Gwen Spicer is a textile expert who has written articles for several conservation publications and technical bulletins for collection care that are used for surveys and workshops. She has also lectured extensively. A sample of publications, workshops, and lectures are listed below. Her first book, Magnetic Mounting Systems for Museums and Cultural Institutions, is a technical publication to guide conservators and museum professionals in the creation of magnetic mounts.

Would you like Gwen to speak to your organization, or perhaps give a workshop? Please contact her at (518) 765-2142 or gwen@spicerart.com

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Publications

“The Triboelectric Series: Its Use in Selecting Mounting Fabrics” NATCC Preprints, Ottawa, Canada (2019)

“Small Wonders: The Camp Color of the Royal Highland Emigrants” co-authored Matthew Keagle, Raven: A Journal of Vexillology vol. 26, pp. 19-44 (2019)

“Preservation and Storage of Period Clothing and Textiles” ALHFAM Historic Textiles and Clothing Part I &II vol. XLIV:4 (2015)

“Display and Storage of Historic Flag Collections: A Holistic Approach” 26^th International Congress of Vexillology, Sydney, Australia (2015)

“Less is More: Caring for Your Leather Artifacts” ALHFAM Vol. XLIV: 2 (2014)

“Forster Flag: Technical Observations, Condition, and Indications of Authenticity” Doyle Auction Catalog April 9: The Forster Flag (2014)

“An Introduction to Flag Preservation and Storage” Flag Research Quarterly no. 4, pp. 9-10 (2013)

“The Treatment of the 4^th Regimental U.S.C.T. Civil War Flag” Washington Flag Congress 24^th International Congress of Vexillology, Washington, DC sponsored by NAVA (2011)

“Extraordinary Findings: The Conservation & Investigation of an Italian Renaissance Dantesca Chair” Forgotten History: Upholstery Conservation, Birgitta Forum, Vadstena, Sweden (2011)

“Mounts Altered: Mounting Textiles to Meet the Needs of Clients” Textile Specialty Group Postprints vol. 16 (2006)

“Treatment of a Campaign Banner: An Option for Consolidating Powdery Paint” co-authored with Mary Betlejeski, Tales in the Textiles: The Conservation of Flags & Other Symbolic Textiles NATCC Preprints, Albany, New York (2003)

“Saving Maine’s Colors: Collaborative Strategies in Flag Conservation & Exhibition at the Maine State Museum” co-authored with Laurie LaBar, Tales in the Textiles: The Conservation of Flags & Other Symbolic Textiles NATCC Preprints, Albany, New York (2003)

“Navajo Blanket Forms” co-authored with Susan Heald, Museum Mannequins, Alberta, Canada (2001)

“Supporting Tears in Leather” Textile Specialty Group Postprints vol. 7, pp. 57-62 (1997)

“Caring for Textiles” Brochure sponsored by the American Institute for Conservation (1996)

“Supporting Tears in Leather” Leather Conservation News vol. 1 & 2, pp. 4-6 (1995)

“Sticky Business, the Removal of Hide Glue from Silk” Harpers Ferry Regional Textile Group at the National Museum of American History (1992)

Presentations

“The Triboelectric Series: Its Use in Selecting Mounting and Storage Fabrics” Poster presented at A Challenging Dimension: The Conservation and Research of Costume and Accessories ICOM-CC, Abegg-Stiftung, Switzerland (2019)

“Small Wonders: The Camp Color of the Royal Highland Emigrants” co-authored with Matthew Keagle Presented at the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) 52, Quebec City, Canada (2018)

“Treatment and Storage of Large Banners” Presentation at the Walter’s Art Museum Forum on Thai Painted Textile Banners, Baltimore, Maryland (2016)

“Collection Care and the Handling of Textiles” Presentation at the Greater Hudson Heritage Network Annual Conference, Poughkeepsie, New York (2016)

“Supporting a Group of Double-Sided Trade Banners: How Rare Earth Magnets Allow for Both Sides to be Viewed” Poster presented at the 10^th North American Textile Conservation Conference, New York, New York (2015)

“An Approach to the Display and Storage of Historic Flag Collections” Presentation at the 26^th Annual Congress of Vexillology, Sydney, Australia (2015)

“Evolution of Treatment Options for Battle Flags” Presentation at the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) 48, New Orleans, Louisiana (2014)

“The Conservation of the Morrisville Firefighter’s Banner” Presentation at the 17^th Annual Local Landmarks Day sponsored by Morrisville Historic Preservation Commission, Morrisville, New York (2012)

“Current Best Practices in the Preservation of Textiles & How We Got Here” Presentation at the Hudson River Heritage Annual Preservation Forum: The Evolution of Preservation Forum, Hyde Park, New York (2012)

