National Newsletter

Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (Inc.) ISSN 1834-0598 No 123 November 2012 The Gupapuyngu Contents community come 2 Anoxic Pest Control Treatment – Do we need a national standard? to Victoria 4 Special Interest Group News 5 What’s in the Workshop? 7 2012 IIC Vienna Congress 9 Japanese Paper Conservation Workshop 10 Developing Partnership Conservation Projects with the Dax Centre 12 Consulting with Gupapuyngu community 13 Hello from Lynn Campbell Institutional News 14 NSW 18 ACT 19 SA 20 Tas and Vic 22 Qld 23 Trawling the Internet

The Museum Workshop Traversing Antarctica at The El Alamein fountain exhibition at the NMA the NAA restored Anoxic Pest Control Treatment – Do we need a national standard?

Anoxic Pest Control Treatment – Do we need a national standard?

Anoxic insect pest treatments have Treatment Parameters The Museum’s Nitrogen been in use in Australia for over 20 In December the Museum received a Chamber years now, but it is only in recent request from AQIS to treat an imported The Australian Museum commissioned years that the Australian Quarantine object at 25°C for three weeks below its first nitrogen chamber in 1999 and Inspection Service (AQIS) have 0.3% oxygen. The length of time and it has been in use with periodic begun to recognise this approach as a treatment takes can be critical for modifications ever since. I will outline an alternative treatment for artefacts/ exhibition deadlines. For this reason the functioning of our chamber for art works (in some cases). Currently the Museum prefers to treat at 30°C for comparison with other units and for the there is no agreed set of parameters for two weeks. After fitting a new heater to benefit of those considering installing a low oxygen treatments that are applied our chamber last year, it now maintains system. nationally within the conservation a steady 30°C. This is considered community. Reading the literature the safest maximum temperature for Our experiences have taught us that from around the world, the parameters most materials. As the speed of insect keeping the system as simple as possible recommended can vary wildly. Most low mortality increases with temperature, saves time and increases reliability. oxygen treatments are based on insect running the chamber at 30°C allows Essentially we have a large stainless mortality research by Gilberg (1991), the Museum to maintain a two-week steel box. It is bolted together and has Rust (1993), Makaewa (1996), Valentin treatment, which may satisfy the a thick layer of gasket compound. It has (1993) and others from the late 1980s requirements of AQIS but would require a very heavy steel door with carefully and early 90s which indicates that the their approval. engineered hinges, which closes using length of time required to ensure 100% 16 threaded clamps that can be adjusted mortality varies with temperature and With AQIS now showing more interest to evenly compress the rubber door seal. relative humidity. Higher temperatures in anoxic treatments, it would be Originally the chamber was flushed with result in the insects dying more rapidly. timely to hold a discussion within nitrogen from a bank of 4 cylinders of Some studies used 0.1% oxygen as the the conservation and pest control compressed gas with an auto change- parameter for treatment, whereas other community in Australia to reach a over mechanism as each one emptied. studies were carried out at <0.3%. consensus on the treatment parameters, This was replaced 4 years ago with a Getting down to 0.3% oxygen is more in order to satisfy AQIS that that there nitrogen generating unit which has easily achievable than 0.1% and was is an agreed industry standard. To eliminated the need to handle large gas adopted by the Australian Museum as this end, I aim to organise a meeting bottles. The generator extracts nitrogen the target. in February 2013 to review anoxic treatment methods. from compressed air and fills a reservoir tank which is then fed into the chamber through a variable flow meter. The nitrogen generator has been remarkably reliable and requires little maintenance. The chamber is initially flushed for about 36-48 hours at a higher flow rate until the oxygen level in the chamber is lower than 0.3%. It is extremely difficult to build a perfectly sealed chamber so a low flow rate is maintained throughout the process to ensure positive pressure in the chamber and prevent air ingress. The <0.3% atmosphere is maintained for 14 days. The whole setup is designed to run the same way as a simple bag-flushing set-up and is extremely reliable. The relative The nitrogen chamber front view – the handy storage space on top of the humidity is maintained at 50% by chamber improves insulation and energy efficiency. (Photo – Australian Museum) bubbling the nitrogen through a water

2 AICCM National Newsletter Anoxic Pest Control Treatment – Do we need a national standard? chamber. A humidistat in the chamber on site. A complete log of the treatment Bibliography controls a solenoid which allows the gas parameters will be used when necessary Gilberg, M. 1991. The effects of low to bypass the water chamber if the RH to satisfy AQIS that conditions have oxygen atmospheres on museum pests. rises too high. The only maintenance been met. Studies in Conservation 36(2). 93–98. required during the run is topping up The original design of the chamber the water in the humidifying chamber Maekawa, S & Elert, K. 1996. Large- incorporated a timed vacuum cycle every couple of days. There is also a scale infestation of museum objects to flush the atmosphere and refill solenoid on the exhaust pipe which using nitrogen anoxia. ICOM Committee with more nitrogen. This feature was closes if a power outage occurs, to for Conservation 11thTriennial Conference disconnected when it was realised prevent backflow into the chamber. Preprints Vol 1. that the 0.3% oxygen target could The heating is supplied by a small be achieved as quickly and with the Rust, MK and JM Kennedy. 1993. The oil-filled heater inside the chamber. same amount of gas by simply flushing feasibility of using modified atmospheres Convection seems to spread the heat the nitrogen through the chamber for to control insect pests in museums. GCI evenly and a thermostat ensures a steady two days at a moderate rate. This has Scientific Program Report. Marina del 30°C. contributed to the chambers reliability Rey, California: Getty Conservation for more than ten years. For those Institute. A Teledyne oxygen meter is connected considering investing in an anoxic to the exhaust system and daily readings Valentin, N. 1993. Comparative analysis chamber, we recommend simplicity taken to ensure that the oxygen of insect control by nitrogen, argon, as the key to reliability and low content has not risen. The purchase and carbon dioxide in museum, archive maintenance. of a Hanwell Zero2 system this year and herbarium collections. International allows the logging of the temperature If you are currently using anoxic Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 32 (4). and humidity, and whether the oxygen treatments and are interested in 263–278. level is below 0.3%. It transmits the comparing notes about treatment data from inside the chamber back to parameters or equipment, contact Colin Macgregor a radio receiver. This allows remote [email protected]. Manager, Materials Conservation Australian Museum monitoring of the chamber if noone is

No 123 November 2012 3 Special Interest Group News

Special Interest Group News

Book and Paper Special Thank you also to all the people who The venue for the next Symposium Interest Group submitted and presented papers and was also discussed and the Art Gallery posters and to everyone who attended of New South Wales will hold the The 7th Book, Paper and Photographic the Symposium. Your participation next Symposium in 2014. A new Book Materials Group Symposium was held throughout the three days made it the and Paper Group Convenor was also at the State Library of Queensland dynamic, information sharing event that elected, congratulations to Carolyn (SLQ) from 29–31 August 2012. It was we hoped it would be. The assistance of Murphy, Acting Head of Conservation attended by 68 delegates from Australia some attendees and students throughout at the Art Gallery of NSW. Please and New Zealand. the three days with the registration contact Carolyn if you have any desk, timekeeping and microphones is queries about the next Symposium. Each day of the Symposium focused also much appreciated. email: [email protected] on a different topic: day one looked or phone 02 9225 1845. at Disasters: small or large and what we And finally a huge thanks to the have learnt; day two was Contemporary organising committee: Caroline Kim Barrett, Outgoing Book and Paper works: conservation issues, storage, O’Rorke, Samantha Shellard, Rachel Group Convenor display and transportation; and day Spano and Lydia Egunnike. Everyone’s three concentrated on Digital matters: vision and tireless efforts resulted in a library and gallery perspectives, with great Symposium. an afternoon of lab and gallery tours. There were also short Special Interest Objects Special Interest There were tours of SLQ flood-affected Group meetings held in the early Group areas, the SLQ preservation lab, the evening of 30 August, for Book Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and Paper (BPG), PHOTON and After much planning, two workshops conservation lab and the Queensland Preservation Framing. on Outdoor Sculptures and Monuments Centre of Photography. will be held in November. The first is a The BPG meeting briefly looked two day course focused on management The full program can still be viewed on at the direction members wanted and maintenance of collections; the the AICCM website. There are some to see the group heading. The second is a four day course aimed at pre-prints still available for those who overwhelming response was for more mid-career conservators and focused on would like to purchase a hardcopy (also professional development in the form treatment ‘beyond wash and wax’. I’m comes with a CD version of the pre- of relevant workshops, both short and very excited by these workshops and prints) – please contact the AICCM longer intensive ones and also for a hopefully the participants will find them Secretariat. The pre-print papers and continuation of the information sharing dynamic and informative. some of the presentations will also that goes on between conservators in be available on-line on the AICCM the major centres. If you are unsure In other news I have decided to step website in the near future. Please check of what information-sharing events down as the Objects Special Interest the AICCM website. are taking place in your state they are Group Convenor at the end of June 2013. My next task as convenor will be Thank you to the major sponsors generally advertised through an e-mail to conduct a survey to see what kinds of the Symposium: State Library of from AICCM Secretariat sent out to of events our membership want to see Queensland, Queensland Art Gallery/ the relevant State Division AICCM happen in the future. I’ll be handing Gallery of Modern Art and Tru-Vue. members. Please make sure your this package of information over to the Without your support the Symposium membership details are up to date to next convenor. If you are interested in would not have been fully realised. ensure you these notifications. taking on the role, please let me know Thank you also to Archival Survival for There was also the suggestion that – I’m happy to answer any questions you the student sponsorships they provided, information sharing sessions/shorter might have about the role. allowing two students to attend, and to workshops could be filmed and the Queensland Centre of Photography made available on-line for wider Helen Privett for the interesting gallery tour on the dissemination of information – perhaps final afternoon of the Symposium and something to keep in mind if you are for hosting the closing drinks. organising an event.

