Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Call for abstracts to all early carreer (Heritage) Scientists for the Gordon Research Seminar 11-12 July 2026 2. RE: Discoloration of Laropal A81 retouching (Tinuvin 292?) : uneven yellowing in green areas 3. RE: Microfader supplier 4. RE: Microfader supplier 5. RE: REGISTRATION OPEN: Online Symposium | The History of Drawings Conservation and Its Ethics | May 13-14, 2026 6. Upcoming CPD course - Identifying Leather and Skin in Heritage Collections 7. Upcoming CPD course - Caring for Automotive Leather 8. Baltimore Museum of Art Seeks Director of Conservation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Sanne Berbers Posted: Wednesday April 1, 2026 6:25 AM Subject: RE: Call for abstracts to all early carreer (Heritage) Scientists for the Gordon Research Seminar 11-12 July 2026 Message: If you want to get in touch about funding possibilities please send me a message at [email protected]! Unfortuantly I am not able to contact everyone who replied to me personally if there is no contact information available.ย All the best, Sanneย ------------------------------ Sanne Berbers Heritage Scientist Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed Amsterdam Netherlands ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-30-2026 03:17 From: Sanne Berbers Subject: Call for abstracts to all early carreer (Heritage) Scientists for the Gordon Research Seminar 11-12 July 2026 Reminder: The deadline for oral presentation is at the end of this week on the 5th of April! We still have funding opportunities available, so get in touch if you are considering coming but need financial assistance. ------------------------------ Sanne Berbers Heritage Scientist Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed Amsterdam Netherlands ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 02-10-2026 07:49 From: Sanne Berbers Subject: Call for abstracts to all early carreer (Heritage) Scientists for the Gordon Research Seminar 11-12 July 2026 Applications for this year's Gordon Research Seminar โ Scientific Methods in Cultural Heritage Research are open! The seminar takes place on 11 and 12 July 2026 in Les Diablerets (Switzerland). The deadline for abstracts to be considered for an oral presentation is on the 5th of April. This seminar is the perfect platform for young scientist in the beginning of their career (graduate, PhD students, PostDocs or similar) in (cultural) heritage science to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. This year's seminar has the theme '๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ญ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐ข๐ช๐ฎ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง, ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ก๐๐๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ' and we will organize exciting sessions around these and other topics: - Novel ways of using established techniques for object-based research - Reassessing and expanding emerging analytical techniques to aid complex issues in Heritage Science - The use and sharing of samples/materials/mock-ups, data sharing practice and the role of AI - Advances in scientific techniques for material analysis, conservation, technical art history and archaeology - Connecting fundamental research with conservation practices The GRS will also include a Keynote lecture by Aviva Burnstock, Professor of Conservation at The Courtauld Institute of Art with a title: "๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด๐ด๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฆ๐ด๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ต๐ถ๐ข๐ญ ๐ช๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด๐ต ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ค๐ถ๐ญ๐ต๐ถ๐ณ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ช๐ต๐ข๐จ๐ฆ: ๐๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฅ๐ช๐ด๐ค๐ช๐ฑ๐ญ๐ช๐ฏ๐ข๐ณ๐บ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ช๐ด ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐บ" On Sunday, we will have a mentorship component " Practical Advice for Early Career Scientists" with Marine Cotte, beamline scientists at ESRF Synchrotron, and Laura Hendriks - SNSF Ambizione Fellow, as panel members. We are sure that their experiences at different career stages will be inspirational for our community to better dive into the challenge of we face : from applying for beamtime to life after a post-doc. We also encourage applicants to apply to the Gordon Research Conference that starts immediately after the seminar (12-17 July), organized by Ilaria Bonaduce and Samuel Webb. Please note that limited funding is available for attending the GRS. Please get in touch if you would like to be considered for this. Further information and application details: GRS: https://www.grc.org/scientific-methods-in-cultural-heritage-research-grs-conference/2026/ <https://www.grc.org/scientific-methods-in-cultural-heritage-research-grs-conference/2026/> On behalf of the Chairs of the GRS: Amelia Suzuki, Nottingham Trent University โ ISPC-CNR Sanne Berbers, Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands ------------------------------ Sanne Berbers Heritage Scientist Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed Amsterdam Netherlands ------------------------------ 2.From: David Thickett Posted: Wednesday April 1, 2026 6:25 AM Subject: RE: Discoloration of Laropal A81 retouching (Tinuvin 292?) : uneven yellowing in green areas Message: Hi Aspasia May not be related but I've looked at a couple of instance of ethyl acetate yellowing whilst being stored, which was quite pronounced. ------------------------------ David Thickett Senior Conservation Scientist English Heritage London United Kingdom ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-31-2026 13:02 From: Aspasia Kopsida Subject: Discoloration of Laropal A81 retouching (Tinuvin 292?) : uneven yellowing in green areas Dear colleagues, My name is Aspasia Kopsida, and I am a junior conservator specializing in wood and furniture . I would greatly appreciate your insight on a treatment issue I am currently investigating. I