Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Novel Ideas: new areas of Research, Analysis, and Interpretation in Book Conservation (online training/learning event) 2. RE: Outdoor Monumental Ceramic Sculpture Care 3. Call for Papers: JPLAM - Thematic Issue Case Studies 4. Funding Opportunity: Tru Vue Conservation and Exhibition Grant Scheme - North America Deadline Extension 5. RE: MFT-IDG/PCN Webinar, June 11: "Shifting Perspectives on Damage, Change, and Value" 6. Second Edition of the Online Resource Conservation Science Education Online (CSEO) 7. Meetup: Sustainable Labs Community - July 17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Mark O'Neill Posted: Monday July 13, 2026 11:54 AM Subject: Novel Ideas: new areas of Research, Analysis, and Interpretation in Book Conservation (online training/learning event) Message: Hello, please find below details for 'Novel Ideas: new areas of Research, Analysis, and Interpretation in Book Conservation', a free online event (Teams) on Tuesday 21st July, 11.00 - 12.00 BST (British Summer Time), organised by the Archives and Records Association Section for Preservation and Conservation. Novel Ideas: new areas of Research, Analysis, and Interpretation in Book Conservation (online event) Date: Tuesday 21st July, 11.00 – 12.00 Tickets: Free - Book your place here <https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/YnBRCG5nwUOA54VCpiPfBt3BE?domain=us.list-manage.com> Location: Online via Teams The ARA Section for Preservation & Conservation are delighted to present 'Novel Ideas', an event exploring several research projects investigating new research, methods of analysis, ways of interpretation, and aspects of exhibition – all centred around how we care, access, and learn from the medium of books. Our three talks: Marysia Tarnowska, Teesside University Leather bound books, red rot, and health and safety An exploratory investigation <https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TfH7CJqDEUAKEw7CLs9fyrSIV?domain=us.list-manage.com> into the health and safety aspects of this was performed to help inform handling practices. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used on artificial sweat extracts of deteriorated leathers to quantify elements of concern (As, Pb, Cr, Co, Cu, Cd, Ni, Ba, and Se). Levels above permissible limits of As, Cd, and Pb were detected in several deaccessioned samples from the Natural History Museum, London. Based on the results of this study, personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when working with red rotting leather-bound books, and further tests suggested. Tony King and Lauren Moon-Schott, Durham University Blue Skies and Barriers: Incorporating Heritage Science into a Working Conservation Studio With scientific analytical approaches revealing more about the methods and materials used to create heritage objects than ever before, heritage science is hailed as a tool for investigation and research, diagnostics and treatment planning. As such, it has joined a seemingly ever-growing list of activities in which conservators desire to become proficient and is one that comes with a steep barrier for entry from both financial and educational perspectives. Durham University conservators will talk about their aspirations for embedding heritage science into everyday working and examine the practicalities and complications of implementing those ambitions. Jill Unkel, Curator of Western Collections, Chester Beatty Library Manuscripts and the Mind Mapping the Margins <https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/6-vYCKZXAhM45Wjtptwf51uF5?domain=us.list-manage.com> is a University of Glasgow project based in the School of Critical Studies and funded by the Templeton Religion Trust. The project examines paratexts and explores how they contribute to the acquisition of knowledge and understanding through engagement with literary and visual artwork. Studying paratexts in all their variety in ancient manuscripts is an opportunity to learn how people from the past experienced these manuscripts, how they understood them, and what they did with them. This project assembled a multidisciplinary team and using today's technologies hopes to better understand how people from the past and in modern times process and approach Sacred Traditions through the paratexts. The exhibition, Manuscripts and the Mind brought together the various research projects into a cohesive story, exploring the paratextuality of a variety of manuscript cultures represented in the Chester Beatty collections. This talk will introduce how the project, and how the exhibition attempted bring it all together. Although this event is being organised by the Section for Preservation and Conservation, we welcome participants