4 AICCM National Newsletter What’s in the Workshop?

What’s in the Workshop?

On 24 October 2012, the exhibition (7 December 2012 to 3 November Museum Workshop: the art science and 2013), Glorious Days: Australia 1913 craft of the conservator was launched (7 March to 13 October 2013) and the at the National Museum of Australia Old Masters bark paintings exhibition (NMA). In its first half week it had over which commences late in 2013. Items 2,000 visitors, which is an indication of for exhibition changeover are also being the continuing interest the public have work on. This mix of work ensures a in the work of conservators. The thirst steady stream of different items and for information about conservation and different activities throughout the the steps people can take to care for exhibition duration. It also gives the The Daimler used in the 1954 Royal Tour their own collections is clear from the visitor the true behind the scenes attracts a great deal of interest and Col Ogilvie, number of questions directed to the experience of seeing the objects being one of the NMA’s contractors, is on hand to conservators and the intense discussion prepared for exhibition and then being describe the manufacture and conservation of the vehicle. between visitors and conservators. able to see those objects completed and on display. Photo credit: Photo George Serras, NMA The Large Technology team are more focused on one long term project – the conservation of one of the Daimlers used in Queen Elizabeth’s 1954 royal tour of Australia. The Daimler, a 36 horse power landaulette, changed hands a number of times after the tour. At the time it was acquired by the Museum, it was had been in a shed in a South Andrew Pearce and Nicki Smith provide Australian wine producing area for a information on the deterioration and preferred In the Museum Workshop exhibition, the delicate few years and was looking a bit worse storage of bark paintings to NMA Education work of horological conservation takes place Officer, Deborah Frederick behind a Perspex window, allowing visitors to get for wear. The Daimler is a wonderful Photo credit: Photo George Serras, NMA a close view of the fine chronometer parts and object on which to base discussions intricate processes of their conservation. of, among other things, restoration vs. While the Museum Workshop is not Photo credit: Photo George Serras, NMA conservation, the need for a wide range the first time the work of conservators of skills when approaching conservation Also in the Objects area, Peter Bucke has been put on display, it is arguable of large composite objects, and of is servicing the collection of marine the first, or one of very few occasions, conservation decision-making and the chronometers and some of the clocks where a whole conservation section of importance of significance. a museum has become the temporary and watches. Because of the delicacy of exhibition for three months. The Peter’s work and the number of small The exhibition has provided an NMA’s three conservation labs have and finely detailed parts he is working opportunity to communicate some been set up in the temporary gallery, with, his work area is screened off with important messages about the work at meaning the Paper and Textiles team, a Perspex window allowing very close the Museum and about conservation the Large Technology team and the observation of the processes involved. and conservation practice in general. Objects and Paintings team are working Dismantling these complex objects, Museum and gallery professionals are together in the space. For Paper and cleaning them and then reassembling all too aware that the final exhibition Textiles and Objects and Paintings, them to working order is very specialized presented to the public is only the their Museum Workshop work is largely work and draws on Peter’s early training tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes focussed on preparation for upcoming as a watch and clock maker. for many months, even years, prior to exhibitions, including Warakurna: All any exhibition opening, people from the Stories Got into our Minds and Eyes all areas of collecting institutions work together to develop exhibitions and associated public programs. The

No 123 November 2012 5 What’s in the Workshop?

Museum Workshop is letting people manufacture are evident. From the in the anoxic chamber and the display enter this world, and at the same time Museum’s perspective, in relation to of Francis Birtles’ Bean Car within making it clear that this is only one telling stories from Australian history, its Carcoon, generously donated by aspect of that world. As I explained to the most significant aspect of this Carcoons Australia. It is interesting to an ABC reporter, a key message from object’s history is its role in the Royal see how effective the static display of the Museum Workshop exhibition is that Tour of 1954. In addition, the proposed a car in an inflated plastic bubble is in museums and collecting institutions are use is for display and as a functioning communicating the preventive message. so much more than exhibitions. There vehicle for particular events and It immediately engages people, amuses is research, interpretation, collection public programs. Making it functional them and its purpose is pretty clear. care, different methods of delivery or also enhances the significance as it One visitor said she would love to have a providing access to collections and enriches the experience of the Daimler Carcoon to keep her collection of shoes in. information and then some! as a royal processional vehicle and retains the evidence of its place in the The exhibition is not just a showcase history of technology and automotive of conservation skills and processes. development. The curatorial team, Anne-Marie Conde and I, ensured that information The Museum’s EJ Holden, from the about conservation decision-making, Bush Mechanics program produced by preventive conservation and the Walpiri Media and televised in 2001, different ways in which people look is a stark contrast in terms of the final at objects were incorporated into the outcome and look of the vehicle but exhibition. not in the decision-making process. Kerryn Wagg, explains the work to be done on It is dilapidated and in Alice Caruthers’ silk dress from 1908. The dress pieces and has had many has attracted a lot of attention from visitors who makeshift repairs, but its are impressed that conservators can work on such damaged textiles. poor condition is an integral part of its significance. Its Photo credit: Photo George Serras, NMA roof was hacked off with The Conservation staff face the tomahawks after it had greatest challenge associated with partially collapsed. The this exhibition. In effect, they are the roof was then upturned and exhibition – it would not work without towed behind the car as a their involvement, their willingness to sled to carry the drum kit, participate and their input at all stages. speakers and amplifiers that Not only are they doing their normal the band had originally tied work in public with a normal range of to the roof. It suffered other work deadlines, they are also responding damage during its journey to to questions from visitors and presenting Conservation Decision Making Zone Willowra and was repaired a range of public programs. In addition, ingeniously with found objects and most of them have been interviewed There are a number of objects in scavenged materials. If this vehicle for the multimedia component of the the exhibition that can be used to were taken back to an earlier state, the exhibition. It is fitting, therefore, that illustrate the intricacies of conservation greater part of its significance would be their stories are also featured. The decision-making, but the comparison lost. As a result it has been treated to exhibition website will develop over between two vehicles on display, the prevent further corrosion and the names time but already has information about Royal Daimler and the Bush Mechanics’ traced into the dust on its bonnet have Carmela Mollica’s, Peter Bucke’s and Car, is perhaps the most direct been fixed so that they are not removed Ainslie Greiner’s careers at the National example. Within the exhibition, the during routine cleaning – but otherwise Museum, with more to follow. “conservation decision-making zone” no other treatment is planned. is illustrated as the area where physical By highlighting how the Museum’s Communicating the benefits of state, significance and the future use of conservators came into conservation, preventive conservation is always an object overlap. Clearly, in different we can encourage others to consider important when assisting people in cases, different factors might carry more conservation as a career and by touching caring for their collections. The most weight or overlap the other factors on many aspects of conservation, we obvious ways in which this topic is to a greater degree. In the case of the hope to increase the awareness of the addressed in the Museum Workshop is Daimler, the car is not in great condition complexity of conservation practice and through the display of collection items but the high standard of workmanship the contribution conservation makes and the quality of materials used in its damaged by insects, the array of items

6 AICCM National Newsletter 2012 IIC Vienna Congress

within collecting institutions and to our broader society. The way in which conservators and curators work together 2012 IIC Vienna Congress and how the work of conservators can add to curatorial knowledge is also The Decorative. Conservation and the Applied Arts, discussed in one of the multimedia presentations. September 10– 14, 2012

