Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup.
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1. RE: Cellulose Nitrate Encapsulation
2. RE: Cellulose Nitrate Encapsulation
3. RE: Cellulose Nitrate Encapsulation
4. Two-year Preservation Research Fellowship, Image Permanence Institute
(IPI), Rochester Institute of Technology (USA)
5. Reminder - 'More Than Just Glue' Webinar - Wednesday 16 September
6. RE: Call for Survey Participants: Rapid ATP Tests in Conservation
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1.From: Chris Woods
Posted: Sunday September 13, 2026 7:18 AM
Subject: RE: Cellulose Nitrate Encapsulation
Message: Dear Donia
When researching for historic records of archival document conservation for the
parchment chapter of the 2006 Conservation of Leather & Related Materials book
(Butterworths - soon to be reissued) I came across journal articles by one L.
Herman Smith. In these, Smith (from the USA) describes his visits in the late
1930s to European archives and libraries to see at first hand the methods of
the time used to 'repair' documents.
He observed the routine use at several institutions of solutions of cellulose
nitrate or cellulose acetate ('Zapon' and 'Cellon') or copal-resin varnish
('Kopallack'). Smith's wide ranging observations of practices are a
fascinating read in themselves, as well as providing an insight into historic
methods, I can recommend tracking down a copy. Here are the three
bibliographical references I used in the chapter (the L&RM book is soon to be
reissued) but of course his complete articles are of the most interest:
Smith, L.H., Manuscript Repair in European Archives I, Great Britain, The
American Archivist vol. 1. number 1, 1938, p1983
Smith, L.H., Manuscript Repair in European Archives II, The Continent; France
Belgium and the Netherlands, The American Archivist vol. I. number 2, 1938, p55
Smith, L.H., Manuscript Repair in European Archives II, The Continent, Italy,
The American Archivist, vol. I, number 2, 1938, pp70-75
I hope you can find copies of the journals, the ones I accessed were in the
Bodleian Library.
Warm regardsChris
_________________________________________________________________
Chris Woods PGDipCons BAhons CertCons RMARA ACR FIIC DirectorNational
Conservation Service21 Albemarle StreetMayfairLondon W1S 4BSwww.ncs.org.uktel:
07855796985
NCS membership is operated by Nationwide Conservation Service Ltd, a
not-for-profit membership company limited by guarantee, registered in England &
Wales no. 07077608, VAT reg. 202361951. NCS projects are provided by
Conservation Ltd, a company registered in England & Wales no. 06659286 VAT reg.
981696269. Both companies are registered at 21 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London
W1S 4BS
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 9/11/2026 11:18:00 AM
From: Donia Conn
Subject: Cellulose Nitrate Encapsulation
Hello Everyone,
I recently performed a survey where I found paper items that appear to be
encapsulated between two sheets of cellulose nitrate film held together with
black fabric sewn around all four sides. Has anyone ever seen this before? I
would love to know if this was a common practice or a one-off from this
institution. You can see the encapsulation was protecting letters and envelopes
and the nitrate has, of course, become adhered to the paper in places.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Donia
------------------------------
Donia Conn
Associate Professor
Simmons University, School of Library and Information Science
Ballston Spa
United States
------------------------------
2.From: Christian Mueller-Straten
Posted: Sunday September 13, 2026 8:48 AM
Subject: RE: Cellulose Nitrate Encapsulation
Message:
Hi,
While I am only an art historian rather than a chemist or archivist, it appears
to me that this is not a case of restoration using lacquer, but rather the
standard Barrow method. The early films used in this process were likely made
of celluloid, which consisted primarily of cellulose nitrate (70–75%) and
camphor as a plasticizer. Other components included dyes, pigments, and
alcohol, which served as a processing solvent. Due to its extreme flammability,
it was later replaced almost everywhere by safer plastics. The practice of
sealing (laminating) documents between sheets of film was widespread in the
archival world from approximately 1930 to 1970-perhaps even the standard
method. For safety reasons, the celluloid initially used was later replaced by
cellulose acetate, and subsequently by PVC. This process, named after the
American William J. Barrow (see
https://cool.culturalheritage.org/byauth/roggia/barrow/app6.html), is now
considered one of the greatest errors in the history of
modern conservation. All these chemical film materials are chemically
unstable: over the decades, cellulose acetate releases acetic acid/ethanoic
acid. This acid attacks the enclosed paper from within, causing it to yellow
and become extremely brittle. With PVC films, the plasticizers migrate out of
the material; the films become sticky, turn a brownish-yellow, destroy the ink,
and fuse permanently with the paper. Furthermore, because the process involved
heat, the plastics formed an irreversible bond with the paper.