from all the ARA's nations, regions and sections. There will be time for questions following the talks, so please feel free to submit questions before the session via the email below, or during the session via the Teams Q&A. If you have any further questions, please email the event organisers at [email protected] <https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/hR4zCL86AFwQn9JCguMfyzncs?domain=us.list-manage.com> ------------------------------ Mark O'Neill Preventive Conservator (Archives) Imperial War Museums Duxford United Kingdom ------------------------------ 2.From: Rosa Lowinger Posted: Monday July 13, 2026 11:56 AM Subject: RE: Outdoor Monumental Ceramic Sculpture Care Message: RLA Conservation, LLC, the firm I founded, is based in South Florida and has decades of experience with outdoor sculpture in the region. We manage the care and maintenance of many collections. Please feel free to reach out to our firm at 305.573.7011 Rosa Lowinger, F-AIC, FAPT, FAAR '09 Founder/ Principal Conservator RLA Conservation of Art + Architecture <http://www.rlaconservation.com> Miami • Los Angeles 305.573.7011 • 323.377.8425 Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/RLAConservation> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/rlaconservation/> | Website <https://rlaconservation.com/> New Yorker on Dwell Time <https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/11/06/the-woman-restoring-basquiats-forgotten-ferris-wheel> Kirkus Starred Review of Dwell Time <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rosa-lowinger/dwell-time/> This email message and any files attached are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s), are confidential and may contain privileged information from Rosa Lowinger & Associates. The information is intended solely for use by the individual(s) or entit(ies) named as the recipient hereof and is also covered by the electronic communications privacy act (18 USC Sections 2510-2521). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, copying or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email immediately and destroy copies of the original message. ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 7/12/2026 1:09:00 PM From: Sarah Giffin Subject: RE: Outdoor Monumental Ceramic Sculpture Care Hi Sarah, I have some experience in the care and install of Viola Freys both indoors and outdoors in California. I know that coastal FL is a bit different than coastal CA, but there are some similarities regarding salt exposure, high UV, and earthquake stability. Feel free to send me an email if you'd like to discuss. ------------------------------ Sarah Giffin Owner & Principal SG Art Services San Jose CA (805) 444-9496 ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-09-2026 15:53 From: Sarah Miller Subject: Outdoor Monumental Ceramic Sculpture Care We are preparing for the installation of a monumental ceramic sculpture and are looking to identify and address any potential issues beforehand. Does anyone have experience with large-scale ceramic works intended for exterior landscapes, particularly in coastal environments? This piece will be installed in southern Florida, where it will be exposed to salt air, humidity, intense sun, wind, and occasional severe weather. We would appreciate any insights or lessons learned from similar projects. Thank you in advance. ------------------------------ Sarah Miller Collection Specialist New York United States ------------------------------ 3.From: Sigrid Eyb-Green Posted: Monday July 13, 2026 11:57 AM Subject: Call for Papers: JPLAM - Thematic Issue Case Studies Message: Call for Papers: Special Issue on Case Studies We are delighted to announce that the Journal for the Preservation of Library and Archival Material (formerly known as Restaurator) is now fully Open Access! This milestone ensures our research reaches the widest possible audience, strengthening global exchange in conservation science and practice. The Journal invites submissions for a special thematic issue dedicated to paradigmatic case studies in the conservation of paper-based materials, scheduled for publication in Volume 48, Issue 1 (2027). What We Seek We seek contributions that illuminate conservation decision-making processes through critical reflexivity. Submissions should demonstrate and examine how and why conservators choose particular intervention levels, making explicit the often implicit reasoning that guides professional practice. These paradigmatic case studies should offer methodological frameworks that enable colleagues to address similar challenges in their own contexts. Ideal Contributions Should: Present specific conservation problems alongside their solutions Provide methodological frameworks applicable