Call for papers--Symposium on wood and furniture conservation

First call for papers

"Restoring Joints, Conserving Structures"
10th International Symposium on Wood and Furniture Conservation
organised by Stichting Ebenist
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
October 2010

Joints and structures are familiar aspects of a furniture
conservator's everyday practice, yet academically they do not always
receive the attention they deserve. By their nature they are often
hidden and inaccessible, and only become an issue when they fail.
>From a conservation perspective, joinery concerns are often taken
for granted; perceived as falling within the relatively mundane
context of conventional cabinetmaking.

Yet, some might disagree; the fact that time and again we have to
deal with unsuccessful repairs should be reason enough for due
consideration. Since the structural makeup of a piece of furniture
is ultimately most vital to its preservation, it therefore deserves
the close scrutiny of the professional conservator. What are the
principles of successful jointing? Is it possible to apply simple
calculations to reveal the stresses a construction has to withstand
and to predict its collapse? Also, is reversibility an appropriate
principle where joints or structures are prone to failure? Do
non-traditional approaches have a place in the preservation of
artefacts or structures?

The construction conveys not only an objects makeup, but can also
become a part of its design character. Some joints are clearly
visible on the outside and they become a feature in their own right.
Is there a typology of joints which tells us about the origin and
age of the piece? Is there a hierarchy of joints, with those that
are essential to the character of the piece, as well as those that
have less importance? What treatments should we apply when joints
start to `telegraph' through surface veneers as the wooden substrate
deforms?

These concerns are the theme that promises to spark tantalizing
discussions about the importance, evaluation, and practice of
restoring joined wooden objects today.  Please consider sharing a
segment on this topic from your unique perspective as conservator,
architect, builder, cabinetmaker, curator, engineer, other
professional inspired by or charged with the care of our cultural
artefacts.

Stichting Ebenist

Anyone wishing to present a paper is invited to submit a provisional
title and an abstract of approximately 250 words by 1 of May 2010
at:

    Stichting Ebenist
    PO Box 15902
    1001 NK Amsterdams
    The Netherlands
    info<-at->ebenist<.>org

For more on the organisation, previous programs, publications etc.,
please visit our website:

   <URL:http://www.ebenist.org>


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 23:25
                Distributed: Wednesday, January 13, 2010
                       Message Id: cdl-23-25-010
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