph Conservation resource website in Spanish. <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/building-knowledge-and-fostering-inspiration-the-creation-of-a-photograph-conservation-resource-website-in-spanish.html> Icon remove preview <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/building-knowledge-and-fostering-inspiration-the-creation-of-a-photograph-conservation-resource-website-in-spanish.html> Building knowledge and fostering inspiration, the creation of a Photograph Conservation resource website in Spanish. >From Concept To Community: Building A Digital Platform That Fosters Knowledge >And Collaboration. View this on Icon > <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/building-knowledge-and-fostering-inspiration-the-creation-of-a-photograph-conservation-resource-website-in-spanish.html> ------------------------------ Lauren Ashley-Irvine Conservator in Private Practice Taufkirchen Germany ------------------------------ 6.From: Rita Udina Posted: Monday September 7, 2026 2:29 PM Subject: RE: Tar paper - papier goudronné Message: Dear Christian, Thank you very much for your generous and detailed reply. I was completely unaware that this type of paper is still being manufactured today, and I did not know the German terms either. I had already noticed that several similar, but not quite equivalent, terms tend to be used interchangeably in the general information I had found so far, so your clarification is extremely useful. The examples you sent are very welcome as well. I am truly grateful for your help. Best wishes, Rita ------------------------------ Rita Udina Book & Paper Conservator Rita Udina · Book & Paper Conservation Premià de Mar Spain ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 09-06-2026 23:55 From: Christian Mueller-Straten Subject: Tar paper - papier goudronné Hi Rita, Tar paper is available in Germany in roll form. Unlike "tarboard" (roofing felt)-which was used for flat-roof waterproofing and moisture barriers until 1962-tar paper is used in overseas packaging applications: as a lining for cardboard boxes or wooden export crates (sometimes as an interleaving layer), as a packaging wrap, as water-repellent packaging, as a vapor barrier, or in insulation. Reinforced versions of tar paper are also available, featuring wire reinforcement or polyethylene coating. Examples: https://www.einpacken.de/verstaerktes-teerpapier/p-364.html?srsltid=AfmBOoq41sEz5cr23CY6wBOAdYCumSQVEsF1sgo5k2OepOZ9KfqEnk0Q <https://www.einpacken.de/verstaerktes-teerpapier/p-364.html?srsltid=AfmBOoq41sEz5cr23CY6wBOAdYCumSQVEsF1sgo5k2OepOZ9KfqEnk0Q> or https://www.hilde24.de/Papier-und-Pappe/Fett--und-wasserabweisende-Papiere/Bitumenpapier/2029/?srsltid=AfmBOoqi_bHLJJ735qGNxPD8Z-d8jFw5YIP-BnLJJzOQPJKBonLvtxXa <https://www.hilde24.de/Papier-und-Pappe/Fett--und-wasserabweisende-Papiere/Bitumenpapier/2029/?srsltid=AfmBOoqi_bHLJJ735qGNxPD8Z-d8jFw5YIP-BnLJJzOQPJKBonLvtxXa> or https://flex-pack.it/de/industrielle-verpackung/teerpapier/ <https://flex-pack.it/de/industrielle-verpackung/teerpapier/> The Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tar_paper <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tar_paper> confuses roofing felt with tar paper, and tar with bitumen. Tar paper comes in several colors, including black, brown, and dark red. Some companies also refer to the product as "oil paper" or "bitumen screed paper" (compliant with DIN 18560). Remark to roofing felt: Nowadays, roofing felt is permitted in the EU only in the form of bitumen-based felt. This is because tar-based roofing felt can contain high levels of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are considered carcinogenic. The risk is particularly high with older roofs. Potential asbestos content: Asbestos was incorporated into some older tar paper to increase the material's durability. It is impossible to tell with the naked eye whether roofing felt contains asbestos. Due to its various constituents-such as tar and, in the case of older materials, potentially asbestos-roofing felt must be disposed of as hazardous waste. This means it cannot be mixed with other waste or construction debris for disposal in a general waste container or a standard household trash bin. Best Christian ------------------------------ [Christian] [Mueller-Straten] [Researcher, Publisher, Art Historian] [Owner] [Verlag Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten] [Munich] [Germany] [0049-89-839 690 43] [https://www.museum-aktuell.de] https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO <https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO> ------------------------------ 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.
