Workshop: Practical Introduction to Mechanical Analysis of Cultural Heritage Materials

Where

Image Permanence Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY

When

October 14-16, 2025  (3 full days - 9am-4pm each day)

Cost

$750

Instructors

Marvin Cummings, Jacek Olender, and Emma Richardson

Audience

This course is aimed at conservation professionals wanting to develop methodologies for materials testing and research, and critically assess the associated mechanical data. The target audience will be conservation professionals new to mechanical analysis who wish to perform laboratory analysis or conservation professionals from a range of specializations, such as paintings, textiles, paper, and objects conservation, working in collaboration with heritage scientists and engineers wishing to equip themselves with a fundamental knowledge to inform discussions.

Workshop Details

This workshop will provide a theoretical and practical understanding of static mechanical analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis, with a view to characterizing the physical properties of organic heritage materials, and developing appropriate methodologies for conservation and preservation applications. Over the course of three days, participants will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of mechanical analysis and data analysis, and participate in practical laboratory sessions using tensile testers, dynamic mechanical (thermal) analysis, and dynamic mechanical (humidity) analysis. These sessions will be supplemented with case study examples from the field of conservation and preservation, including the analysis of paint, films, textiles, and adhesives, providing tangible examples of how mechanical properties can inform the treatment, storage and display of objects, mechanical test method development, and test limitations.

The workshop will be limited to a maximum of 10 attendees. Registration per individual is $750 and participants are responsible for their own travel, meals, and lodging costs. Registration ends September 30, 2025 or when the workshop is full.