Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Evaluation of consolidation treatments for wood heritage affected by biological attack (insects). 2. Samuel H. Kress Fellowship in Time-Based Media Conservation - Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam 3. Associate Book Conservator opening at Walters Art Museum 4. Final webinar on FTIR in the RATS Vibrational Spectroscopy Webinar Series 5. Invitation to Participate: Survey on Archivist and Conservator Collaboration 6. [FREE Webinar] Creative Strategies for Storing Paper Collections 7. RE: Polarized Light Microscopy Workshop ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Geovanna Ochoa Manzo Posted: Tuesday May 12, 2026 6:06 AM Subject: RE: Evaluation of consolidation treatments for wood heritage affected by biological attack (insects). Message: Dear community, We encourage you to participate in the inquiry, as this would enable us to draw comparisons between countries and schools. It would also enable us to gain a broader understanding of professional practices. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the research and gain a better understanding of wood heritage conservation practices! 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> ------------------------------ Geovanna Ochoa Manzo Fellowship in Wood Science and Technology Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo Morelia Mexico ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 04-29-2026 02:01 From: Geovanna Ochoa Manzo Subject: Evaluation of consolidation treatments for wood heritage affected by biological attack (insects). 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: Flaminia Fortunato Posted: Tuesday May 12, 2026 6:08 AM Subject: Samuel H. Kress Fellowship in Time-Based Media Conservation - Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam Message: The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam has been awarded the Samuel H. Kress Conservation Fellowship grant for the year 2026-2027. This is the first 1-year fellowship program taking place at the museum and the first of its kind in the field of time-based media conservation in the Netherlands. The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is the premier location for modern and contemporary art and design in the Netherlands. Featuring world-renowned artists in our collection and high-profile exhibitions, we have been one of the most visited museums in the country for more than 130 years. The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam holds the biggest time-based media collection in the country and counts approximately 2000 time-based media works. The collection includes 35mm, 16mm, dia-based, single and multi-channel works, sound installations, light-based installations, computer-generated works and net-based artworks. The time-based media team is part of the conservation and collection management teams and includes one time-based media expert and one time-based media conservator / collection supervisor. Since 2020, the time-based media conservation team has been involved in professionalizing practices of care and preservation of the time-based media collection and fostering research on computer-generated works, light-based works and historical multi-channel works. The museum welcomes applications for a one-year fellowship opportunity starting in September 2026. Your responsibilities Under the mentorship of Flaminia Fortunato, supervisor of the time-based media collection, the fellow will carry on research on the time-based media collection and particularly all screen-based artworks. Special attention will be given to CRT, LED and LCD-based works and will entail collaborating with contemporary artists who have been using these specific technologies. The fellow will focus on a broad range of tasks including surveying the screen-based collection, assessing their risk of obsolescence, carrying on condition assessment and comparative analysis on specific screen technologies, collaborating with experts in the field and partnering with the Royal Agency of Cultural Heritage for scientific analysis. The fellow will be exposed to the day-to-day museum activities and will gain a lot of experience researching the museum collection and working collaboratively and in a cross-disciplinary manner with conservators, curators, experts in the field of screen technology, scientists and artists. Key tasks include: Perform collection surveys, condition assessment and documentation of screen-based artworks Execute conservation treatments and scientific research Execute condition assessment of analogue and digital video Establish documentation frameworks to assess, document and quality control screen-based artworks Publish papers and disseminate research through conference, symposia and research platforms Expand networks of collaboration and care, nationally and internationally Education, Training and Work Experience The fellowship is limited to graduates of graduate conservation programs in the U.S. and Canada, or to U.S. citizens graduating from graduate-level conservation program abroad Master degree in conservation or moving image and film archiving and preservation Two or more years of experience working in the field of contemporary art conservation and time-based media works is desirable Further skills Possess knowledge and interest in contemporary art, time-based media art, technology and its care Possess technical knowledge of analogue and digital video, file formats, metadata