Updates to the Lab and

left Assistant Conservator Brittany Dinneen tries out new ergonomic lab chairs.

center Mellon fellow Kaitlyn Wright shows off the new fume cabinet.

right Chief Conservator Renee Stein stands at new counter for analytical instrumentation.

The parsons conservation Laboratory was recently refurbished to improve the efficiency and ergonomics of the busy workspace. The lab was established in 1993 and expanded into an adjacent storage room in 1999. The conservation program has continually increased treatment, preventive care, and research activities in the years since. Students, volunteers, and professional collaborators have multiplied, as has equipment for analysis and documentation. Although the footprint cannot enlarge within the museum basement, space was gained through improved layout and furnishings.

A counter-height fume hood with integrated cabinetry was central to the upgrade, providing better ergonomics and consolidated storage. The unit was sustainably relocated from another campus building undergoing renovation. An ill-used nook was fitted with shelves to store portable equipment, including vacuums, ovens, humidifiers, and tools. An unused sink and small wall were removed to open floor space. New counters, cabinets, and shelves were installed to house analytical equipment, including a new microFTIR spectrometer and micro-fade tester, both acquired with grant funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The photography area was updated with a new boom stand and lamps. Space was also gained for an additional bookcase and more glassware cabinetry.

Along with fresh paint, new flooring, and additional lighting, these modifications have significantly improved the flow and function of the space. These improvements were made possible by the generosity of longtime lab volunteer, docent emerita, and National Leadership Board member Joan Sammons. A set of adjustable saddle-seat chairs were graciously provided by Emily Katt. The renovation work was coordinated by Guy Mitchell and Larry Jackson, both of Emory Campus Services. Their willingness and flexibility were essential as the regular work of the lab continued throughout the project.

The Conservation pages on the Carlos Museum website have also been revamped to better represent the work and resources of the lab. The Opportunities pages now describe student projects, internships, and fellowships, featuring recent examples.

The new Research pages profile the lab's available instrumentation and its many collaborators at Emory and beyond. Research areas, such as “Materials & Making” or “Sourcing & Dating,” are summarized with are summarized with links to resulting publications, posters, and presentations. The Resources page now includes links to websites developed through the lab to provide teaching and learning materials for K–12 STEAM and cultural heritage preservation topics. Carlos communications staff and interns were instrumental in accomplishing these revisions to both layout and content. The Conservation webpages will be continually updated as new projects and resources become available. Z