am working on a painted wooden maquette dating from the late 18th century, which was restored in 2010. According to the treatment documentation, areas of loss were filled with Modostuc, isolated with Paraloid B-72 (30% in ethyl acetate), and retouched using loose pigments bound in Laropal A81 (20% solution in Shellsol D40/A100) with 2% Tinuvin 292 added. The object now presents noticeable yellowing in the retouched areas. This discoloration is relatively uniform across the surface, but is particularly pronounced in green passages, while appearing much less evident in whites, browns, and blacks. Solvent testing indicates that the yellowed layer can be reduced, revealing retouching beneath that appears to have retained its original color. Unfortunately, I am not able to share overall images of the object, but I have included a few close-up details for reference. I am trying to better understand the cause of this phenomenon. Given the stronger visual impact in the green areas, could this be related to the specific pigments used in those passages? Alternatively, might the discoloration be associated with the aging behavior of the Laropal A81 system or the addition of Tinuvin 292? If so, I would have expected a more consistent effect across all colors. I would be very grateful for any thoughts, references, or comparable experiences you might be able to share. My apologies if this question is too elementary, and thank you very much in advance for your time. With kind regards, Aspasia Kopsida ------------------------------ Aspasia Kopsida Conservator of Wood & Furniture Netherlands ------------------------------ 3.From: Addison Yu Posted: Wednesday April 1, 2026 10:15 AM Subject: RE: Microfader supplier Message: Hello Maria -ย We purchased our current device fromย Instytut Fotonowy <https://www.fotonowy.pl/products/mft-scientific/>, and prior to that, we had a Whitmore machine made with components from Newport Oriel <https://www.newport.com/b/oriel-instruments> that we used for a few years. We've had great experiences with both - there are pros and cons to each based on the needs of your institution. Feel free to send me an email, I'd be happy to discuss.ย ------------------------------ Addison Yu Conservation Technician New York Public Library Brooklyn United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-31-2026 18:25 From: Maria Genetzakis Subject: Microfader supplier Hi all, We are hoping to source a Microfader for our lab and are having trouble finding suppliers, where have you purchased yours? Also hoping to hear your experiences with the software! We are based in Australia, but interested to hear from international colleagues Thank you, ------------------------------ Maria Genetzakis Conservator, Library and Archives Australian Museum Australia ------------------------------ 4.From: Vincent Beltran Posted: Wednesday April 1, 2026 5:00 PM Subject: RE: Microfader supplier Message: Dear Maria, I suggest that you join ourย Microfading Tester International Discussion Group (MFT-IDG) <https://www.culturalheritage.org/groups/mft-idg>, which is an open AIC online community supporting MFT users and those interested in how MFT can impact collection care. As Addison mentioned, Instytut Fotonowy and Newport (now owned by MKS) offer MFTs, with the latter largely based on the original design by Paul Whitmore and often called the "Whitmore" MFT. In the MFT-IDG library, you'll find Whitmore MFT parts lists from 2021 by the Getty Research Institute and Colonial Williamsburg. As you likely know, conservation scientist Bruce Ford, based in Canberra, Australia, is also a wonderful resource for setting up (and training on) Whitmore MFTs; I believe Bruce can be reached atย microfading.com <https://www.microfading.com/> and through MFT-IDG. Another MFT type in use is the Retroreflective MFT, which is based on a design by Jacob Thomas and requires assembly of various components. Key resources for this design include JP Brown at the Field Museum and Cindy Connelly Ryan at the Library of Congress, who both can be reached through MFT-IDG. You may also want to view our recent MFT-IDG webinar "Microfading Testers in Use: Whitmore, Fotonowy, and Retroreflective" <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww7bGmwLKq0> on the AIC YouTube page. Hope this helps! ------------------------------ Vincent Laudato Beltran Scientist, Getty Conservation Institute Chair, MFT-IDG [email protected] ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 04-01-2026 09:11 From: Addison Yu Subject: Microfader supplier Hello Maria - We purchased our current device from Instytut Fotonowy <https://www.fotonowy.pl/products/mft-scientific/>, and prior to that, we had a Whitmore machine made with components from Newport Oriel <https://www.newport.com/b/oriel-instruments> that we used for a few years. We've had great experiences with both - there are pros and cons to each based on the needs of your institution. Feel free to send me an email, I'd be happy to discuss. ------------------------------ Addison Yu Conservation Technician New York Public Library Brooklyn United States ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 03-31-2026 18:25 From: Maria Genetzakis Subject: Microfader supplier Hi all, We are hoping to source a Microfader for our lab and are having trouble finding suppliers, where have you purchased yours? Also hoping to hear your experiences with the software! We are based in Australia, but interested to hear from international colleagues Thank you, ------------------------------ Maria Genetzakis Conservator, Library and Archives Australian Museum Australia ------------------------------ 5.From: Michelle Sullivan Posted: Wednesday April 1, 2026 5:00 PM Subject: RE: REGISTRATION OPEN: Online Symposium | The History of Drawings Conservation and Its Ethics | May 13-14, 2026 Message: Hi Jennifer, Many thanks for the question!