“Conserving Civil War Flags” Presentation at the Civil War Symposium, at the New Hampshire National Guard, Concord, New Hampshire (2012)

“The Treatment of the 4^th Regimental U.S.C.T. Civil War Flag” Presentation at the Washington Flag Congress 24^th International Congress of Vexillology sponsored by NAVA, Washington, DC (2011)

“Decoding the History of the Fortuny Fabric at Philip Johnson’s Brick House Interior” Presentation at the 94^th Annual New England Conservation Association Conference, Shelburne Museum, Burlington, Vermont (2010)

“Preserving Your Needlework” Presentation at the Embroidery Guild of American New York Chapter, Hyde Park, New York (2009)

“Current Practices: Textile Conservation in the U.S.” Presentation at the Council of Cultural Affairs, Tainan, Taiwan (2008)

“Mounts Altered: Mounting Textiles to Meet the Needs of Clients” Presentation at the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC) 34^th Annual Meeting, Providence, Rhone Island (2006)

“Textile Conservation” Lecture and Workshop for the Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State College, Buffalo, New York (2004 and 2001)

“How to Read Your Chair & Upholstery Evidence” Presentation at the Eastfield Village Workshop Series: Textiles for Everyday Homes, 1750-1840, East Nassau, New York (2004)

“Display of Flat Textiles” and “Mannequins” Presentation at the Conservation for Exhibition Fall Workshop Series, sponsored by UHA, Binghamton & Troy, New York (2004)

“Caring for Your Quilts” Presentation at the Vermont Quilt Fair, Essex Junction, Vermont (2004)

“Treatment of North Creek Opera House Curtain,” Presentation during the dedication of Theater Curtain at the Tannery Pond Community Center, North Creek, New York (2002)

“Dress for Success: Techniques for Display of Costume Collections” Presentation and Workshop sponsored by Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance, Regional Council and Historic Agencies, and the  Maine State Museum (1998)

“Supporting Tears in Leather” Presentation at the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC) 25^th Annual Meeting, San Diego, California (1997)

“Mannequins for Navajo Blanket Display” co-authored with Susan Heald, Poster presented at Fabrics of an Exhibition: An Interdisciplinary Approach Textile Symposium (1997)

“Exhibit Concerns for Textiles” Presentation at the National Association for Museum Exhibitions Conference Designing for & Object’s Care: A Workshop on Conservation for Exhibits, Rochester, New York (1993)

“Disaster Recovery of Textiles” Presentation at the Western NY Conservation Group: The Recovery of Cultural Materials after a Disaster, Rochester, New York (1993)

“A Sticky Business: The Removal of Hide Glue from Silk” Presentation at the Harpers Ferry Regional Textile Conservation Group, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (1992)

Workshops

“Proper Care for Your Flags” Workshop at the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) 47, Salt Lake City, Utah (2013)

“Perspectives on Textile Conservation” Lecture and Workshop for the Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State College, Buffalo, New York (2011)

“Surmountable Textile Exhibition Issues and Solutions Workshop” Workshop at the Lower Hudson Conference funded by Coby Foundation, Garrison, New York (2008)

“Roundtable & Workshop: Storage Methodology for Archaeological & Ethnographic Textiles” One Day Workshop at the 5^th North American Textile Conservation Conference, Mexico City, Mexico (2005)

“Textile Conservation” Lecture and Workshop for the Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State College, Buffalo, New York (2004 and 2001)

“Quilt Preservation & Storage Projects” Workshop for Volunteers at the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, Middlebury, Vermont (2002)

“Dress for Success: Techniques for Display of Costume Collections” Presentation and Workshop sponsored by Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance, Regional Council and Historic Agencies, and the  Maine State Museum (1998)

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Publications

Magnetic Mounting Systems for Museums and Cultural Institutions, Spicer Art Books, Delmar, New York (2019)

“The Triboelectric Series: Its Use in Selecting Mounting Fabrics” NATCC Preprints, Ottawa, Canada (2019)

“Mounting Barkcloth with Rare Earth Magnets: The Compression and Fibre Resiliency Answer” ICON Ethnography Group Conference: Conservation of Barkcloth Material, Kew Garden, UK (2018)

“The Principles of Creating a Magnetic Mounting System: The Physics Every Conservator Needs to Know” ICON 2017 Postprints Textile Group, Bath, UK (2017)

“Display and Storage of Historic Flag Collections: A Holistic Approach” 26^th International Congress of Vexillology, Sydney, Australia (2015)

“An Introduction to Magnetic Mounting Systems” Collections Caretaker eNewsletter, Northern States Conservation Center (2015)