extraction tools, QC tools and CLI tools Possess familiarity with analytical, calibration and assessment tools (eg. spectrophotometry, video signal generators, color analyzers, multimeters, waveform, oscilloscope and vector scopes) Possess knowledge of museum collection databases Possess creative, solution-based and holistic thinking abilities Good interpersonal, communication skills and ability to use emotional intelligence at work Possess dexterity in handling and caring for artworks Adheres to the ethics in conservation and ICOM and AIC Code of Ethics Possess sense of humor and political awareness are not a requirement but are desired Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other colleagues and departments There is a lot of research that suggests that women, people from marginalized and gender non-conforming groups do not apply for jobs unless they meet all requirements. This may be due to impostor syndrome or a confidence gap because you may have been marginalized, bullied, or excluded in the past. We are aware and understand this and we encourage any candidates who simply believe they can perform well and have deep enthusiasm for this role to apply for this position. We offer A one-year fellowship in an exciting environment and as part of an inspiring team. The fellowship grant is $ 44,000 for the whole year for 36-hours working week. Application Submit your application by May 27th at 11 PM CET (Central European Time). Follow this link <https://www.stedelijk.nl/en/museum/vacancies/fellowship-time-based-media-conservation> to upload your documents. The application should include: Cover Letter CV. Please include contact details of two referees in support of your application After the closing date, we will evaluate all applicants. The next stage in the recruitment process will consist of online interviews. The online interviews will take place on the first week of June. For any questions, please feel free to contact Flaminia Fortunato, supervisor time-based media art collection, at [email protected]. This position is generously supported by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. ------------------------------ Flaminia Fortunato Coordinating Conservator Time-based Media Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam Amsterdam Netherlands ------------------------------ 3.From: Angie Elliott Posted: Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00 AM Subject: Associate Book Conservator opening at Walters Art Museum Message: I am excited to share that the Walters Art Museum has an opening for an Associate Book Conservator. Please see below and visit our website to apply <https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/D683F6C4BF4F32C0680A3E193A2F9666/jobs/326187>. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. ---- ASSOCIATE BOOK CONSERVATOR <https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/D683F6C4BF4F32C0680A3E193A2F9666/jobs/326187> THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM ABOUT THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM The Walters Art Museum is among America's most distinctive museums, forging connections between people and art from cultures around the world and spanning seven millennia. Located in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood, the Walters is free for all. The museum's campus includes five historic buildings and 36,000 art objects. Today, the Walters serves Baltimore and Maryland by embracing its role as educator and storyteller, using the collection as a vehicle of knowledge and cultural expression to support learning, dialogue, and community engagement. The museum is committed to public education, offering essential programs that help people to connect art to their lives. The Walters Visitor Promise aligns staff and volunteers across the museum to preserve and share the works in our care for future generations, partner with communities, and create welcoming, accessible experiences for visitors. The museum offers challenging and creative work opportunities by promoting collaboration and teamwork. OVERVIEW OF ROLE The Associate Book Conservator is responsible for the preservation and conservation of the Walters' collections of manuscripts, rare books, and works of art on paper. They will join a team of conservation professionals with specialties in objects, paintings, preventive, and conservation science. They will work collaboratively across the Department of Conservation, Collections, and Technical Research to implement exhibitions, installations, rotations, programs, and other projects. This role reports to the Managing Head of Conservation and Technical Research. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Prepares, examines, treats, and documents the museum's manuscripts, rare books, and works of art on paper collections for exhibition, loan, and acquisition. Conducts condition surveys of the collection to establish treatment priorities; carries out emergency treatment on works that are actively deteriorating. Works with the museum's Conservation Scientist to perform technical studies and analysis on works in the collections to determine materials, methods of manufacture, and authenticity. Determines causes of deterioration and develops appropriate treatment methodologies. Participates in preventive conservation, including evaluating and making recommendations for display, storage and transport, and rehousing. Evaluates, obtains, and maintains equipment and materials needed