Applied and applicable communicating conservation and As a first-time internationalpublic engagement, such as Dinah conservation conference attendee, Eastop’s Design, digitisation, discovery: I was not quite sure what to expect Enhancing collection quality, Sandra of the IIC’s 24th biennial congress in Smith’s Connoisseurship, aesthetics Vienna. Given that I was also a first- and ethics: Factors influencing the time conference speaker, this was conservation of the decorative arts and doubly the case. Titled The Decorative. Sarah Staniforth’s Use it or lose it: The Donna Wilks explains the principles of integrated Conservation and the Applied Arts, opportunities and challenges of bringing pest management next to the anoxic chamber on historic places to life. display in the Museum Workshop. the congress promised to present Photo credit: Photo George Serras, NMA issues which were well-suited to the Concepts of engagement and beautiful and ornamented city of challenging traditional conservation Vienna. However, I hoped that it AICCM plans to have an annual paradigms were further explored in would also address ideas which were national conservation day, during the fantastic round table discussion wider than the analysis and treatment which the profession’s work is brought Not Your Grandmother’s Chair, of individual, beautiful objects. into sharp focus with the aim of raising which was held at the spectacular There were certainly a number of awareness of our work and of the monastery at Stift Klosterneuberg, excellent papers and posters which important of conservation of cultural just outside of Vienna. Chaired did cover treatments and scientific heritage. This exhibition should provide by Roger Griffith of MoMA, this investigations. In addition to this, food for thought and hopefully some event invited six individuals (artists, however, there were papers, forums inspiration for that event. It has already curators and conservators) to present and discussions which challenged proven to be very popular, with some their views on the challenges attendees to stretch their own visitors saying it should be permanent posed to conservation by material concepts for preservation and the role and that all museums should have their experimentation in contemporary art of the profession. conservators on display. Although it is and design. The audience was then a National Museum exhibition, it is an Held at the University of Vienna in invited to participate in an open exhibition showcasing our profession – conjunction with their own Institute discussion, which was also streamed so it is your exhibition as well. of Conservation and Restoration, the live online. This session highlighted IIC had arranged an exciting program what an exciting and complex field The conservators at the National of presentation Museum would be delighted to see their sessions along conservation colleagues at the Museum side a number Workshop. The exhibition is open of social events, from 25 October 2012 to 28 January tours, a trade 2013, every day except Christmas show, poster Day. The conservators are working in presentation the exhibition each day from 11am and a forum. to 3pm except on Christmas Eve, The technical Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Please program itself visit our exhibition website as well: was well worth http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/ the trip. Some museum_workshop/home of the highlights Vicki Humphrey for me were the Head of Conservation papers which National Museum of Australia approached issues of access, Opening reception at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

No 123 November 2012 7 2012 IIC Vienna Congress

this is for all conservators today and that we increasingly need to engage with other stakeholders if we are to remain relevant and connected. Finally, in keeping with a theme of making connections, the 2012 Keck award was awarded jointly to the Acropolis Museum in Athens, for a project which brought laser cleaning of statues into the public galleries, and to archaeological conservation group CSI (Conservation Science Investigation) in Sittingbourne, Kent, who opened a public conservation laboratory in a previously empty shop.

The congress was wrapped up with Elizabeth McCartney, Diana de Bellaigue, Nick Flood and Celia Cramer a reception at the impressive MAK Austrian Museum of Applied Arts. Prof Koller lead the audience to solutions for volumes on permanent In his speech to us, Museum director understand that the conservation of display. I thank Christa Hofmann and Christoph Thun-Hohenstein made historic sites is very much part of our her team for taking the time to show our mention of a quote by Gustav Mahler, profession. Dana Goulburn-Brown, group around. which seemed to encapsulate the one of the winners of the Keck Prize, sentiment of the whole congress; The congress was attended by a good presented a project where conservation size contingent from Australia including “tradition is not the worship of the is reaching out to the community via a Sandi Mitchell, Elizabeth McCartney, ashes, but the passing on of the flame”. open-to-the-public lab in the middle of Miriam Langford, Nic Flood, Kasi Sittingbourne shopping centre. Both Kasi Albert, Artlab Australia Albert, Julian Bickersteth, Matteo these presentations explored ideas Volonte and myself. and techniques for the conservation Another view profession to create and develop Throughout the congress, I noticed a This IIC Congress was titled “The relationships across heritage professions significant effort was put into supporting Decorative: Conservation and the and grow our profile within the greater and encouraging conservation students. Applied Arts”. The purpose was to community. Aside from funding a number of students from all around the world, the draw the attention of the conservation One of major themes of the congress was profession to the historical value of IIC arranged for a mentoring program to “Conservations Talk to Conservators”. help students prepare their posters. The applied arts as well as the aesthetic. A A series of well organised events rigorous programme of presentations committee made efforts to introduce including Backstage Tours, the Round students to leaders in the profession filled 5 days and was remarkable in Table event, specialist meetings, tours the range of the topics presented - and hosted a special meeting so that of the living heritage at Klosterneuburg students could discuss their particular from works of fine art to architectural Abbey and social gatherings offered features, domestic decorative objects goals for their studies, within the IIC numerous opportunities to discuss and conservation. and items associated with cultural conservation in the context of specific practices. Also included were topics objects and in general. I walked away from the congress of ethics, public engagement and exhausted but filled with even more digitisation. Two corridors were The Backstage tours were a particular enthusiasm, a list of research ideas filled with posters created by both success. 16 tours were offered at and a sense that I have something professionals and students adding to the locations and labs all around Vienna. to offer the conservation profession. scope and diversity of topics on offer for I participated in a tour of Austria’s I would like to thank the following contemplation and discussion. National Library encompassing the organisations for their assistance: the 1720s decorated State Hall with over Association of Decorative and Fine Arts With such a scope, it is impossible 200,000 volumes made between 1500 to recount all the fascinating ideas Societies; Support provided by the ACT and 1850, historic globes and an ever- Government; The IIC’s Brommelle presented however, some of the lectures changing exhibition space. Part of this had particular relevance to the current Memorial Fund, and Art & Archival tour was a view of the Conservation Pty Ltd. AICCM discussions. Prof Manfred Labs where we discussed current projects Koller gave his Forbes Prize lecture on in the lab including parchment repairs, Celia Cramer, Art and Archival the value of urban decorative features. pest management and preventive Using the historical features of Vienna,

8 AICCM National Newsletter Japanese Paper Conservation Workshop

Japanese Paper Conservation Workshop at the State Library of Queensland

On the 27th August, a group of eighteen washi. For paper with extensive damage need for reactivation with water. The conservators and three students attended and/or embrittlement, the urauchi lining microdot method is particularly suitable the Japanese Paper Conservation method was demonstrated for both single for materials susceptible to tidelines and Workshop at the State Library of and double-sided linings. with water-soluble materials. Queensland (SLQ). The workshop was run by three paper conservators from In the afternoon session, a new Japanese the National Archives of Japan (NAJ): technique for using little or no water Changing methodologies in Ikuko Nakajima, Itaru Aritomo and in the application of starch paste was Japanese paper conservation Tomohiro Akutsu, and was made possible demonstrated and generated much Of particular interest during the with the support of both the AICCM excitement amongst participants. The workshop were indications of the and the SLQ. technique, developed by Mr Katsuhiko recent changes that have occurred in Masuda, involved the use of a tool the methodology and conservation It was a hands-on day, beginning with called a microdot stamp, constructed approaches within Japanese paper an introduction to a range of Japanese from a small block of light-weight wood, conservation. These shifts in tools and materials, including washi dense foam and Velcro™ (looped side). conservation thinking have largely been (Japanese paper), shofu-nori (gluten free Undiluted paste was spread out as a thin, precipitated by natural catastrophic starch paste) and various hake (brush). even film onto a piece of Perspex™, events, such as the recent tsunami, Traditional materials and methods for the microdot stamp was pressed onto which have had a devastating impact not making shofu-nori were demonstrated, the paste, then stamped onto tabs made only on lives but also on cultural heritage followed by tsukuroi, infill for losses with from washi and attached to the object. materials. It was interesting to learn that This technique the washing methods developed during prompted the 1966 Florence Floods were still an discussion effective way to wash and were used by about its the Japanese to recover and stabilise potential use tsunami-affected materials. for hinge- mounting, as The NAJ conservators discussed the it is suitable massive loss of documents and paper- for small areas, based items and how recent events provides a have prompted not only conservators strong and and curators but also the Japanese even join and Government to consider digitisation as can easily an important tool for the future access of be reversed important cultural material. Digitisation Demonstration of the urauchi lining technique by Ikuko Nakajima without the offers government authorities a means

Microdot stamp Discussing shofu-nori preparation with Itaru Aritomo, Ikuko Nakajima, Shingo Ishikawa and Gajendra Rawat

No 123 November 2012 9 Developing Partnership Conservation Projects with the Dax Centre

of relocating culturally important materials to other areas less vulnerable to natural disasters. Developing Partnership The fast pace of modern life has also caught up with Japanese conservation; Conservation Projects with a lot of pressure has been placed on conservators to repair and preserve the Dax Centre as many items as possible. What once was (and still is in some areas) a lengthy and laborious process, involving the use of traditionally cured, ten year old fermented starch paste, hand-made papers and Students from the Centre for Hearn, Leah Williams and Katie sophisticated lining techniques, Cultural Materials Conservation Wood – in liaison with Cushla has been simplified through the (CCMC) at the University of Hill, Senior Paintings Conservator use of freshly prepared starch paste, Melbourne were introduced to at CCMC and Charlotte Christie, diluted to a consistency for spraying The Dax Centre during a class visit Collection Manager at The Dax onto Japanese machine-made paper as part of the subject RESPECT, Centre, proposed a volunteer with the paper object beneath it. coordinated by Associate Professor project to rehouse a collection of The Japanese conservators found it Robyn Sloggett. 120 canvases from the Cunningham amusing that in many ways we seem Dax Collection. The assignment to be more attached to their traditions The Dax Centre is a multi-faceted involved working out the logistics and tools than they are. not-for-profit organization thatof the project including a treatment explores the fascinating interface plan, the materials and equipment The workshop was an interesting and between art and the mind. The required and a timeline and budget. valuable experience and no doubt we Centre, now located in the new Consideration was also given to the all brought home new ideas, methods Kenneth Myer Building at the guidelines and ethics involved with and practical solutions. We would like University of Melbourne, houses the volunteering at The Dax Centre. to thank the conservators from the Cunningham Dax Collection, which NAJ for their generosity, expertise comprises 15,000 creative works by The project took place in mid and wonderful senses of humour. We people with experience of mental October, with assistance from eight would also like to thank the SLQ illness or trauma, collected by Dr Eric CCMC students in consultation with for hosting this workshop, with a Cunningham Dax between the 1950s Cushla Hill, Charlotte Christie and special thanks to Gajendra Rawat for Lisa Gluck, Curatorial Assistant at organising the event and to Shingo and 1980s (http://www.daxcentre. the Dax Centre. Ishikawa, our wonderful interpreter. org/). Cristina Albillos – Senior Conservator, The assessment for the RESPECT The collection included stretched State Library of Western Australia subject involved the development canvases of variable sizes, which of a volunteer project or a grant were posing a significant storage Leah Williams and Katie Wood – students proposal. Three students – Yvonne at the Centre for Cultural Materials issue at the Centre. The project Conservation, University of Melbourne

Rolling paintings at the Dax Centre. far right: Cushla Hill, Senior Paintings Conservator CCMC and CCMC Conservation students.

