Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Evaluation of consolidation treatments for wood heritage affected by biological attack (insects). 2. Conservator of Objects and Sculpture, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) 3. Fellowship opportunity! The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC 4. RE: Plastics - Collections Care at West Dean ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Geovanna Ochoa Manzo Posted: Wednesday April 29, 2026 8:26 AM Subject: Evaluation of consolidation treatments for wood heritage affected by biological attack (insects). Message: Dear Comunity: We ask for your help in our investigation by completing the next survey. You can find it in two languages: English: Evaluation of consolidation treatments for wood heritage with biological attack (insects). <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfARhsj2J6ipUOStvGITbuPO8ta0bJVcx080Bx7vEes5mdssQ/viewform?usp=header> Spanish: Evaluación de la consolidación de bienes culturales de madera con ataque xilófago. <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWxpAnmMZdBUQbvJe1c5b2rfQpeCoWD1fKUyJGTpnzQaJiVg/viewform?usp=header> This survey aims to evaluate the application of consolidants for wooden cultural heritage affected by wood-boring insects in professional practice, in both the field and research centres, according to the possibilities provided by the different contexts. As the objective is to assess the use of various consolidants and methodologies, respondents are kindly asked to complete the survey for each case study they choose to include. The responses obtained will be incorporated into the preliminary analysis of the research conducted within the Master's Program in Wood Science and Technology at the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo on consolidants for wood affected by xylophagous attack. Researchers: LRBM Geovanna M. Ochoa Manzo Dra. Mayra Irery Carrillo Gómez Dr. Pablo López Albarrán ------------------------------ Geovanna Ochoa Manzo Fellowship in Wood Science and Technology Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo Morelia Mexico ------------------------------ 2.From: Per Knutås Posted: Wednesday April 29, 2026 11:08 AM Subject: Conservator of Objects and Sculpture, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) Message: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Associate or Full Conservator of Objects and Sculpture to join a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team committed to the preservation, study, and interpretation of the museum's expansive and diverse collection. This is a full-time position where conservation is integrated into broader museum practices, with an emphasis on preserving and expanding understanding of 5,000 years of global visual art creation. The MFAH holds an extensive and increasingly diverse collection, with ongoing growth in modern and contemporary art. The successful candidate will possess strong expertise in a broad range of both inorganic and organic materials and techniques across various periods, with significant experience in modern and contemporary works strongly preferred. We are dedicated to intellectual rigor, transparency in decision-making, and a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect and collegiality. At MFAH, conservation is regarded as both a technical discipline and a form of cultural stewardship. We are dedicated to ethical practices, intellectual rigor, transparency in decision-making, and a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect and professional responsibility. We seek a conservator who: Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of materials and techniques across historical and contemporary practice. Brings a wide range of treatment experience and sound judgment in complex decision-making. Works effectively within interdisciplinary teams while maintaining independence and accountability in their work. Recognizes the ethical and cultural dimensions of conservation, including the evolving role of museums in serving diverse communities. Communicates clearly and respectfully, contributing to a professional environment grounded in trust, transparency, and shared responsibility. Qualifications Graduate degree in Conservation from a recognized program, or equivalent education and professional training. Minimum five years (Associate), or ten years (Full) of post-graduate experience in objects conservation. Comprehensive knowledge of museum standards, collection care protocols, and ethical guidelines. Demonstrated record of professional achievement, including significant treatment projects and scholarly contributions. Experience with modern and contemporary materials desired. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Strong organizational and documentation skills; proficiency with museum databases, imaging systems, and standard software. Ability to manage a complex workload and meet institutional deadlines. Legal eligibility to work in the United States. For appointment at the Full Conservator level, candidates should demonstrate sustained professional commitment, an established record of scholarship, and experience guiding complex projects or mentoring colleagues. Compensation & Benefits Associate Conservator: $65,000 - $75,000 Full Conservator: $75,000 - $90,000 Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off, holidays, and volunteer leave Retirement plan with employer contribution Professional development support and museum membership Relocation assistance and research-related travel funds may be available About the Conservation Environment at MFAH The Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation is home to a team of 21 conservation professionals specializing in paintings, works on paper, photographic materials, sculpture and objects, textiles, time-based media art, and conservation science, supported by imaging specialists, technicians, fellows, and interns. The team cares for an encyclopedic collection of nearly 80,000 objects spanning 5,000 years. Our work is grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, material research, and responsible stewardship. We prioritize mentorship, open dialogue, and equitable professional development. The Center is one of the most diverse conservation laboratories in the United States. We recognize that the diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthens our practice and enriches our engagement with the public. More information can be found here and a link to apply: https://bit.ly/MFAHObjScu26 <https://bit.ly/MFAHObjScu26> Application deadline: June 1, 2026 Per Knutås Chairman, Department of Conservation Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation MFAH | The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston P.O. Box 6826 Houston, TX 77265 <https://www.instagram.com/mfahouston> <https://twitter.com/mfah> <https://www.facebook.com/mfah.org/> <http://www.mfah.org/> 3.From: Elizabeth Steele Posted: Wednesday April 29, 2026 11:08 AM Subject: Fellowship opportunity! The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC Message: Job Title: Painting Conservation Fellow Department: Conservation Reports To: Head of Conservation Status: Full-Time, Exempt Pay/Salary: $55,000. OVERVIEW: The Conservation Fellow will report to the Head of Conservation at The Phillips Collection. The position is designed to provide advanced training in paintings conservation to a recent graduate of a master's degree conservation program at a recognized university. The emphasis will be on the examination, documentation, treatment, and research on works from The Phillips Collection's rich holdings of 19th to 21st century paintings. The fellow will work with painting conservators on all aspects of care of the collection to promote its preservation. This is a limited term, grant funded position. Initial duration of the fellowship is one year, with a possibility to extend for another one to two years. The start date for this position will be September 8th, 2026. $3000 annual travel stipend for conferences, workshops and research. Medical, dental, retirement, life and long-term illness insurance benefits and paid leave will be provided. The Phillips Collection is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that encourages and values diversity in its staff, Board of Trustees, supporters, volunteers, audience, collections, exhibitions, and programming. Diversity enhances the institution's engagement with an increasingly broad spectrum of participants and strengthens relationships within our community and beyond. Diversity promotes creativity and innovation, thereby increasing the institution's resilience and ability to embrace our ever-changing world. DUTIES: Examination, documentation and treatment of paintings from the permanent collection. Conduct analysis of materials used in paintings as necessary for treatment and research into artists' techniques, using microscopy, and infrared and x-radiographic imaging. Assist conservation staff in an updated condition and treatment survey of the paintings collection. Prepare completed survey for transfer to new collections management database. Assist conservation staff in ongoing maintenance for the preservation of the permanent collection, such as rehousing, affixing backing boards, dusting works on view and reviewing environmental conditions in galleries. Prepare paintings for loan and exhibition. Create condition report exhibition notebooks. QUALIFICATIONS: A recent graduate from a master's degree program in art conservation, with a major in paintings conservation. Demonstrated hand skills to provide high standard for conservation treatment of paintings. Ability to write thorough examination and treatment reports and complete full photographic documentation. Experience with microscopy and infrared and x-radiographic imaging. Strong computer skills to assist in transfer of conservation documentation to new collections management database. Interest in research on American Modernist paintings. Must be able to work in The United States (status of a citizen, permanent resident, U.S. work permit holder, or pre-approved work visa holder) and present the museum sufficient I-9 document(s). Must be able to relocate to Washington, DC, or the commutable surrounding area, for the duration of the fellowship. To apply, please upload your resume, a statement of interest about working at The Phillips Collection, and two examples of completed paintings conservation treatments including all documentation. Please also send an example of a written research project in which you studied -painting materials, techniques, and/or the history of an artist. Please include contact information for three professional references. To apply and to attach materials please visit (copy-paste): https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=f8ae008f-99ab-4241-be9d-f3450d619f5a&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_US&jobId=610117 The application closing date is May 15th, 2026. No phone calls, no recruiters, please. The employment at The Phillips Collection is at-will. The Phillips Collection is an equal opportunity employer of qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. All employment decisions and personnel actions are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. ------------------------------ Elizabeth Steele Head of Conservation The Phillips Collection Washington United States ------------------------------ 4.From: Brenda Keneghan Posted: Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:07 PM Subject: RE: Plastics - Collections Care at West Dean Message: Last chance to enrol for this popular course. A couple of places remaining. ------------------------------ Dr Brenda Keneghan FRSC Preservation Consultant for Plastics in Heritage Collections email: [email protected] tel. 07811 040117 tel. 089 4899197 ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 01-27-2026 07:32 From: Brenda Keneghan Subject: Plastics - Collections Care at West Dean Identification & Preservation of Plastics in Collections 12-13 May 2026Come and join us for this 2-day intensive introduction to plastics in collections in the beautiful surroundings of West Dean.Identification & Preservation of Plastics in Collections | West Dean <https://www.westdean.ac.uk/short-courses/m2d39077-identification-and-preservation-of-plastics-in-collections> The course covers:1. What is a plastic?2. History & Development of plastics 3. Degradation of plastics 4. Basic care & preventive conservation of plastic materials5. Different approaches to identification of plastics - historical research / analytical techniques 6. Practical identification of plastic objects in your collection. Practical sessions and plenty of time for questions. Bring along an object or image of one from your collection. Full details on link. Informal enquiries to [email protected] <[email protected]> Dr Brenda Keneghan FRSC Preservation Consultant for Plastics in Heritage Collections email: [email protected] <[email protected]> tel. 07811 040117 tel. 089 4899197 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.