to carry out conservation treatment and preventive maintenance to professionally accepted standards. Assists in writing grant proposals and oversees grant projects to address priority preservation needs. Works in collaboration with Digital Production and Publication team to support ongoing digitization of the Walters' book collection. Coordinates work of contractors in support of book and paper-based materials in preparation for exhibition and loan. Assists in mentoring fellows, interns, and volunteers entering the conservation profession. Contributes to the professional conservation field through lectures, publications, and teaching. Works in the Conservation Window, our public-facing space for engagement. Acts as a courier for the Walters collection during transit. All other duties as assigned. Qualifications MA or MS in art conservation with a specialization in book conservation. Minimum of five years working in a museum or library setting, inclusive of full-year graduate level internship. Must have demonstrated experience with structural treatment of bound volumes, preferably manuscripts and rare books. Comprehensive knowledge of treatment methods, materials, preventive conservation principles, and methodology. Knowledge of art history and history of the book relevant to specialty. Knowledge of ethical and practical professional standards. Familiarity with analytical techniques, uses, and limitations. Excellent conservation planning, documentation, decision-making, and manual skills for structural and aesthetic treatment; must have demonstrated experience with technical studies materials research as applied to area of specialty; good research, teaching, administrative, oral and written communication skills; skills in research and analytical techniques and interpretation appropriate to specialty. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Google platforms preferred. SCHEDULED SHIFT Standard workweek is Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with periodic Saturdays to work in the Conservation Window. Event weeks are subject to different hours, as needed. Must have flexibility to work weekends and evenings and to travel as necessary. ANNUAL SALARY $77,813 The Walters Art Museum provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, prescription, vision, subsidized transportation and parking, museum membership, short term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, FSA (flexible spending account), 457b retirement, and free professional financial management counseling. This is a 100% onsite position and is part of the AFSCME-WWU collective bargaining unit. All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The museum does not sponsor work visas. ------------------------------ Angie Elliott William B. Ziff, Jr. Managing Head of Conservation and Technical Research & Terry Drayman-Weisser Head of Objects Conservation The Walters Art Museum Baltimore United States ------------------------------ 4.From: Mina Porell Posted: Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:12 AM Subject: Final webinar on FTIR in the RATS Vibrational Spectroscopy Webinar Series Message: Are you new to infrared and Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, or are you looking for a refresher before the IRUG conference and workshop? The Research and Technical Studies (RATS) specialty group <https://www.culturalheritage.org/groups/rats> is presenting the last in a series of three webinars on vibrational spectroscopy leading up to the IRUG16 Conference & Workshop <https://www.winterthur.org/irug16/> at the Winterthur Museum (October 6–9, 2026). FTIR Spectroscopy for Cultural Heritage Presented by Dr. Liora Mael (University of Delaware), Dr. Leung Tang (Agilent), Dr. Louis Tisinger (Agilent), Anikó Bezur (Yale Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage), Annette S. Ortiz Miranda (Walters Art Museum) Thursday, May 14 | 1:00–2:30 PM EDT (1-hour presentation + Q&A) For more information and registration: https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/ftir-spectroscopy-for-cultural-heritage <https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/ftir-spectroscopy-for-cultural-heritage> Registration is free for AIC members and students; $20 for non-members. All sessions are recorded and available to registered participants on AIC's Learning Site. For assistance with registration, please contact [email protected] <[email protected]>. To access the recordings of the previous two webinars, please see below: Webinar 1: Intro to Vibrational Spectroscopy Presented by Dr. Liora Mael (University of Delaware), with case studies by Dr. Annette S. Ortiz Miranda (The Walters Art Museum) and Dr. Anikó Bezur (Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, Yale University) https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/intro-to-vibrational-spectroscopy <https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/intro-to-vibrational-spectroscopy> Webinar 2: Raman Spectroscopy for Cultural Heritage Presented by Dr. Liora Mael (University of Delaware) and Tim Prusnick (Renishaw) Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM EDT (1-hour presentation + Q&A) https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/raman-spectroscopy-for-cultural-heritage#tab-product_tab_overview <https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/raman-spectroscopy-for-cultural-heritage#tab-product_tab_overview> ------------------------------ Mina Porell (she/hers) Associate