10 AICCM National Newsletter Developing Partnership Conservation Projects with the Dax Centre

involved removing the canvases from their strainers and rehousing on rolls for storage. The cardboard tubes were first archivally modified and Ethafoam™ cradles were manufactured for the rolls to be supported on. All canvases were then removed from their strainers, brush- vacuumed, flattened and grouped according to size. Approximately ten works were placed on each roll, CCMC Conservation students ironing paintings at the Dax Centre. interleaved with Tyvek™. Far left Fiona Hernandez, Katie Wood, Emily Harris The smallest works were left on their strainers and wrapped in polyethylene plastic for storage.

On the whole, the canvases were in very good condition, considering they were stored in a garden shed prior to acquisition, with only a few presenting minor instances of mould. These were treated with a spray of 80% ethanol in deionised water (v/v) prior to flattening. De-stretching Paintings at the Dax Centre. Far left Lisa Gluck, Curatorial Assistant at Dax, Cushla Hill, Leah Williams The project was a huge success, with all involved working fluidly and efficiently The Cunningham Dax Collection is to greatly improve a challenging storage one of only three of its kind in the world situation. Further to reducing the amount (others include the Prinzhorn Collection of space required for the works, their new in Heidelberg, Germany and the Musee de storage also provides protection from dust l’Art Brut in Lausanne, Switzerland) and and dirt and treatment with ethanol has often contains emotionally confronting and improved the long-term stability of the thought-provoking material. One outcome works affected by mould. of this project is that CCMC staff and This project was one of many undertaken students in the future will pursue research this year to development a relationship into a conservator’s ability and resilience to with the Dax Centre. Some of the benefits engage with such collections. of future collaboration include internship and volunteer placements, two way training Sophie Lewincamp, Cushla Hill, Yvonne Hearn, and research opportunities. Katie Wood, Leah Williams

No 123 November 2012 11 Consulting with Gupapuyngu community

LabConsulting and People with News Gupapuyngu community

Bark paintings present particular conservation treatment, which conservation challenges for museums meant they were not included in and over many years, conservators have the travelling exhibition Ancestral developed low-impact techniques to Power and the Aesthetic. Given the stabilise objects at risk of deterioration. long-standing relationship between However, these objects often have senior curator Lindy Allen and the deep cultural and spiritual significance Arnhem Land communities from to the people who created them, and which anthropologist Donald Thomson any alteration to an object – including collected the paintings, here was an conservation treatments – may forever opportunity to work closely with the affect its meaning. cultural owners of the works. Sam and Lindy began consulting with direct This issue has fascinated Museum relatives of the original artists last Victoria conservator Samantha year and visited Milingimbi Island to Hamilton since her Mellon fellowship discuss these particular conservation at the Smithsonian National Museum issues. This consultation project has of the American Indian (NMAI) in received funding from the University 2005. For around two decades, NMAI of Melbourne and the Copland conservators have worked closely with Foundation. communities to better understand the Conservator Samantha Hamilton demonstrating a cultural implications of preservation. During the first week of October 2012, conservation technique on some samples of bark. “Involving traditional owners provides Gupapuyngu Elder and Indigenous Image: Ben Healley meaningful insights into the creation scholar, Dr Joseph Neparrnga Gumbula Source: Museum Victoria and appearance of cultural materials,” and his brother, artist George says Sam. “This allows conservators Milaybuma Gaykamangu (Milay), came Sam had many questions for Joe and to make clearer ethical treatment to Melbourne to exchange knowledge Milay. “There is a layer of meaning decisions.” about how the paintings were made in each brushstroke, so if we directly and how they should be preserved. In apply adhesive to consolidate the paint, Two significant bark paintings in return, Sam demonstrated various ways are we altering its cultural meaning? the Donald Thomson Collection at to consolidate paint and stabilise bark Is it better to document the painting Museum Victoria needed considerable so that Joe and Milay could decide with detailed photographs and leave it on appropriate untouched? Also, these designs are body treatments. Says patterns worn only by men, so should Sam, “the concept female conservators be treating them?” of preservation During the visit, Milay demonstrated or conservation the traditional techniques used by the treatment is quite original creators of the paintings. He foreign to the ground and mixed charcoal, white clay Gupapuyngu because and two types of ochre with water to theirs is a living prepare the paint. He also fashioned culture and they’re paintbrushes from grass stems and actively painting these showed Sam and Lindy how djalkurrk designs. Joe has said, (orchid stem) was used to bind only the ‘if this was back at background paint layer to the bark. Sam home, we’d just bury was particularly fascinated to learn this, it and make another as it was common understanding that one.’” the binder was used with every paint Artist George Milaybuma Gaykamangu and his brother Dr Joseph layer. Neparrnga Gumbula holding a small bark painting made to show traditional painting techniques. Image: Ben Healley Source: Museum Victoria

12 AICCM National Newsletter Hello from Lynn Campbell

After seeing Sam’s demonstrations, Joe and Milay advised that a technique called misting would be acceptable to the Gupapuyngu community and that no direct application of adhesive should be performed with a paintbrush. They Hello from Lynn Campbell also approved conservation’s technique of stabilising split (Christchurch NZ) bark and agreed that Sam was the right person to perform Hi folks, just a quick message to say “hello” the treatment. from the GCI at the Getty in Los Angeles. I Sam hopes that this project will have lasting impact. “MV am here as a guest scholar researching recent conservators have consulted with community in the past methods and process for prevention of damage and it’s becoming more common around the world. Where in the event of a disaster. Had very interesting possible, I’d like to see it continue as an ongoing practice interviews with Jerry Podany (Getty Villa) and especially with our Victorian Indigenous objects and the Brian Considine (Head of Decorative Arts). In Koorie community.” During the Bunjilaka redevelopment the future travelling to New Orleans and San project Sam has been consulting with the Yulendj reference Francisco to discuss disaster experiences with group, and is very excited about collaborating with Yorta heritage professionals there. The resources here Yorta Elders to determine a long term preservation plan for are amazing and I am happy to share any of my an historic possum skin cloak. research on my return with members of the AICCM who are interested. Kate Chmiel

Milay’s painting kit: lumps of ochre and charcoal, grass stem paintbrushes and orchid, all brought to Melbourne from Arnhem Land. Image: Ben Healley Source: Museum Victoria

Milay demonstrating how orchid stem is used to apply a background layer of rich red ochre to the bark slab. Image: Ben Healley Source: Museum Victoria