ย Yes, the symposium will be recorded and the talks make available on the Getty's YouTube channel shortly thereafter. We will publish the detailed program with presentation titles and speakers' names to the Getty and Rijksmuseum websites within the next week or so. All my best, Michelle ------------------------------ Michelle Sullivan Associate Conservator, Department of Paper Conservation J. Paul Getty Museum Los Angeles United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 03-31-2026 18:22 From: Jennifer Koerner Cauchi Subject: REGISTRATION OPEN: Online Symposium | The History of Drawings Conservation and Its Ethics | May 13-14, 2026 Hello Michelle, Will the symposium be recorded so it can be watched later? Many thanks! Jennifer ------------------------------ Jennifer Cauchi Senior Conservator Kaitauwhiro Matua National Library of New Zealand Wellington New Zealand ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 03-30-2026 09:02 From: Michelle Sullivan Subject: REGISTRATION OPEN: Online Symposium | The History of Drawings Conservation and Its Ethics | May 13-14, 2026 This two-day symposium explores the history and ethics of drawings conservation, from early restoration methods to contemporary approaches in professional practice. By examining how drawings have been repaired, stabilized, and preserved over time, the sessions consider the evolving standards of care and address ethical questions of intervention. They also reflect on the role of material evidence in art-historical interpretation and the changing responsibilities of artists, conservators, curators, and collectors over a drawing's lifetime. Co-organized by the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Rijksmuseum, the symposium will feature presentations spanning four centuries of drawing from an international slate of speakers. Online registration is available here: The History of Drawings Conservation and Its Ethics | Getty Events <https://www.getty.edu/calendar/drawings-conservation-ethics/> Gettyremove preview <https://www.getty.edu/calendar/drawings-conservation-ethics/>The History of Drawings Conservation and Its Ethics | Getty EventsOnline international symposium on the history and ethics of drawings conservation. View this on Getty > <https://www.getty.edu/calendar/drawings-conservation-ethics/> ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Michelle Sullivan Associate Conservator of Drawings, Department of Paper Conservation J. Paul Getty Museum Los Angeles United States ------------------------------ 6.From: Arianne Panton Posted: Wednesday April 1, 2026 5:00 PM Subject: Upcoming CPD course - Identifying Leather and Skin in Heritage Collections Message: A specialist CPD day for heritage professionals - develop practical skills in identifying leather and skin-based materials. 14th May | ยฃ220 Registration via Eventbrite - Identifying Leather and Skin in Heritage Collections <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/identifying-leather-and-skin-in-heritage-collections-tickets-1975964532107?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl> ย This specialist one-day continued professional development course focuses on the identification of leather and skin-based materials. Through hands-on analysis and guided exercises, participants will develop the knowledge and practical skills to distinguish between different animal species and understand the characteristics of each. A full-day professional training course introducing the visual and microscopic features used to identify common (and uncommon) species in leather and skin-based samples. Through guided examination, hands-on reference samples, and structured exercises, participants will learn how to recognise key markers, understand variation, and apply identification skills to collection care and conservation decision-making. Suitable for conservators, heritage professionals, and researchers working with organic materials. ๐ Thursday 14th May (ยฃ220 per person) โฐ 10:00 โ 16:00 ๐ Leather Conservation Centre, Canopy ๐ What3Words: ///dish.drama.mugs This course is subject to cancellation if the minimum number of signups is not reached. ------------------------------ Arianne Panton ACR Manager of Conservation & Research The Leather Conservation Centre Canopy Duke Street Leicester LE1 6WB ------------------------------ 7.From: Arianne Panton Posted: Wednesday April 1, 2026 5:01 PM Subject: Upcoming CPD course - Caring for Automotive Leather Message: A specialist CPD day covering the care, cleaning and conservation of automotive leather for professionals and collectors. 16th June | ยฃ220 Registration via Eventbrite - Caring for Automotive Leather <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caring-for-automotive-leather-tickets-1985901478782?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl> This specialist one-day continuing professional development course focuses on the care, cleaning, and conservation of automotive leather, from classic and vintage vehicles to modern interiors. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical techniques, the course is suitable for conservators, collectors, heritage and automotive professionals looking to develop a more informed and considered approach to leather care in a vehicle context. ๐ Monday 16th June (ยฃ220 per person) โฐ 10:00 โ 16:00 ๐ Leather Conservation Centre, Canopy ๐ What3Words: ///dish.drama.mugs Events may be subject to cancellation if the minimum number of signups is not reached. ------------------------------ Arianne Panton ACR Manager of Conservation & Research The Leather Conservation Centre Canopy Duke Street Leicester LE1 6WB ------------------------------ 8.From: Christine Downie Posted: Wednesday April 1, 2026 5:01 PM Subject: Baltimore Museum of Art Seeks Director of Conservation Message: Hi Everyone, The Baltimore Museum of Art is seeking a Director of Conservation. The position is full-time and open to any specialty. The salary is $116,700 and includes benefits. The details of the position can be found at the link below or in the attached PDF.ย https://artbma.org/about/career-volunteer-opportunities If you have any questions please reach out to [email protected] ------------------------------ Christine Downie Senior Objects Conservator Baltimore Museum of Art Baltimore United States ------------------------------ 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.
