Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Sheet/Plate Rabbit skin glue vs granules 2. RE: Why no survey results? 3. RE: Conservation Internship 2026-27 (9 month), University College Cork Library. 4. RE: Corrosion-Induced Cracking in Heritage Structures 5. Job Posting: DHPSNY Preservation Specialist, Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts 6. Open postdoc position in heritage science at Cornell synchrotron ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Kyle Norris Posted: Tuesday June 23, 2026 12:04 PM Subject: Sheet/Plate Rabbit skin glue vs granules Message: Hi all, Current availability of the granule rabbit skin glue and the use of old stocks of plate or sheet glue have provided a bit of a stumbling block when it comes to making a solution. My inquiry is into any difference anyone has noticed when making gesso or composition "compo" using either the plate form or the granules and the corresponding water content. My current scenario is that Lauren Ross and I are making compo with a recipe as follow: 7 parts water 4 parts glue The situation is that we soaked the plate sheet of rabbit skin glue overnight and then added 4 parts glue to 7 parts water, in our case it was 40 g glue to 70 g DI water. Mixing the colophony powder and the oil separate, heating both until fluid and mixing. The resulting mixture was not fluid after mixing both together before adding to the whiting. Lauren and I were wondering because the mixture felt like it needed more water after all was said and done but are unfamiliar with the ratio at which it would make the most sense and not add to much additional water to the overall mixture. Accounting for the water in the sheet glue after soaking overnight appeared to make no difference and more additional water was needed after the fact. My questions are focused around two themes: First, is there a way to ensure enough water can be added and when should it be accounted for, is it prior to mixing the glue and linseed mixture or before making the glue mixture a high-water content. Second, is this because of the strength of the plate/sheets as compared to the granules? If so, is the only way to ensure the water content is correct for the granules is to weigh it dry and again after soaking over night to ensure its, correct? Thank you all for your help and looking forward to your suggestions!! ------------------------------ Kyle Norris Paintings and Frames Graduate Fellow Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center Trenton United States ------------------------------ 2.From: Julia Campbell-Such Posted: Tuesday June 23, 2026 12:05 PM Subject: RE: Why no survey results? Message: Thanks for raising this, Hiro, and for the other responses. In Canada, any research done at a University and involving human subjects (any research with a survey is research involving human subjects) must pass an ethics review before it can proceed. Generally, this includes a description of the purpose of the research, consent for the use of data, description of how the data will be used, identifiers, how it will be stored, for how long, etc., and a requirement to share the results with participants. In other words, prior informed consent. This is pretty standard research protocol in most professional and academic fields, in Canada at least. More details about the Canadian standards for this research can be found here: https://ethics.gc.ca/eng/policy-politique_tcps2-eptc2_2022.html <https://ethics.gc.ca/eng/policy-politique_tcps2-eptc2_2022.html> Just thought I would share because I think, if we want to be respected as professionals, we should adhere to research ethics standards as professionals in other fields do. All the best. Julia Campbell-Such (she/her) Assistant Conservator, Frames T 416.979.6660 x6261 AGO.ca <http://www.ago.ca/> | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/AGOToronto> | Instagram <https://instagram.com/agotoronto/> ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 6/22/2026 9:29:00 AM From: Luisa Casella Subject: RE: Why no survey results? You raise an excellent point, and I confess I am guilty of this myself. Usually the original survey post explains the purpose of the research, so in theory one could follow up on a colleague's work, but that does place the burden on the reader rather than the researcher. I agree that circulating results would be valuable. It closes the loop with those who contributed their time, and it raises awareness of the research questions our field is engaged with. I will try to be better about sharing my own findings going forward. ------------------------------ Luisa Casella Independent Photograph Conservator ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 06-18-2026 12:20 From: Hiro Keitora Subject: Why no survey results? Almost every day I see someone posting to ask for particular survey participation - and this is an ideal place to ask- but I just don't see that anyone shares the results of their survey. I think it's informative and raises awareness of the research topics if we can see the results, but I just don't see anyone doing it. What am I missing? Is it confidentiality? If anyone can explain why no one seems to share survey results, I would truly appreciate it. Many thanks in advance! ------------------------------ Hiro Keitora Owner Operator New York United States ------------------------------ 3.From: Louise O'Connor Posted: Tuesday June 23, 2026 12:06 PM Subject: RE: Conservation Internship 2026-27 (9 month), University College Cork Library. Message: Two days left to apply - 12pm 26 June 2026 is closing date for receipt of applications more info here Home - Conservation Internship 26/27 - UCC Library at University College Cork Library <https://libguides.ucc.ie/conservation_internship_26_27> ------------------------------ Louise O'Connor Library Conservator University College, Boole Library Cork Ireland ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 05-26-2026 10:11 From: Louise O'Connor Subject: Conservation Internship 2026-27 (9 month), University College Cork Library. UCC Library is offering a 9-month conservation internship, in partnership with the Heritage Council. The internship will combine conservation practice and research and will develop and broaden the intern's knowledge and experience. They will work on a variety of collections, as well as assisting in the preparation and installation of items for exhibitions, loans and digital photography. The intern will be encouraged to present and share their work to diverse audiences. The intern will work under the supervision of an accredited conservator