No 123 November 2012 13 Institutional News – NSW

LabInstitutional and People News News

Frame Conservation Paper Conservation New South Wales Marina is also spending almost four We are pleased to welcome back from months of her internship in frames maternity leave Analiese Treacy, who conservation, undertaking a major is working with Carolyn Murphy and Art Gallery of NSW treatment on the frame for George Sarah Bunn on a number of collection Lambert’s Still Life. items, as well as preparing works for the Australian rehang in December. Paintings Conservation Dr Margaret Sawicki is currently overseas attending meetings at the Carolyn is also busy with many Simon Ives has been concentrating Metropolitan Art Museum in New York, administrative jobs as our Acting Head on a major conservation treatment of as well as the ICOM-DEMHIST and of Conservation. Lord Frederick Leighton’s Winding the ICOM-CC joint conference that will Melissa Harvey is working one day Skein. This has involved conducting take place at the Getty Institute in Los a considerable amount of analysis and per week in Paper on top of her work Angeles, 6–9 November. She is part way assisting the Painting Conservation research into the pigments used. Further through the treatment of the frame for testing is now being carried out with team, working on previous Dobell prize Etienne Dinet’s The Snake Charmer, on winner’s artworks. the aid of the FTIR facilities at the which she will be recommencing work Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne. when she returns. She has been assisted Tom Langlands is also assisting the Paula Dredge, who is now back from in this project by Irena Atzolidaki, a Paper Conservation team, as well as full-time study leave, is also currently at conservator from Greece who has been re-mounting a large number of works the Australian Synchrotron, furthering volunteering in the frame lab one day from the Margaret Olley bequest. He her PhD research into commercial per week. is involved in an interesting project with Paula Dredge, helping to re-create paints used by Sidney Nolan, as part of Barbara Debrowa and Andrea Nottage colour wheel charts by Roy De Maistre, the joint ARC project into 20th century have completed the treatment of WC also for the upcoming Sydney Moderns paints. She has also been busy preparing Piguenit’s The Flood in the Darling 1890, exhibition. works for the Sydney Moderns exhibition sponsored by the Bank of America which will take place in July 2013. Merrill Lynch Art Conservation Lily Yang has been treating four Michelle Wassall is preparing paintings Project. The 1895 painting needed large Helen Johnson panels from our for a number of external loans, as well cleaning and repairs to the canvas and collection which require adhesive as carrying out the major conservation a major restoration of the frame. More removal, flattening and attaching to treatment of Roland Wakelin’s Down information about the project, including new custom-made panel supports. the Hills to Berry’s Bay, which will a short film, can be found on the Gallery be included in the Sydney Moderns Blog on the AGNSW website (http:// www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/blog/). Objects Conservation exhibition next year. Wendi Reade has joined the Objects Andrea Nottage has been busy looking Barbara is now working on photography team for a day and half per week. She frames, as well as preparing items for after new acquisitions. is assisting Kerry Head with the New the Sydney Moderns exhibition, and the Guinea Highlands project. Raye Collins was with us for six weeks frame for Francis Bacon’s Study of Self over August/September, working on a Portrait, which will be featured in the Donna Hinton has been working on series of six large Brett Whiteley works upcoming Francis Bacon retrospective. the Ken Reed bequest, which includes that required a considerable amount over a hundred ceramics which Stephanie Limoges has been busy with of surface cleaning. We have also been have been treated in preparation for host to Marina Terwald from Germany, external loan requests, including a large number of Margaret Olleys for loan to display. Treatment of these intricate who is here for a five month internship Tweed River Art Gallery. She has also and delicate works involved analysis as part of the requirements for the taken over responsibility for condition of glazes to assist in confirmation of Preventive Conservation of Polychromy reporting and treating works for the provenance, surface cleaning and Wooden Objects and Paintings course Furnishing Loans program. preparation of mounts for display. in Hildesheim. Marina has been assisting in paintings conservation with works by James R Jackson and Edward Stott.

14 AICCM National Newsletter Institutional News – NSW

Exhibitions and Loans The seven month restoration of State Library of New South Frances Cumming has been steadily Sydney’s landmark El Alamein Fountain Wales working her way through a loan request in King’s Cross has recently been for a large number of Brett Whiteleys, completed. Anne was the Technical Dana Kahabka has prepared three and was recently in Japan couriering Supervisor for the project. The locals sepia carbon prints by war photographer works which had been on loan for the were certainly thrilled to have this Frank Hurley, for display at the Museum Kamisaka Sekka exhibition. beautiful water feature back to fully of Fine Art, Houston, Texas in an functioning form in time for a warm exhibition entitled War Photography: summer. Students Photographs of Armed Conflict and its Aftermath. These works were printed at We are lucky enough to have four pre- Charlotte Stevenson has been working Raines and Co., Ealing in the United conservation and art history students on several projects including the Kingdom in the latter part of 1918. with us at present, as part of our preparation of mounts for the newly internship program. They have been opened Rugby League Museum at Cecilia Harvey, Anna Brooks, Silvana digitising old hand-written treatment Rugby League Central in Moore Park. Volpato and Aileen Dean-Raschilla and condition reports and entering Charlotte has left to work full time at have been making preparations for conservation information onto the the ABC and we wish her luck in her the installation of exhibition Time collection database. new job. in Motion: 50 Years of The Australian We have recently relocated to a lovely Ballet, to run 10 November 2012 to studio space in Randwick and are 10 February 2013. The exhibition Sydney Artefacts enjoying the proximity to parklands and arrives from the Art Centre Melbourne Conservation Eastern Suburbs beaches for lunchtime and incorporates material from their ocean swims. Performing Arts Collection and Anne Cummins has just returned from The Australian Ballet archives. The SAC will be celebrating its 20 year exhibition features material from major a fascinating trip to remote Western anniversary in the coming months Australia to salvage European heritage company productions such as Madame and would like to thank the many Butterfly, Swan Lake, Don Quixote and artefacts to make way for a massive new staff and consultants we have worked gas plant being built to extract gas from The Nutcracker, ranging from stage with over the years for their valuable costumes, set designs, photographs and the North West shelf. It certainly was contributions. another world in the land of red dirt, scrapbooks. The Preservation team will bulldozers and a huge international be involved with condition reporting construction project with daily staff and installing exhibition material. inductions. Richard Chester, Mark Stevenson and Catherine Thomson worked with storage consultant Ron Collins on the review of the Library’s Collection Storage Master Plan, specifically its implementation. The plan aims to maximise the Librar’s storage capacity, improving storage conditions as well as access to the collections. The team has worked through the service implications and costs of the relocation and reconfiguration of collections with colleagues, and a funding bid has been submitted. If successful, the Library will be faced with what the consultant has described as “one of the most complex logistical challenges in Australian library history”.

Unveiling of restored El Alamein Fountain, Kings Cross, 2012.

No 123 November 2012 15 Institutional News – NSW

Cecilia Harvey, Cath Bartley, Nicole the exhibition has been quite popular Powerhouse Museum Ellis, Trish Leen, Kate Hughes, Karen with a few visitors seen wearing beanies Wilcox and Bronwen Glover are similar to Patrick White’s iconic hat. Conservators have been busy installing gearing up for the de-installation of and dismantling a number of exhibitions Steve Bell will be travelling to National The Life of Patrick White exhibition, a over the past couple of months, both Museum of Australia on 2 November to National Library exhibition presented at the Powerhouse Museum and at collect five items belonging to SLNSW: in collaboration with the State Library external venues. Touring exhibitions a silverware coffee and tea set presented of New South Wales. The Preservation have kept conservators on their to Edward Hargraves, a gold prospector team will be joined by a NLA travelling toes visiting numerous who found gold in Australia in 1851, conservator who will condition check regional and interstate destinations and the Thomas Balcombe painting, and oversee the deinstall and packing including Brisbane, Lake Macquarie, Hargraves Discovery of Gold in Australia. of material into 18 travel crates. Overall Dubbo and Broken Hill. These items formed part of a story within the NMA Australian Journeys At the end of August there was a mass gallery. During the visit Steve will exodus of conservators to the State also inspect other State Library loan Library of Queensland at Brisbane’s material on display in the Landmarks Southbank. Nadia McDougall gallery. attended the AICCM 7th Book, Paper and Photographic Materials Lang Ngo and Bronwen Glover have Symposium; Rebecca Main attended been preparing items for the upcoming the Introduction to Japanese Paper inaugural exhibition of the Blue Conservation Workshop conducted Mountains Cultural Centre Picturing the by conservators from the National Great Divide. The inaugural exhibition Archives of Japan; and Vanessa Pitt at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Rebecca Ellis dismantled the The runs from 17 November 2012 – 3 Odditorium exhibition. February 2013 and will demonstrate the powerful impact that the Blue In September, Carey Ward and Mountains region has had on the Vanessa transported and installed a cultural life of the nation. The Library rare and precious platypus and possum is lending some wonderful watercolours skin rug for a short term regional loan and sketches from early colonial artists to the Crawford House Museum in Globe storage – open such as Conrad Martens and Eugene Alstonville, in northern New South Von Guerard for this exhibition. Wales. The rug is of great significance to the area and attracted much community The Betts’s Portable Terrestrial Globes, and media interest. new acquisitions to the SLNSW collection, were constructed in London Frances Fitzpatrick and Nadia installed in the late 1800s by George Philip costumes worn by Johnny O’Keefe and & Son, and each consist of a hand- Col Joye at the Museum of Sydney coloured printed silk map supported on for their current exhibition, The Wild a metal frame resembling an umbrella. Ones: Sydney Stadium 1908 – 1970. Assistant conservators, Silvana Volpato The Powerhouse Museum lent these and Aileen Dean-Raschilla were objects, along with concert programs assigned the task of custom fitting these and publicity photographs relating to two complex items into their storage acts that performed at Sydney Stadium boxes. The globes are now presented during the 1950s and 1960s. upright and open making for easier viewing and removing the need for Meanwhile, back in the lab, Rebecca frequent handling. Images show the box Ellis and Vanessa have been creating open and closed. appropriate storage boxes for fine glass objects that are travelling to the Museum of Glass in Washington, Globe storage – close USA, for an exhibition entitled Links: Australian Glass and the Northwest. It has proved quite a challenge to make sure that the boxes are strong and sturdy

16 AICCM National Newsletter Institutional News – NSW

other exciting news about the ADR is that it has now expanded to be Australia wide and the 1945 cut off date will also change shortly. This means that we will be looking for contributions from anyone who has significant dress prior to 1960 and would like to submit an entry. Further information is available at http://www.australiandressregister.org/.