The process:
The document was first deacidified using solutions of calcium hydroxide and
magnesium bicarbonate, and an "alkaline reserve" was introduced to block future
acid formation. That was actually not a bad idea. However, the trouble began
with the second step: the dried paper was usually heat-sealed between layers of
cellulose acetate and an additional sheet of Japanese tissue paper. This
sandwich structure restored the desired stability to brittle papers. Read more
here: https://rbm.acrl.org/index.php/rbm/rt/printerFriendly/16820/18410
Best
Christian
------------------------------
[Christian] [Mueller-Straten] [Researcher, Publisher, Art Historian]
[Owner]
[Verlag Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten]
[Munich] [Germany]
[0049-89-839 690 43]
[https://www.museum-aktuell.de] https://www.museum-aktuell.de/CEO
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2026 04:11
From: Chris Woods
Subject: Cellulose Nitrate Encapsulation
Dear Donia
When researching for historic records of archival document conservation for the
parchment chapter of the 2006 Conservation of Leather & Related Materials book
(Butterworths - soon to be reissued) I came across journal articles by one L.
Herman Smith. In these, Smith (from the USA) describes his visits in the late
1930s to European archives and libraries to see at first hand the methods of
the time used to 'repair' documents.
He observed the routine use at several institutions of solutions of cellulose
nitrate or cellulose acetate ('Zapon' and 'Cellon') or copal-resin varnish
('Kopallack'). Smith's wide ranging observations of practices are a
fascinating read in themselves, as well as providing an insight into historic
methods, I can recommend tracking down a copy. Here are the three
bibliographical references I used in the chapter (the L&RM book is soon to be
reissued) but of course his complete articles are of the most interest:
Smith, L.H., Manuscript Repair in European Archives I, Great Britain, The
American Archivist vol. 1. number 1, 1938, p1983
Smith, L.H., Manuscript Repair in European Archives II, The Continent; France
Belgium and the Netherlands, The American Archivist vol. I. number 2, 1938, p55
Smith, L.H., Manuscript Repair in European Archives II, The Continent, Italy,
The American Archivist, vol. I, number 2, 1938, pp70-75
I hope you can find copies of the journals, the ones I accessed were in the
Bodleian Library.
Warm regardsChris
_________________________________________________________________
Chris Woods PGDipCons BAhons CertCons RMARA ACR FIIC DirectorNational
Conservation Service21 Albemarle StreetMayfairLondon W1S 4BSwww.ncs.org.uktel:
07855796985
NCS membership is operated by Nationwide Conservation Service Ltd, a
not-for-profit membership company limited by guarantee, registered in England &
Wales no. 07077608, VAT reg. 202361951. NCS projects are provided by
Conservation Ltd, a company registered in England & Wales no. 06659286 VAT reg.
981696269. Both companies are registered at 21 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London
W1S 4BS
3.From: Holly Maxson
Posted: Sunday September 13, 2026 12:53 PM
Subject: RE: Cellulose Nitrate Encapsulation
Message:
In 1988, the CCAHA staff received 42 fragile historical documents that had been
laminated between sheets of cellulose acetate. A treatment protocol was
developed for the "Washington & Lee Ledgers" and the cellulose acetate was
removed from the leaves.
Linda Stiber and I co-presented the treatment case history at a November 18,
1989 conference at the British Museum entitled "Early Advances in
Conservation", and again during the 1989 BPG Session in Cincinnati.