in the library's new Preservation Lab and will be part of the Special Collections and Archives team. This internship is part of the Heritage Council's commitment to the promotion of best practice for conservation in Ireland. Requirements 1. Recent graduate (2025-2026) from a recognised book/paper conservation programme 2. Practical experience of conservation treatments (paper and/or book or parchment) 3. Experience in surveying/dealing with printed and archival collections 4. Ability to work independently and as part of a team 5. Excellent communication skills Stipend (9-month): €32,200 (subject to statuary deductions) Applicants should ensure that they are eligible when applying to live and work in Ireland. Applications from non-conservation graduates will not be considered. More info here Home - Conservation Internship 26/27 - UCC Library at University College Cork Library <https://libguides.ucc.ie/conservation_internship_26_27> ------------------------------ Louise O'Connor Conservator University College, Boole Library Cork Ireland ------------------------------ 4.From: Olaf Pung Posted: Tuesday June 23, 2026 4:08 PM Subject: RE: Corrosion-Induced Cracking in Heritage Structures Message: Dear Duha, I wonder where the data for such a project should come from: I suspect that only cases of damage are documented—such as fallen pinnacles or finals—whereas we know nothing about iron clamps located deeper within the masonry that are well-encased in lead, situated in dry areas, or made of higher-quality steel - these can last for centuries, they only become visible in case of demolition of the building. I have been drilling clamps and dowels out of dimension stone for over 40 years; every now and then they were counted for billing purposes, and I estimate there must be several thousand of them. To predict whether or not an iron component is at risk of rusting, lot of factors would need to be taken into account: not only the year of construction but also previous phases of restoration. The type of Portland cement, lead, and iron used, the joint width, structural movements, and exposure to rain—I cannot imagine how one would obtain such data; I, for one, do not have it. Maybe the data exists for reinforced concrete? Olaf Pung, stone mason / stone conservator in Germany ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 6/22/2026 6:50:00 PM From: Duha Hasan Subject: Corrosion-Induced Cracking in Heritage Structures Dear colleagues, I hope this message finds you well. I'm undertaking a master's dissertation focused on corrosion-induced cracking in historic masonry structures, using numerical modelling to support assessment and conservation decisions of heritage conservators, architects, and structural engineers. I would be grateful for your perspectives on what would be most useful in practice in regards to: the kinds of outputs from a numerical model and at what decision stages; main barriers that currently limit the use of advanced modelling in conservation; and specific case types where you feel a corrosion-and-cracking model could make the greatest difference. If you're willing, I would also be interested in examples where corrosion-induced cracking has been a key challenge, what information you wish you had at the time, and any guidelines or internal decision processes a model should align with. Many thanks in advance for any insights or references you're able to share, and for your work in safeguarding historic structures for future generations. Best regards, Duha Hasan MSc Structural Engineering Imperial College London Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering E: [email protected] ------------------------------ Duha Hasan Master's Student Imperial College London London United Kingdom ------------------------------ 5.From: Kate Jacus Posted: Tuesday June 23, 2026 4:08 PM Subject: Job Posting: DHPSNY Preservation Specialist, Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts Message: Description The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) in Philadelphia is seeking a Preservation Specialist for the Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) program. Objective The DHPSNY Preservation Specialist conducts preservation surveys, oversees condition surveys, and assists with archival and preservation planning. They also develop and present educational programs, and provide technical assistance to libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, and other organizations across New York State. Location Candidates must reside in New York State or the greater Philadelphia area. This position requires frequent travel within/to New York State. Reports to: The DHPSNY Preservation Specialist reports to the DHSPSNY Program Manager. Responsibilities: Conducts on-site preservation surveys with written reports for eligible cultural and historical organizations throughout New York State, including assistance with follow-up question and training. In collaboration with CCAHA conservators, manages the condition survey process with accepted organizations and contributes to final reports. Coordinates with the DHPSNY Program Manager and DHPSNY Preservation Education Specialist to facilitate assessment services and training opportunities for all accepted organizations. Develops, presents, and organizes educational programs, workshops, and online courses including curriculum and content development, recruitment and collaboration with external speakers as appropriate. Presents lectures and prepares both in-person and webinar programs for professional and lay audiences to promote awareness of preservation and conservation concerns and practices. Provides technical information via telephone, Zoom conference, e-mail, and in print on preservation topics. Maintains familiarity with preservation and archival literature and best practices. Assists in updating and expanding the range of technical literature and resources available through CCAHA. Writes/updates resources and contributes to the field of preservation scholarship. Supports communication and marketing needs, including content generation and editing. Attends NYS conferences, contributing workshop and presentation proposals as appropriate. Contributes to NYS and national professional organizations related to the archival and preservation fields. Requirements Qualifications: Master's degree in archives, preservation, or preventive conservation and a minimum of two years' experience working in a library, archive, museum, or historic site. Training in and a thorough understanding of preservation principles, practice, and issues. Experience in conducting and writing preservation assessments and other planning documents for cultural institutions. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Talent in teaching and public speaking. Ability to work independently. Compensation: This is a full-time, exempt position. A generous benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, FSA, professional development funds are included. The salary for this position is $62,483.35. To Apply Please upload a letter of interest, CV/resume, writing sample, and three references addressed to Amanda Murray, DHPSNY Program Manager at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/4195339/Conservation-Center-for-Art/DHPSNY-Preservation-Specialist <https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/4195339/Conservation-Center-for-Art/DHPSNY-Preservation-Specialist>. Please submit PDF files only. Priority will be given to applications received by June 30. About CCAHA CCAHA was founded in 1977 and has grown to be one of the largest nonprofit conservation centers in the country. Its wide array of services, sophisticated treatment facilities, innovative approaches, and highly trained and experienced staff have earned it a prominent and respected place in the conservation field. We serve nonprofit cultural institutions, private individuals, and other collecting organizations in the preservation of works on paper, archival documents, photographic materials, and books through conservation treatment, collection surveys and consultations, housing & framing, and digital imaging services. Our preventive conservation and preservation services staff focuses on capacity building for collecting institutions through fundraising support, strategic planning and assessment projects, emergency planning and response initiatives, and in developing educational programs and conferences. CCAHA's mission is to provide expertise and leadership in the preservation of the world's cultural heritage. CCAHA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff and our clients. ------------------------------ Kate Jacus Preservation Education Specialist, Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts Philadelphia, PA [email protected] www.dhpsny.org ------------------------------ 6.From: Louisa Smieska Posted: Tuesday June 23, 2026 4:09 PM Subject: Open postdoc position in heritage science at Cornell synchrotron Message: Greetings from summery Ithaca! This postdoctoral position remains open, and you can read more about our initiative, EASL, here: https://www.chess.cornell.edu/science/conservation-science-easl Please reach out to me or Prof. Julia Thom-Levy (contact info below) for more details! ------------------------------------------------------------------- Postdoctoral Associate, Conservation Science at CHESS The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences and Education (CLASSE) at Cornell University has an opening for a Postdoctoral Associate to work with the Conservation Science (EASL <https://www.chess.cornell.edu/science/conservation-science-easl>) working group at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS <https://www.chess.cornell.edu/>). The Cornell EASL group's mission is to advance the study of cultural heritage objects using synchrotron x-ray techniques through building partnerships between CHESS scientists, Cornell faculty, and regional collecting institutions and to lower barriers to synchrotron access for cultural heritage researchers. The successful candidate will actively engage with research projects in cultural heritage, will build partnerships, and will provide hands-on training and educational opportunities for students and professionals. The postdoctoral associate also will support lab-based preparatory work and engage with proposal development. Responsibilities: Conduct original research in the field of cultural heritage science, employing synchrotron techniques at CHESS Collaborate with Cornell-based and external collections to identify research questions and design experiments Participate in designing and delivering lectures, demonstrations, and publications in cultural heritage science for a wide range of audiences, including the general public, Cornell students, and museum professionals Essential Qualifications: PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a related discipline is required by the start of the appointment Experience with x-ray techniques, such as x-ray fluorescence microscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and/or x-ray diffraction Strong record of accomplishment in cultural heritage research Interest and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment Ability to communicate effectively with technical experts, operations staff, and researchers of all levels Demonstrated proficiency in science communication, written and oral, formal and informal Preferred Qualifications: Record of impactful scientific publications Experience designing and carrying out synchrotron x-ray experiments Proficiency with scientific software for advanced data analysis and/or experimental control (e.g., Python, SPEC, MATLAB, etc.) Experience with relevant sample preparation and lab-based analyses (e.g., SEM, Raman) Experience with or interest in engagement with major cultural heritage collections Compensation and Additional Information: The salary range for this position is $62,232-$65,000. The term of this position is nominally for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years in total, based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding. The position is based in Ithaca, New York, though regular travel to collaborators and collections is expected. A complete application includes the following material: Curriculum vitae List of publications Statement of research, summarizing examples of recent research and areas of interest for future work The names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three recommenders Applications will be considered immediately. For more information about the position, please contact Julia Thom-Levy ([email protected] <[email protected]>) with "Cornell EASL Postdoctoral Position" in the title. A complete application includes: Cover letters (optional) Curriculum Vitae Research statement Publication list Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses) For the full post or to apply, please use the link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31588 <https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31588> ------------------------------ Louisa Smieska Staff Scientist Cornell University Ithaca 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.