Australian Museum

Heather MacKay has almost completed the conservation of the Lord Howe Island seabird diorama assisted by Megan Dean-Jones and Silvia da Rocha. Conservators working inside Staff salvaging prop objects in a disaster training session the diorama in the gallery proved to be very popular with museum visitors. enough but also supportive of the very The Conservation department has Birds continue to dominate Silvia’s life delicate glass that will go inside them. recently published a book entitled as she has been conserving a donated All is not Lost – the Collection Recovery showcase full of Australian bird mounts. Frances and Vanessa have also book. Although there is a lot of advice On top of this she has competed work continued work on the AIDS quilt available on the web, during an on the Governor Macquarie collectors project, documenting and preparing the emergency, electricity supplies may chest for the State Library of NSW. quilts for display in late November, to be cut and computer access may be Colin Macgregor and Silvia used PXRF coincide with World AIDS Awareness difficult, so we thought there was a need to test the Macquarie bird specimens Day on 1 December. for a sturdy book on salvaging materials. for toxins. Interestingly, mercury was For the TAM (Total Asset The book is designed to provide quick, present on almost all of them and Management) team, Rebecca Main basic instructions on how to salvage arsenic was only evident on one. condition checked and cleaned one materials that have been damaged Kate Jones is preparing for the arrival in of the Museum’s most significant by fire, water or impact. It is now early November of Alexander the Great Category ‘A’ objects, a piano which available for $10 from the Powerhouse from the Hermitage Museum in St belonged to Robert Louis Stevenson Publications website (http://www. Petersburg. Penny Nolton is preparing when he lived in Samoa. The Museum powerhousemuseum.com/publications/). a number of bark paintings from the acquired the piano in 1961. Rebecca Following on from this, Kate collection for a new display in the is currently assessing objects from the Chidlow has been running disaster Indigenous Australians gallery which Royal Australian Historical Society training courses for staff from various is due to open in December. Michael Collection which includes a variety of departments of the Museum. During Kelly is working on the Menagerie paper, wood, stone and metal objects the session the disaster preparedness exhibition which will also open just pertaining to the early history of strategies are discussed and the focus is before Christmas. Europeans in Australia. Michael Myers on getting everyone to have a dialogue is in the process of photographing all of about what to do. The practical session Sheldon Teare, Megan and Wendy these objects. – rescuing muddy props – has proved to Richards have been very busy carrying out a complex pack out for the Birds Suzanne Chee has headed to Italy, be an interesting exercise in seeing how of Paradise exhibition which travels where she will be attending and staff members react in a mock disaster to Melbourne in November. The presenting a paper at the Costume situation. elaborate and fragile plumage of the bird Colloquium III, Past Dress–Future In September, during History Week, specimens and PNG headdresses has Fashion, in Florence. Her paper looks the Australian Dress Register (ADR) proved to be challenge to pack safely for into the Museum’s collection of held an exhibition at the Museum, travel. Heather and Silvia are packing 1980s Speedo® Lycra fibre and nylon along with some promotional talks. A the wet and dry specimens for the Deep swimwear – how they are currently book of the ADR resources has recently Oceans exhibition which travels to stored, why they are deteriorating been published to assist contributors Questacon in Canberra and opens in and how to slow down the rate of with entries and is available from November. deterioration. Powerhouse Publications for $10. The

No 123 November 2012 17 Institutional News – ACT

Colin Macgregor is looking the Julie O’Connor continues to make bark painting collection to select a progress on the textile storage project. ACT representative group for sampling by During the first quarter of 2013, we will researchers from Harvard Art Museums. be converting four more aisles of the This is part of a research project to compactus unit to make room for the analyse pigments and binders on remaining textiles removed from boxes. National Archives of Indigenous Australian artworks. This final conversion allows for 10% Australia – Canberra Office growth in the collection. She has been investigating options for shoe supports The Archives Conservation lab Australian National including heat activated Fosshape remains busy with the usual steady (kindly provided by our colleagues at flow of researcher requests, exhibition Maritime Museum the Powerhouse Museum), 3D CAD preparation and project work keeping imaging equipment, ethylene foam and everyone on their collective toes. Jonathan London has been involved archival card offcuts and soft forms. Sue We have also had our first foray into with museum ‘Reinvention’ workshops Frost and Julie have also started washing blogging: http://blog.naa.gov.au/ and Collections and Research Division approximately two dozen education preservation/ The blog, written by restructuring. A new division structure collection textiles which were recently Cheryl Jackson, covers the intensive comes into effect on 5 November 2012, worn at the vintage swimming costume treatment of a ferrogallic print of one of with the various sections being grouped fashion parade at the biannual Classic the Griffins’ drawings for their Canberra under three strategic managers. These and Wooden Boat Festival held this year design. Feel free to have a look and send manager roles are not positions, but at the museum. any comments. existing staff who will rotate through the strategic roles on a six-monthly Caroline Whitley has been learning the Suellen Bailey was lucky enough to basis. Registration and Conservation are skills of basic frame restoration over the assist with the installation of the 2012 grouped as Collection Management. last few weeks, as well as completing Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize treatments on several degraded exhibition at our Parkes building. 30 In addition, as part of the DISNSW collection items which can now be of the winning and highly commended group activities, prior to the returned to their original, treated frames. artworks are on show from 21 September Australasian Registrars Committee She is also currently the conservation to 11 November 2012. The Archives is (ARC) Managing the Unexpected team member for upcoming exhibitions the only venue outside Adelaide to host seminar on 13 November in Sydney, Wrecks and Reefs (Nov 2012) and East the works. The Waterhouse is always there will be a pre-meeting with of India – forgotten trade with Australia an interesting and beautiful exhibition coordinators of similar groups from (June 2013), requiring her to condition and this year is no exception. Suellen Queensland and ACT. report, photograph, treat if necessary is also preparing to work on a project Victoria Bramwell-Davis, our much and generally prepare many collection to treat and rehouse numerous armed valued part-time objects conservator, items for display, as well as process the forces personnel identity tags from the has left us again at the completion of international and national loan items. period 1914–1948. her recent contract. We thank her as Rebecca Dallwitz, our objects In August, Ian Batterham ran a always, for her enthusiasm and good conservator, recently interned at the fire simulation exercise at the ACT work. Western Australia Museum in maritime Emergency Services training compound Sue Frost has been preparing the archaeological conservation. ANMM’s in Hume, with the assistance of the objects for the next exhibition in the partnership with the Silentworld local fire brigade. The exercise was Tasman Light area. Exhibitions in this Foundation is ongoing, and the museum aimed at determining which enclosures area are usually framed works and the continues to mount expeditions to and storage configurations provided displays have a three to four month turn colonial wreck sites off the Queensland the best protection in a fire. Much around. The latest show is called P&O coast. ANMM curators have now was learnt and Ian is planning a paper – Celebrating 175 Years. Among the collected materials from wrecks for publication. A second exercise is objects are a number of beautiful posters including Cato (1803), Royal Charlotte planned in early 2013 – to be held in from early to mid 20th century and some (1825) and HMCS Mermaid (1829). conjunction with the local DisACT menus from the 1960s with interesting Rebecca is currently treating these group. graphic art work on the front. Sue was items, and would like to thank WAM The NAA recently advertised a also involved in rehanging the tapestry conservation staff for their invaluable scholarship funded by the UNESCO Disaster at Sea displayed in the Tasman and generous advice on ANMM’s Jikji prize. The successful applicant is Light area. Velcro was renewed and archaeological conservation program. Caroline Milne from the University of the tapestry was moved along the wall Canberra, who will spend six months several metres to make room for a from November learning about the section of The Wharfies Mural.

18 AICCM National Newsletter Institutional News – SA

mysteries of working at the Archives to return for reassembly and display at Conservation lab. South Australia the National Motor Museum, Birdwood. The team is also busy continuing the Sally Kneebone has spent the past repairs to a very broken marble font, as couple of months preparing objects in well as preparing for the re-installation anticipation of the Archives exhibition Artlab Australia of a vandalised bronze sculpture by Traversing Antarctica becoming a Clifford Last. During the repairs to travelling exhibition – it was picked up After a very busy period, it seems to the bronze Standing Figure, a hitherto from Canberra in late October to travel be the time for holidays at Artlab unknown bas-relief death scene was to Fremantle, and will be on display Australia. Staff members have been off discovered in the internal chamber. We at the WA Maritime Museum from to all sorts of exotic places from Las speculate it was probably deliberately 3 November. Emily Birks and Steve Vegas to Istanbul, and Rome to Bali. For placed there by the casting foundry – a Willett helped to get the show on the those left behind, there has been the surprise memento mori. road – including our old friend Shep, usual array of exhibition preparation, the Antarctic Husky. condition reporting and packaging to In Preventive, the team have just be shared amongst the different labs. completed the last part of a huge job In addition to this, as always, there with Queensland Museum, as they are various projects on the go for each delivered a Disaster Preparedness different area. training workshop in Brisbane. The Paintings section has recently Participants and presenters alike completed the inpainting treatment enjoyed the event, although were of extensive drying cracks on Gerhard somewhat nervous to think about Richter’s large format Abstract Painting the real-life consequences of large, No 424. They have also condition taxidermy polar bears getting very wet checked an incoming Jeffrey Smart in a flood. The team also presented exhibition at Carrick Hill, and assisted a one-day Caring for Collections in the preparation of panel paintings workshop for the Barossa Valley local for the Melrose Wing rehang at the Art council. The day was very successful, Gallery of South Australia. especially as the Artlab silverware came home much cleaner. Preventive Emily and Shep Projects is getting ready to say a fond conservator Kasi Albert also recently farewell to a long term ‘visitor’ in returned from presenting at the IIC Travis Taylor has been working on the lab as Nick Flood completes the Congress in Vienna. the biannual changeover of objects treatment of the final few components for the Archives’ Memory of a Nation of the AKD Favourite motorcycle, ready permanent exhibition. For the past few months the Conservation lab has been hosting a student from the University of Canberra, Jo Shore, while she undertakes one of the practicum units towards her conservation degree. Prue McKay, Travis Taylor, Ian Batterham, Cheryl Jackson and Sally Kneebone have all had input into her training, covering areas such as washing, deacidifying, repair, lining, retouching, infilling, and an introduction to photographs. Jo is coming to the end of the unit now and is hunkering down to condition report and treat two objects* that have been nicely “distressed” to make things a bit more difficult. We like to really stretch our students to their limits! Projects conservator Nick Flood cleaning the John Dowie Vickers Vimy memorial at Adelaide Airport *non-collection items, of course!