I'm sure that the BPG archives has a copy of the paper, but you can also
contact me directly if you wish.
Holly
------------------------------
[Holly] [Maxson]
[New York]
[[email protected]]
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2026 11:18
From: Donia Conn
Subject: Cellulose Nitrate Encapsulation
Hello Everyone,
I recently performed a survey where I found paper items that appear to be
encapsulated between two sheets of cellulose nitrate film held together with
black fabric sewn around all four sides. Has anyone ever seen this before? I
would love to know if this was a common practice or a one-off from this
institution. You can see the encapsulation was protecting letters and envelopes
and the nitrate has, of course, become adhered to the paper in places.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Donia
------------------------------
Donia Conn
Associate Professor
Simmons University, School of Library and Information Science
Ballston Spa
United States
------------------------------
4.From: Jennifer Jae Gutierrez
Posted: Sunday September 13, 2026 2:59 PM
Subject: Two-year Preservation Research Fellowship, Image Permanence Institute
(IPI), Rochester Institute of Technology (USA)
Message:
The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) at Rochester Institute of Technology is
accepting applications for its second Getty Global Art & Sustainability Fellow.
This is a two-year, grant-funded position.
For this Fellowship, we are seeking applications from candidates with an
educational background in mechanical engineering, building physics, data
science, preservation science, or related field. Applicants must also
demonstrate an interest in preservation science and cultural heritage
preservation. Fellowship activities will include reviewing existing literature
on the use of various hygrothermal modeling tools and conducting field-based
comparisons of at least 2 different software platforms in collections spaces.
Comparison exercises will require both real-word space modeling and some
computational analysis, as well as defining which materials-focused parameters
are needed to generate and inform accurate real-world and computational models.
IPI staff will work with the Fellow to identify materials information needed,
how best to define that information for the software, and help secure
partnerships with local collections spaces (either on Rochester Institute of
Technology's campus,
or in Rochester-area collecting institutions).
The start date for this Fellowship is flexible. Applications will be reviewed
starting September 21, 2026 and will continue until a suitable candidate is
identified. Applicants that require visas will be considered. Contact IPI
Executive Director, Jae Gutierrez at [email protected], if you have any questions.
Apply online (JR102868):
https://rit.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Getty-Global-Art---Sustainability-Fellow_JR102868?_gl=1*rg3a1y*_gcl_au*MTIzMTIwMTMzNy4xNzg3OTMyNjMz*_ga*MTU1MjE1MDA4NS4xNzcxOTQwOTM3*_ga_DY6XXZS0V2*czE3ODkzMjM1NDIkbzI0MCRnMSR0MTc4OTMyMzU2MCRqNDIkbDAkaDA.
<https://rit.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Getty-Global-Art---Sustainability-Fellow_JR102868?_gl=1*rg3a1y*_gcl_au*MTIzMTIwMTMzNy4xNzg3OTMyNjMz*_ga*MTU1MjE1MDA4NS4xNzcxOTQwOTM3*_ga_DY6XXZS0V2*czE3ODkzMjM1NDIkbzI0MCRnMSR0MTc4OTMyMzU2MCRqNDIkbDAkaDA.>
About IPI
The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) is a preservation research center in the
College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY.
IPI achieves its mission to support and inform the preservation of cultural
heritage collections through applied research, the development of practical
preservation resources and tools, professional-level education and training
programs, and consulting and materials testing services. As a non-profit
research center, IPI depends on private and public philanthropy to fund its
research program. Institutions that use IPI preservation products and
consulting and testing services further support IPI's mission.
Learn more about IPI at: https://www.rit.edu/ipi/ <https://www.rit.edu/ipi/>
5.From: Yuhong Zhang
Posted: Sunday September 13, 2026 8:26 PM
Subject: Reminder - 'More Than Just Glue' Webinar - Wednesday 16 September
Message: More Than Just Glue: Towards a Conservation Philosophy for Adhesive
Bindings
Dear community, this is a reminder that book conservator Karen Vidler will
deliver a webinar Wednesday, 16th of September.