Conservator of Paintings | Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library Affiliated Assistant Professor | Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation ------------------------------ 5.From: Laura McCann Posted: Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:13 AM Subject: Invitation to Participate: Survey on Archivist and Conservator Collaboration Message: Dear colleagues, We invite your participation in our survey on modes of collaboration and communication between archivists and conservators. The survey is available to anyone over 18 years of age who works in the United States as an archivist or a conservator. If you choose to participate, you will be asked to answer approximately 25 multiple choice questions with optional short answers, which should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Please do not include any information in your response that could be used to identify you. Informed consent and survey are available at this link: https://nyu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3LefJzuaPOoBCpo <https://nyu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3LefJzuaPOoBCpo>. With thanks, Weatherly Stephan and Laura McCann New York University Libraries ------------------------------ Laura McCann Director NYU Libraries, Barbara Goldsmith Preservation & Conservation Department Brooklyn United States ------------------------------ 6.From: Diana Bencatel Posted: Tuesday May 12, 2026 11:17 AM Subject: [FREE Webinar] Creative Strategies for Storing Paper Collections Message: Hi! I'll be hosting a free, one-hour webinar where I'll share practical and creative strategies for storing books, documents, and other paper-based items. Ill show simple ways to make the most of what you have, improve storage conditions, and share affordable alternative materials that can be used. Registration link (choose your preferred date): English: https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/storingpaper <https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/storingpaper> Portuguese: https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/protegerlivros <https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/protegerlivros> Hope to see you there! Diana Bencatel Collections Conservator 7.From: Sarah Saetren Posted: Tuesday May 12, 2026 2:42 PM Subject: RE: Polarized Light Microscopy Workshop Message: The deadline for application for this workshop has been extended until this Sunday, May 17. Don't miss it! ------------------------------ Sarah Saetren FAIC Education Manager ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 04-13-2026 10:31 From: Sarah Saetren Subject: Polarized Light Microscopy Workshop The Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC) is excited to announce the Polarized Light Microscopy workshop <https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/polarized-light-microscopy-2026> taking place July 27-31, 2026, at SUNY Buffalo, in Buffalo, New York. The workshop will be led by Kirsten Moffitt and Aaron Shugar. This workshop will provide participants with an intensive hands-on re-introduction to the theory and practice of Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), focusing on historic pigments found in heritage objects. PLM is an important tool for the study of cultural heritage objects, but its effective use is dependent on the skill and experience of the user. During this workshop, attendees will be reacquainted with the polarizing light microscope and refresh their microscopy knowledge and skills through lectures and hands-on exercises to recognize key optical and morphological properties of pigments, such as relative refractive index, pleochroism, and anisotropy. Participants will move beyond pigment references and work through unknowns collected from actual artifacts to reflect 'real world' applications encountered in conservation practice. Participants will collect samples from heritage objects, prepare those samples for microscopic examination, identify unknowns, and learn how best to document their results. Case-study lectures will explore actual projects in which PLM played a pivotal role. The limitations of PLM and the application of supplementary analytical techniques will also be discussed. Participants will receive a small slide reference set for use during class, printed and digital reference materials, as well as a packet of self-teaching worksheets designed for future use. During the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to prepare a pigment reference set to take home. This workshop is designed to be a safe space for conservation professionals to refresh their microscopy skills, re-train their eye, and better articulate their findings. Participants will come away with a refreshed understanding of PLM, its relevance to the study of art materials, and the confidence to apply this critical technique to their own work. Interested individuals must apply by May 8, 2026: https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/polarized-light-microscopy-2026 <https://learning.culturalheritage.org/products/polarized-light-microscopy-2026> The registration fee is $760 for AIC members, $912 for non-members. Free registration and a $1,000 travel stipend will be provided to a limited number of participants upon request in their application. ------------------------------ Sarah Saetren FAIC Education Manager ------------------------------ 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.