No 123 November 2012 19 Institutional News – Tas and Vic

Long-time volunteer Olive Bull is research is to establish the origin and Tasmania nearing completion of a box-making dating of the frame, and to understand project to rehouse sections of the its original form and surface finish. QVMAG Bea Maddock collection of After years of investigation and much art works, and new volunteer Margaret discussion MaryJo Lelyveld has finalised Queen Victoria Museum and Barlow has started work making padded the frame styles for the reframing of Art Gallery coat hangers for the History textile several paintings by John Russell, and collection. she has commenced experimenting with Amy Bartlett (QVMAG Conservator the white painted finishes for a number of Paper) and Charlotte Walker of the frames. Suzi Shaw has been in (QVMAG Conservator of Objects) lacquer heaven, condition reporting have been busy with exhibitions Victoria incoming loans from the Pauline related work; preparing recently Gandel collection for the redeveloped donated Chinese ceramics for display gallery for Japanese art. The loans in A Significant Gift – The Collection of include exquisite pieces by Unryuan Professor Wong Shiu Hon and Mrs Nancy National Gallery of Victoria Kitamura Tatsuo, in whose studio Suzi Wong, and preparing astronomical spent a month of study in 2005. objects for display in the newly opened Many months of hard work have permanent exhibition Southern Skies: concluded with the opening of the new In the paintings conservation studio, Astronomy in Tasmania, with assistance Asian galleries at NGV International. John Payne has begun work on the from contract gallery officer Matthew Trude Ellingsen coordinated the second of the five paintings which Lake. assessment and treatment of more than make up the Triptych with the Miracles of 250 objects from the Chinese, Japanese Christ, a late fifteenth century Flemish Amy has been assisting the History and Southeast Asian collections, altarpiece. The restored triptych will Department with documenting and with assistance from Georgia Harvey; go to Brussels next September for rehousing the QVMAG cellulose numerous new custom-made display an exhibition entitled The Heritage nitrate collection. She also worked mounts were fabricated by Eamon of Rogier van der Weyden. Michael with a local artist to prepare taxidermy O’Toole. Marika Strohschnieder has Varcoe-Cocks is drawing up a program specimens for exhibition in …come to returned from a trip to New Zealand, for the examination and treatment of life… . Charlotte has been assisting the Vanuatu and New Caledonia with paintings for an upcoming exhibition Furneaux Historical Research Society curator Sana Balai, visiting local artists on Australian impressionists in France with the treatment of shell necklaces and museums, and investigating local which will be held at the Gallery affected by Bynesian decay, and treating practices and techniques. Di Whittle next June. Carl Villis is in the late Launceston City Council’s recently has surveyed and cleaned a large stages of retouching for the NGV’s unearthed ‘Golden Hatchets’ (http:// collection of Jacobite drinking glasses recently acquired panel by Correggio, www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/?c=563). for an upcoming exhibition, and has The Virgin and Child with the infant undertaken a large-scale pest treatment St. John the Baptist, and has begun Outreach activities include supporting for various collection items using the preparations for his next treatment, the our neighbour, the Launceston anoxic Mobigas system. The objects lab consolidation and cleaning of another Tramway Museum, with fumigation is currently chock full with a variety new acquisition, Peter Lely’s portrait Sir and rehousing; and assisting the of collection items being prepared John Rous, 1st Baronet of Henham Hall Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre for display, including bark paintings, (1660). The studio welcomed Isabelle with fumigation. National Science Week Australian studio pottery, and weeping Waters-Lynch from the University of saw the Conservation Laboratory Venetian glass. Melbourne conservation program for opened up for a string of public tours a three-week work placement. Isabelle and talks. From July to September the Frames & assisted Michael and John in the Furniture team were joined by intern In preparation for upcoming loans structural repair and consolidation of a Frances Paterson from the University consisting largely of ceramic objects, painting by Emmanuel Phillips Fox. of Melbourne, who treated the Charlotte and Amy recently spent two Parker frame on an early 20th century days with Michelle Berry developing Australian painting. Holly McGowan- their knowledge and skills in ceramics Jackson has been undertaking further conservation. Amy also attended the 7th examination and analysis on the frame AICCM Book, Paper and Photographic for the painting The Finding of Moses by Materials Symposium in Brisbane. Giambattista Tiepolo. The aim of the

20 AICCM National Newsletter Institutional News – Vic

Heritage Victoria’s internship period performing fantastic wonderful job preparing these works for Conservation Centre work deconcreting the aforementioned their 18 month tour around Australia. iron cooking pot, a task which required We wish both of the Felicitys all the Since our last update the HV lab patience and a strong set of wrists. Jane best for their next adventures. also managed to piece together a large has been quite busy. Susie Collis has In happier news we’ve retained Erina ceramic urn, the likes of which we have had the benefit of Lauren Keating’s McCann in the team. After completing never seen here at HV. The urn is over expertise in the lab since February 2012, work on a contract for the Bunjilaka 60 cm in height and was extremely We are very excited to say that we have redevelopment project, Erina is now tricky to piece together, but it was no progressed the conservation treatment working on assessing and treating match for Jane, who put it together of one of our iconic shipwreck artefacts, approximately 350 objects from Papua relatively quickly. Lauren took over the the SS City of Launceston saloon New Guinea collected during World treatment at the end of Jane’s internship table, an artefact which has been in War I. These items will be digitised for as there was a lengthy infilling process treatment for over 10 years. With the an upcoming publication. help of Robin Hodgson who provided to attend to which has been very expertise in designing and fabricating interesting to observe. Elizabeth McCartney attended the 2012 IIC Congress in Vienna and went a bracing system for the drying phase, Heritage Victoria will again be hosting to Paris to assist in the installation of a big team of people, staff, friends and a group of students enrolled in La Tjukurrtjanu: Origins of Western Desert volunteers – including some of the Trobe University’s Certificate IV Art at the Musee du Quai Branly. On original dive team that recovered the course in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage her return she participated in the de- table from the wreck on the bottom Management. This week long training installation of the Wonders of Ancient of Port Philip Bay, banded together to course has taken place for the past Mesopotamia. It was sad to bid farewell haul the heavy, wet table frame and its three years in November and is led by to this beautiful exhibition, which is wooden leaves out of the purpose built Jenny Dickens and co-facilitated by now on its way to Hong Kong. 1000 litre tank situated in our wet lab. Susie Collis. The students are taught The table is currently drying slowly in the basics of collection and artefact Sam Hamilton has continued work a dehumidifying cool room situated on management in a museum context, on community consultation with the site. and this is just one unit in a year long Gupapuyngu Elder and Indigenous Prior to this project, Heritage Victoria program that aims to provide Aboriginal scholar, Dr Joseph Neparrnga Gumbula was very happy to host Dr Ian Macleod people with professionally recognised and his brother, artist George and The University of Melbourne for heritage management skills and which Milaybuma Gaykamangu (Milay) the teaching of the Metals Intensive may encourage some to find paid work from Milingimbi, Arnhem Land. The subject. The subject taught over a week in the cultural heritage sector or to discussions have been very successful in late June was attended by a small enrol in higher education degrees in and Sam now has a treatment plan for and enthusiastic group of conservation cultural heritage. the two significant bark paintings from students. The artefact treatments that the Donald Thomson collection. The are currently in progress here provided Bunjilaka redevelopment project is rolling good examples of metals conservation Museum Victoria on with the huge task of mounting for Ian, who taught the chemistry of and supporting the almost 900 objects metals conservation in his inimitable We recently bid a fond farewell to ahead. Ancestral Power and the Aesthetic way. The students were able to observe two team members. Felicity Bolton (consisting of 20 bark paintings and and participate in the treatment of has returned home to the UK after 22 objects from the Donald Thomson a large copper alloy artefact from a three and a half years as the inaugural collection) is drawing to an end after maritime archaeological context and Conservator, Natural Sciences. Felicity two years on the road. Sam has gathered a cast iron cooking pot from a land started many projects in the Natural some great environmental data from all based site; both treatments were wet Sciences collections, including surveys of the tour venues, inside the crates and treatments. and rehousing of the pyrites, marcasites trucks used to transport the exhibition and wet specimen collections. Felicity and is happy to report that the bark Following on from the Metals Intensive, Corkill has recently completed a paintings have travelled well with Jane Walton, one of the University of contract working on the Art of Science minimal losses or structural change Melbourne students who completed exhibition, a group of around 70 after extensive handling and travel to as that unit joined us for her three week works on paper and rare books from far north as Darwin and as far south as conservation internship. Jane was the Museum’s library and Natural Launceston. particularly productive during her Sciences collections. Felicity has done a