We hope you can join us for this exploration of structure, ethics and
decision-making in book conservation! Please see the details below.
More Than Just Glue: Towards a Conservation Philosophy for Adhesive Bindings
Presented by Karen Vidler FIIC, PMAICCM
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
12:301:30 pm AEST | Online Webinar
What happens when we stop asking "How do we replace the adhesive?" and start
asking "How do we conserve the structure?"
Drawing on collaborative research and conservation work undertaken with Amalia
Ranisau, book conservator Karen Vidler FIIC, PMAICCM will explore the
conservation of nineteenth-century caoutchouc (rubber adhesive) bindings
through a detailed case study recently published in the IADA Journal of Paper
Conservation.
The presentation will consider how historical context, structural
understanding, materials and deterioration, conservation ethics, and
stewardship can shape treatment decisions. Rather than approaching adhesive
bindings simply as failed sewn structures, Karen will explore how we might
recognise them as intentional historical technologies - and what this means for
developing a conservation philosophy that preserves their structural and
technological significance.
The webinar will include a 45-minute presentation followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.
Can't attend live? All registered participants will receive access to the
webinar recording for three months following the event, so you can watch or
revisit the presentation at a time that suits you.
Registration fees:
Students - $5
AICCM Members - $10
Non-members - $20
Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/DPIWB
<https://www.trybooking.com/DPIWB>
This webinar will be particularly relevant to book and paper conservators,
archivists, librarians, rare book collectors, and anyone interested in the
relationship between conservation ethics, material history and treatment
decision-making. If you have any questions, please contact us here
<[email protected]>.
Warm regards,
AICCM Book and Paper SIG
6.From: Andrea Faustine Isaac
Posted: Sunday September 13, 2026 9:43 PM
Subject: RE: Call for Survey Participants: Rapid ATP Tests in Conservation
Message:
Hello everyone,
The call for survey participants is still ongoing! All conservators are welcome
to answer, whether or not you have experience with rapid ATP tests. Thank you
for your time and assistance with my study.
Kind regards,
Andrea Isaac
------------------------------
Andrea Faustine Isaac
Graduate Student
Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, University of Melbourne
Carlton
Australia
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-02-2026 01:49
From: Andrea Faustine Isaac
Subject: Call for Survey Participants: Rapid ATP Tests in Conservation
Hello everyone, My name is Andrea Isaac, I am a student in the Master of
Cultural Materials Conservation programme through the Grimwade Centre,
University of Melbourne. As part of my master's program, I am undertaking a
minor thesis on the assessment of the mould remediation treatment on
photographic materials through ATP-bioluminescence. This thesis is supervised
by Dr. Caroline Kyi and co-supervised by Noni Zachri. Participation involves
completing a short anonymous online survey which takes approximately 5-10
minutes. All conservators are welcome to answer this survey, whether or not you
have experience with rapid ATP tests. If you would be willing to assist with my
research, I would very much appreciate it. This project has human research
ethics approval from The University of Melbourne under Ethics Approval 36083.
The survey will remain open until October. Should you agree to participate, you
will be provided with the plain language statement and consent form within the
survey.
The survey can be accessed via the link below:
https://q.surveys.unimelb.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_daIGLFEulXlUp7w Short
description: This research monitors the conservation treatment of a
hand-coloured photograph that is heavily affected by mould. A luminometer will
be used to measure the degree of contamination on the object by measuring the
levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on the surface before and after
treatment. Mould produces and releases ATP during their life cycles, which the
luminometer samples and converts to bioluminescence (light). The amount of
light detected is directly proportional to the degree of contamination. As
such, the treatment aims to find decreasing values of bioluminescence as the
treatment progresses. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions
or clarifications related to this project, and I look forward to your response
via email. Kind regards,Andrea
[email protected]
<[email protected]>University of Melbourne
------------------------------
Andrea Faustine Isaac
Graduate Student
Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, University of Melbourne
Parkville
Australia
------------------------------
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