NOTE: This is not a Guild Event. We occasionally publish events that may be of interest to our members.
Ferrous Attractions – The Science Behind the Magic – Magnets in Conservation Workshop
NECA, in collaboration with Dartmouth College Library Preservation Services, is pleased to announce the upcoming workshop Ferrous Attractions – The Science Behind the Magic, taught by conservator and AIC Fellow, Gwen Spicer.
Location: Dartmouth College Library Preservation Lab, Hanover, NH
Date: Friday, July 13, 2018 10:00am – 4:30pm
Price: $50 NECA members; $75 non-members (includes $25 NECA annual membership)
Deadline: Register by July 1, 2018
Please email Carolyn Frisa at carolyn@works-on-paper.net to reserve your spot and coordinate payment. NECA membership must be up-to-date to register for the workshop.
Description:
How to fasten or secure an artifact has long been a focus of art conservators in all specialties. We have stitched, glued and adhered items for decades, and with each method, the attempt was always to keep the conservation as reversible as possible. The somewhat recent development of strong, permanent, rare earth magnets has enabled them to be used as a reversible fastener. Neodymium rare earth magnets are far stronger than earlier permanent magnets and have only truly entered the market since 1990. They have great potential as a new tool for conservators.
Could there really be a truly reversible tool that would not harm or create holes that we could use? Before these new magnets can be part of our future, a fuller understanding of how they work is needed. Moreover, a system needs to be developed to determine precisely which attributes a magnet should have for a specific project. Discussion will include: What makes a magnet “permanent”, when were they developed, and how magnets differ from one another (i.e. the various types and their unique materials and properties).
The use of magnets in the past has caused damage, slowing their use among some. However, with a full understanding of how a magnetic system is created and can be adapted, damage can be prevented. To demonstrate a magnetic system and its parts, participants will use a “jig” with various combinations of magnets and metal components. They will also explore the different methods of implementing a magnetic system and the strength of commonly available magnets. Time will be allowed for participants to test a range of magnetic systems and materials with small discussions after before the next one.
This hands-on experience can inspire conservators to adapt a magnetic system to mount any specific artifact. The material will be presented in a hands-on instructional format. Handouts will be provided.
Workshop Objectives
1. What are permanent magnets and the four types of magnetic systems
2. Learn the parts of a magnetic system and how they inter-react
3. How to adapt the parts of a system to best suit your artifact
4. How to record the parts of the system
5. Where to place the magnets and the ferromagnetic part
6. How to properly store your magnets
Instructor: Gwen Spicer, Principal of Spicer Art Conservation, LLC
Gwen is a Textile, Upholstery, Paper, and Objects Conservator, and full-time principal of Spicer Art Conservation, LLC, located in upstate New York. She received her Master’s degree from the Art Conservation Program at Buffalo State College, State University of New York. She has over twenty-five years of experience, is a Fellow of AIC, and has been in private practice since 1995. She has assisted many museums, institutions and private collectors with the treatment of artifacts and antiquities for both display and storage. Gwen is an AIC Kress Publication Fellowship recipient and is currently writing her first book, “Magnetic Mounting for Art Conservation and Museums”. The book will be a practical guide for understanding magnetic systems and will assist both conservators and museum professionals in the creation of magnetic mounts.
Limit 20 participants. A list of recommended lodging, restaurants, and thing to do in the Upper Valley Region will be provided following registration. A limited number of free rooms with local conservators may be available.
New England GBW 