Pinned insects conservation course: Reading University, April 2019.
Where: Laboratory G6 (TBC), Cole Museum, Reading University, Whiteknights, RG6 6UA.
When: 8th to 10th of April, 2019.
Local contact: Amanda Callaghan: a.callaghan@reading.ac.uk
(Please note that Amanda may be very busy as she is involved in a move of the Cole Museum.)
Course leader: Simon Moore: couteaufin@btinternet.com
Schedule - the timings are only suggested, topics may occur at different times / days as and when required.
Day 1.
10.00 start. Self introductions, local logistics - fire-exits, risks, allergies, house H&S rules, loos, break rooms, eateries.
Power-point presentation: overview of problems, some IPM and course technology.
Question and tea-breaks will occur.
Examination of specimens for conservation – look for pests detritus and identify.
Reparation of bodies – usage of Styrofoam cups, correct adhesive/s.
Gap-filling / consolidation of hollowed out bodies/ body scutes using Japanese tissues.
Reparation of wing crease, tears, missing (eaten) strips of wing tissue using recycled wings and Gampi tissue.
Attachment of legs.
Dealing with various fungal moulds.
13.00 - 14.00. Lunch (not provided – campus restaurants [discounted], occasional food stalls, local supermarket for bringing own).
Painting in gap-fills of Gampi tissue and texturing them so that these are less visible (restoration technology for display specimens.)
- 17.00
Day 2. 09.00 start.
Other and related problems – pin deterioration: rusted or copper-cored giving rise to Verdigris crystals?
Introduction to antennal attachment, antennal repair, correct tools reminder.
13.00 – 14.00 Lunch (as before).
- 17.00
Day 3. 09.00 start.
Check on previous days’ work, write-up reports, notes.
Tackle new problems not yet worked on, gain as much experience while time (and specimens) allow.
13.00 – 14.00 Lunch (as before).
14.00 to 16.00. Finishing of practical work and projects.
16.00 – Packing up & Depart
You are advised to bring a labcoat (if possible), dissection tools and a close-up visor as much of the work is delicate and requires magnifcation. Cheap but good visors are those made by Rolson and can be found for about £10. This equipment is not essential to bring and some will be provided but I will not enough for everyone.
Cost for the course is £300.
Simon Moore MIScT, FLS, RScI, ACR
Conservator of Natural Sciences.
Terms. Once attendance has been confirmed by e-mail, one third of the course fee will be payable in the event of a no-show or late cancellation. Notice of cancellation can only be accepted 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the course. If a pro-forma invoice is required in advance please advise Simon Moore (couteaufin@btinternet.com).
For more details about what we can do for you, or for a quote, please
contact:
enquiries@natural-history-conservation.com
We
are members of the United Kingdom Institute for Conservation of Historic and
Artistic Works