No 123 November 2012 21 Institutional News – Qld

Karina Palmer has developed an Samantha Shellard and Anne Carter Environmental Monitoring Report Queensland have been working on treatments of proforma to more easily provide details several paintings by Ian Fairweather of the environmental conditions in preparation for a forthcoming in collection stores and exhibition exhibition focusing in his late works spaces. This has helped inform QAGOMA 1953–1972. Anne has been researching regular discussions with the Facilities his materials and has conducted paint Work towards QAGOMA’s 7th Asia Management department and will sample analysis using FTIR. Robert Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art also be useful for the upcoming Energy Zilli, with the assistance of Damian (APT7) is in full swing. Liz Wild and Performance Contract process in which Buckley, has been working with the Stuart Fuller, with the assistance of the HVAC systems will receive an conservators to manufacture cradles to Danielle Hastie and University of injection of funds for upgrades. Karina support these fragile artworks and has Canberra conservation student Chloe is about to attend conferences in also been making reproduction frames Bussenschutt, have been treating Germany and Sweden on lighting and for several Fairweather paintings in the sculptures, headdresses and masks from environmental parameters in museums. collection. a large acquisition of PNG objects. Liz Helen Privett recently participated has also been working on an interesting Jocelyn Evans continues to manage in the installation of the Leaving cloisonné repair, looking particularly at the government loans program and Dublin exhibition, a group of around methods to consolidate fractures and has been working on paintings that 30 large scale photographs depicting replicate missing material. will feature in APT7. Jocelyn has also people in the most recent waves of recently completed a major treatment Two other exhibitions have kept the Irish migration. It will be displayed at of Anthony Alder’s Heron’s home. sculpture conservation team busy – the Immigration Museum for around The varnish removal treatment will Sculpture is Everything and National ten months. Helen is overseeing the soon feature as a time lapse on the New Media Award. The Gallery crating of the Art of Science exhibition QAGOMA Blog. Mandy Smith, has instigated a new documentation in anticipation of travel to the opening with the assistance of Nick Ashby program for complex sculpture at Mornington Peninsula Regional and Andrew Humphries has been and installation/assemblage art Gallery in December. She has also stretching paintings and a large format works that will ensure all relevant been occupied with the final stages quilted stitch work on canvas. installation information is collected of organising the Objects Special and retained. This includes technical Kim Barrett has been preparing works Interest Group Outdoor Sculpture and drawings, installation manuals, for changeovers in permanent galleries Monuments workshops to be held at artist correspondence and visual and has been working on drawings, Melbourne Museum in November. documentation (including video of folded paper works and photographs for kinetic artworks). Amanda Pagliarino APT7. Kim is also undertaking major is currently working on the acquisition treatment of some Francis Jukes hand- of George Khut’s Distillery: Waveforming, coloured aquatints for an upcoming which was the winning artwork in the rotation. National New Media Award.

22 AICCM National Newsletter Trawling the Internet

Trawling the Internet

Welcome to a new section of the There is no “hot spot” for other accomplishes its mission through Newsletter where we let you know relevant content such as editorials, training, education, research, about useful, interesting or provocative essays, book reviews, etc., especially technology transfer and partnerships sites on the Internet. as they relate to preservation 4. Art and Materials Conservation and conservation program This time we have a number of sites to Course, Columbia College, Chicago administration…which is where let you know about: (http://www.colum.edu/Admissions/ PCAN comes in. Programs/Art_Materials_ 1. Guedelon – a castle in the making 3. National Center for Preservation Conservation.php) (http://www.guedelon.fr/) Technology and Training Website of the Art and Materials In the heart of Puisaye, in Yonne, (http://ncptt.nps.gov/) Conservation (AMC) degree at Burgundy, a team of fifty people Founded in 1994 and based on Columbia College, Chicago which have taken on an extraordinary the campus of Northwestern State began accepting students beginning feat: to build a castle using the same University of Louisiana NCPTT Fall 2011. techniques and materials used in the advances the application of Middle Ages. This is a regular newsletter segment. science and technology to historic If anybody knows of sites that may be 2. Preservation & Conservation preservation. Working in the interesting to the membership please let Administration News (PCAN) fields of archeology, architecture, us know. (http://prescan.wordpress.com/ landscape architecture and about/) materials conservation, the Center

We welcome your contributions Advertising is accepted. Submissions for the newsletter to the newsletter, as well as Positions vacant any comments you may have. 1/2 page* $110 inc. GST Deadlines for submissions are: 25 February, 25 April, 25 Commercial June, 25 August and 1/2 page* $220 inc. GST 25 October. full page# $300 inc. GST Please send your submissions to Discounts [email protected] All submissions will be acknowleged 10% for 2 issues, 15% for 3 issues, 20% for 4 issues. by email. If you haven’t heard Inserts from us, we haven’t heard from you! Positions Vacant $110 inc. GST Commercial $220 inc. GST We encourage the use of images wherever possible. Please send Advertisers must supply their own inserts. separate to your text in either Classifieds .jpg or .tif files. $0.88 per word including GST. All text should be sent in .doc * 1/2 page: 190mm (w) x 125mm (h) landscape or .docx file, in 12pt Times New # Full page: 210x297mm portrait, with 3mm bleed all around Roman font, with no editing. Notices pertaining to AICCM activities are free of charge. Names in the text should be in Advertising for inclusion in body of Newsletter accepted until the 1st day of the month in bold the first time used, then in which the Newsletter is due. Early booking preferable. normal font afterwards. Disclaimer: Publication of technical notes or articles with reference to techniques and materials does not necessarily represent an endorsement by AICCM. The Editors and AICCM National Thank you Council accept no responsibility for the content or opinions expressed in the AICCM National Newsletter which are solely those of individual contributors. It is the responsibility of authors to ensure content has been approved by appropriate parties, prior to submission to the Editors.

No 123 November 2012 23 List of SIG Convenors

As all SIG convenor positions are open for election every two years, over The SIG convenors listed here are the past 6 months there has been numerous elections and nominations congratulated on their commitment with the following results. to the ongoing activity of their SIG Contact Election group. As a member of several SIGs I look forward to all the upcoming Antarctic Heritage Julian Bickersteth SIG cancelled 2011 events in 2012 and encourage all Book & Paper Kim Barrett Elected 2010 forms of activity that will enrich our Conservation Framers June Andersen Election 2011 membership of AICCM. Conservation Science Deborah Lau Re –Elected 2011 It was decided this year that 3 SIGs Education Eric Archer SIG Cancelled (Antarctic Heritage, Education, Exhibitions Catherine Earley Re -Elected 2011 Private Practice) were to be Gilded Objects MaryJo Lelyveld Re -Elected 2011 dissolved due to various reasons. Objects Helen Privett Re -Elected 2011 A new SIG has also been formed Paintings Andrew Durham Elected 2011 by Peter Shaw regarding the Digital Photon Stephanie Bailey Elected 2011 & Audio-Visual Heritage. Please Preventive Cons. Sarah-Jane Rennie Elected 2011 contact Peter to be a part of this Private Practice Kay Soderlund SIG cancelled 2011 SIG. Textiles Jessie Firth Re- elected 2011 Tegan Anthes Digital & Audio-visual Heritage Peter Shaw Established 2011 SIG Coordinator

AICCM National Council Executive and Officer Contacts 2011-2012

National President Kay Söderlund Tel: 02 9557 2395 Fax: 02 9557 2390 [email protected] Vice-President Vicki Humphrey Tel: 02 6208 5036 [email protected] National Secretary Rachel Spano Tel: 07 3842 9060 [email protected] National Treasurer Robin Hodgson Tel: 03 5989 1199 Fax: 03 5989 1144 [email protected] Membership Services Officer Fiona Tennant Tel: 02 9417 3311 Fax: 02 9417 3102 [email protected] Publications Officer Cobus van Breda Tel: 03 6211 4164 [email protected] AICCM Secretariat Michelle Berry Tel: 02 6100 8618 [email protected] Professional Membership Officer Cushla Hill Tel: 03 9348 5700 [email protected] Public Officer Ian Batterham Tel: 02 6212 3424 Fax: 02 6212 3469 [email protected] Web Editor Carole Best [email protected] Bulletin Editor Marcelle Scott Tel: 03 8344 0091 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Ian Batterham Tel: 02 6212 3424 Fax: 02 6212 3469 [email protected] SIG Convenor Tegan Anthes Tel: 02 9557 2395 Fax: 02 9557 2390 [email protected]

AICCM National State Presidents 2011-2012

ACT President Ian Batterham Tel: 02 6212 3424 Fax: 02 6212 3469 [email protected] NSW President Adam Godijn Tel: 02 9417 3311 [email protected] QLD President Anne Carter [email protected] SA/NT President Kasi Albert [email protected] Tas President Michelle Berry Tel: 02 6100 8618 [email protected] Vic President Davina Hacklin [email protected] WA President Natalie Hewlett [email protected]