to similar challenges in other contexts Articulate the factors influencing treatment decisions: material condition, functional requirements, institutional context, historical background, and ethical considerations Demonstrate transparency that enables professional discourse and knowledge transfer Discuss challenges and limitations encountered in the decision-making process Address materials including paper, parchment, and related organic substrates Be of international interest while welcoming contributions from lesser-studied cultural contexts Submission Details Submission deadline: 31 December, 2026 Manuscript length: No strict requirements; concise contributions preferred. Authors of manuscripts exceeding 10,000 words may be asked to shorten their submissions. Language: Articles in English with abstracts in both English and German Submission portal: mc.manuscriptcentral.com/rest <https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/rest> For inquiries regarding this special issue or general submissions: Ute Henniges: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sigrid Eyb-Green: [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ Sigrid Eyb-Green Head of Paper Conservation Institute for Conservation-Restoration Academy of Fine Arts Vienna +43 664 1764830 ------------------------------ 4.From: Isobelle White Posted: Monday July 13, 2026 11:58 AM Subject: Funding Opportunity: Tru Vue Conservation and Exhibition Grant Scheme - North America Deadline Extension Message: Applications for the Tru Vue Conservation and Exhibition Grant Scheme are now open until the 13th August 2026! Under the scheme, small heritage institutions are able to apply for grant funding of up to £3,000 (along with an in-kind material donation from Tru Vue) to support the delivery of conservation projects that enable the safe display of an object in their collection. We are looking to support projects that do one of the following: Conserve and protect an object or objects already on display Or Enable an object that is not currently on display to be conserved and made accessible to visitors in a safe way More information on the scheme, eligibility, and conditions can be found here. <https://www.icon.org.uk/resource/tru-vue-conservation-exhibition-grant-scheme.html> Join Tru Vue and Icon for a drop-in session where we will be answering questions about Tru Vue's materials, the grant application process and project suitability on Thursday 30th July at 5pm BST/9am PT/9am MT/11am CT/12pm ET. The drop in session is free to attend and you don't have to be a member of Icon. Register here <https://www.icon.org.uk/events/the-tru-vue-conservation-exhibition-grant-information-session-with-tru-vue-and-icon-north-america-30-jul.html>. ------------------------------ Isobelle White Partnerships and Development Lead Institute of Conservation London United Kingdom ------------------------------ 5.From: Vincent Beltran Posted: Monday July 13, 2026 3:18 PM Subject: RE: MFT-IDG/PCN Webinar, June 11: "Shifting Perspectives on Damage, Change, and Value" Message: I'm happy to share that the recording for the 2026 June 11 webinar "Shifting Perspectives on Damage, Change, and Value" <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g3l1LvokDo> has now been uploaded to the AIC YouTube page. The MFT-IDG and PCN would like to thank our speakers-Rob Waller, Jane Henderson, Marina Pugliese, Josefa Orrego, and Holly Salmon-for sharing their knowledge with us, the Getty for helping with webinar logistics, and AIC for supporting our communities. ------------------------------ Vincent Laudato Beltran Scientist, Getty Conservation Institute Chair, MFT-IDG [email protected] ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 06-08-2026 01:26 From: Vincent Beltran Subject: MFT-IDG/PCN Webinar, June 11: "Shifting Perspectives on Damage, Change, and Value" A quick reminder that the Microfading Tester International Discussion Group (MFT-IDG) and Preventive Care Network (PCN) will host the webinar "Shifting Perspectives on Damage, Change, and Value" on Thursday, June 11, from 9-1030am (Los Angeles) / 12-130pm (Santiago) / 5-630pm (Cardiff) / 8-930pm (Abu Dhabi) / 2-330am (Melbourne, next day). Attendance is free, but requires registration at the following link: https://getty.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OagXenQqR9OWXQayLuhCnw <https://getty.