Workshop on photographic conservation

Photographs and Preventive Conservation: Theory, Practice, and
    Implementation
A Collaborative Workshop in Photograph Conservation
Funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Hosted by the Library of Congress, Washington, DC
September 8-10, 2003

Description: This three-day workshop will address the three key
activities surrounding the care of photographic materials:
environmental assessment and control; enclosure materials and
housing; and emergency planning and response. The aim of the
workshop is to provide a firm understanding of the fundamentals of,
current research and recent developments in each topic, along with
an understanding of implementation within an institution. The
vulnerabilities and needs of photographic materials will be
emphasized in relation to these crucial preservation activities and
their success in practice.

This workshop is geared toward caretakers of photographic
collections including conservators, archivists, librarians,
curators, whether staff, consultant, or contractor. The format will
be morning lectures followed by afternoon panel discussions with
experts from conservation, science, engineering, administration,
curatorial, and library science. Instructors and guest speakers will
include James Reilly of the Image Permanence Institute (IPI)
discussing the hazards of a "normal environment" for photographic
materials. The pros and cons of various assessment tools will be
reviewed, with emphasis on the intricacies of data collection and
analysis. Peter Herzog of Herzog-Wheeler will describe the range and
functioning of a variety of heating ventilating and air conditioning
systems. The panel will address the goal to maximize environmental
capability of the institution, all the while balancing budgetary
concerns. Jean-Luis Bigourdan of IPI will discuss enclosure
materials and designs, the effect of enclosures on RH and
temperature equilibration, and the overall coordination of macro-
and micro-climate. Collections managers and a manufacturer's
representative will be available for the panel discussion on housing
and materials. Constance McCabe of the National Gallery of Art will
present practical implementation of cold storage to suit a variety
of collection needs. Gregory Hill of the National Archives of Canada
and Andrew Robb of the Library of Congress will lead the session on
disaster preparedness and response, covering case studies, research,
types of emergency structures, the use of various freezing options,
and lead a demonstration of salvage and recovery. Other Library of
Congress staff will participate in the afternoon panel discussions.

Eligibility: The Workshop is open to professionals responsible for
the care of large photographic holdings, whether as consultants,
contractors, or staff members. Enrollment will be on a first come
first serve basis.

Application Procedure: Applicants should submit a letter of interest
and a curriculum vitae. The letter should describe why participation
in this workshop is important to their educational and professional
goals. Prior experience with the topic or lack thereof should be
noted as well as opportunities for dissemination of information
gained.  Very limited financial aid will be awarded on the basis of
need and may include some contribution to defray basic travel
expenses.

Letters of interest should be submitted to:

    Mellon Collaborative Course
    c/o Art Conservation Department
    303 Old College
    University of Delaware
    Newark, DE 19716

by May 10th, 2003. Letters of confirmation will be mailed in mid
June, 2003. Any questions on content can be directed to

    James Reilly
    585-475-5199
    jmrpph [at] rit__edu

or

    Andrew Robb
    202-707-1175
    anro [at] loc__gov)

For questions regarding applications please contact

    Debra Hess Norris
    302-831-3696
    dhnorris [at] udel__edu

or

    Nora Kennedy
    212-650-2168
    nora.kennedy [at] metmuseum__org


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 16:58
                  Distributed: Thursday, April 3, 2003
                       Message Id: cdl-16-58-004
                                  ***