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OagXenQqR9OWXQayLuhCnw>. Extending the discussion from the session of the same name at the 2026 AIC/CAC-ACCR meeting, this webinar explores the boundaries between material change, damage, and value, revealing how museum policies can shift from the reduction of risk for material loss at all costs to the creation of value through increasing object access, visibility, and connection. While scientific tools offer more precise ways to detect material change, recognizing that damage is a value-based judgment, rather than an objective outcome, becomes critical. By critically examining concepts like acceptable change, noticeable difference, and object lifetime, we aim to broaden the focus from "what we might lose" to include "what we have to gain", and reimagine conservation as being accountable not only to the mission of the institution, but also the cultural meaning of the object and its connection to communities. The webinar will include the four presentations listed below and close with a panel discussion and Q&A, moderated by Cecilia Winter (Guggenheim Abu Dhabi) and Vincent Laudato Beltran (Getty Conservation Institute): "Shifting our Relationship with Value: Developing Flexibility in Thinking and Engaging", Robert Waller (Protect Heritage Corp.) and Jane Henderson (Cardiff University) "Under the Bell Jar: Display Cases and their Impact on Change and Value", Marina Pugliese (Museum of Cultures) "Reimagining Conservation at the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino: Integrating Indigenous Perspectives in Collection Care", Josefa Orrego (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino) "Evaluating Loss and Reframing Forever at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum", Holly Salmon (Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum) ------------------------------ Vincent Laudato Beltran Scientist, Getty Conservation Institute Chair, MFT-IDG [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ 6.From: Alison Murray Posted: Monday July 13, 2026 3:19 PM Subject: Second Edition of the Online Resource Conservation Science Education Online (CSEO) Message: We are very pleased to announce the second edition of the online resource CSEO or Conservation Science Education Online. Four new modules have been uploaded. Kirsten Moffitt describes her microscopy course and shares her lab exercise and videos on pleochroism. Rosie Grayburn gives her lab exercise on electroforming or electrotyping and elaborates on all the required background information. Chris Vyhnal showcases five activities focused on pigment identification using spectral databases for a number of analytical methods, with no need of equipment in the classroom. Finally, Kyna Biggs and Abed Haddad give all the essential information for an outreach activity where high school and undergraduate students identify painting materials using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/cseo/front-matter/introduction-to-second-edition/ We are very thankful to those who gave permission to upload the excellent talk given by the late Professor Austin Nevin on solubility at the CSEO conference in 2022 (found in the conference section at the bottom of the resource, under introductory and invited speakers). We are very pleased that people who weren't at this conference will benefit from and have the pleasure of seeing Austin's video in the future. We are working on the publication of the third edition with exciting new modules. Please let us know if you are interested in contributing a module, being involved with CSEO or know of useful resources that could be included in the CSEO resource. We would also be interested in any feedback about the resource. Our email is [email protected] <[email protected]>. Also, CSEO is also holding a session at this year's conference for the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) - hope to see you there! Alison Murray, Rebecca Ploeger, Aaron Shugar, Kyna Biggs and Katelin Hallchurch ------------------------------ Alison Murray Associate Professor, Conservation Science Queen's University, Art History and Art Conservation Program Kingston Canada ------------------------------ 7.From: adrian hernandez Posted: Monday July 13, 2026 7:37 PM Subject: Meetup: Sustainable Labs Community - July 17 Message: Hello everyone, Please join us for another Sustainable Labs community meetup on Fri July 17 at 8am PT / 11am ET / 4pm BST. We will have special guests Jasper Montgomery, Lilian Garcia Alonso Alba and Emy Kim to speak about plant-based adhesives (an encore and broader discussion for those who joined the AIC/CAC annual meeting in Montreal). Q&A and open forum discussion to follow. Please invite any interested colleagues - all are welcome! Here's the link to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84559129147?pwd=z0GudR4pLKCKAL6CbtmljO4CYsB0xK.1 Hope to see you there! AIC / Icon Sustainability Teams ------------------------------ adrian hernandez AIC Sustainability Committee Outreach Officer ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. 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