“An Alternative to Velcro? Upper Edge Hanging Methods Using Rare Earth Magnets” WAAC Newsletter vol. 35:3 (2013)

“A Versatile Mannequin” Textile Specialty Group Postprints vol. 21 (2011)

“Mounts Altered: Mounting Textiles to Meet the Needs of Clients” Textile Specialty Group Postprints vol. 16 (2006)

“Saving Maine’s Colors: Collaborative Strategies in Flag Conservation & Exhibition at the Maine State Museum” co-authored with Laurie LaBar, Tales in the Textiles: The Conservation of Flags & Other Symbolic Textiles NATCC Preprints, Albany, New York (2003)

“Navajo Blanket Forms” co-authored with Susan Heald, Museum Mannequins, Alberta, Canada (2001)

Presentations

“The Triboelectric Series: Its Use in Selecting Mounting and Storage Fabrics” Poster presented at A Challenging Dimension: The Conservation and Research of Costume and Accessories ICOM-CC, Abegg-Stiftung, Switzerland (2019)

“Mounting Barkcloth with Rare Earth Magnets” Presentation at the Western Association of Art Conservation Annual Meeting, Getty Museum, Los Angeles, California (2019)

“The Principles of Creating a Magnetic Mounting System: The Physics Every Mount-Maker Needs to Know” Poster presented at the 6^th Mountmaker’s Forum, London, UK (2018)

“The Principles of Creating a Magnetic Mounting System: The Physics Every Conservator Needs to Know” Presentation at the ICON Textile Group Forum, Bath, UK (2017)

“Mountmaking using Magnets” Presentation at the 5^th Mountmaker’s Forum, Cleveland, Ohio (2016)

“An Approach to the Display and Storage of Historic Flag Collections” Presentation at the 26^th Annual Congress of Vexillology, Sydney, Australia (2015)

“Supporting a Group of Double-Sided Trade Banners: How Rare Earth Magnets Allow for Both Sides to be Viewed” Poster presented at the 10^th North American Textile Conservation Conference, New York, New York (2015)

“A Versatile Mannequin Design” Presentation for the Textile Specialty Group at the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC) 39^th Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2011)

“Taking it All In: A Holistic View of Environmental Impact on Open Display Collections” Presentation at the Museum Institute at Sagamore, Racquet River, New York (2008)

“Mounts Altered: Mounting Textiles to Meet the Needs of Clients” Presentation at the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC) 34^th Annual Meeting, Providence, Rhone Island (2006)

“Display of Flat Textiles” and “Mannequins” Presentation at the Conservation for Exhibition Fall Workshop Series, sponsored by UHA, Binghamton & Troy, New York (2004)

“Mannequins for Navajo Blanket Display” co-authored with Susan Heald, Poster presented at Fabrics of an Exhibition: An Interdisciplinary Approach Textile Symposium (1997)

“Exhibit Concerns for Textiles” Presentation at the National Association for Museum Exhibitions Conference Designing for & Object’s Care: A Workshop on Conservation for Exhibits, Rochester, New York (1993)

Workshops

“Surmountable Textile Exhibition Issues and Solutions Workshop” Workshop at the Lower Hudson Conference funded by Coby Foundation, Garrison, New York (2008)

“Building Mannequins” Workshop at the Upstate History Alliance Annual Meeting (2001)

“Dress for Success: Techniques for Display of Costume Collections” Presentation and Workshop sponsored by Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance, Regional Council and Historic Agencies, and the  Maine State Museum (1998)

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Publications

“Preservation and Storage of Period Clothing and Textiles” ALHFAM Historic Textiles and Clothing Part I &II vol. XLIV:4 (2015)

“Display and Storage of Historic Flag Collections: A Holistic Approach” 26^th International Congress of Vexillology, Sydney, Australia (2015)

“The Acid-Free Conundrum: Selecting Archival Materials for Your Collection” Flag Research Quarterly no. 4 (2014)

“An Introduction to Flag Preservation and Storage” Flag Research Quarterly no. 4 (2013)

“What Is “Acid-free?” Co-authored with Ronald Harvey, Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter vol. 10: 2 (2007)

“Planning for Collection Care” Upstate History Alliance E-Newsletter (2007)

“Storage Cabinets and Support Materials” Textile Conservation Catalog (1994)

Presentations

“The Triboelectric Series: Its Use in Selecting Mounting and Storage Fabrics” Poster presented at A Challenging Dimension: The Conservation and Research of Costume and Accessories ICOM-CC, Abegg-Stiftung, Switzerland (2019)

“Understanding and Modifying your Collection and Collection Rehousing” Presentation at the Museum Association of New York Annual Meeting, Lake Placid, New York (2016)

“Collection Care and the Handling of Textiles” Presentation at the Greater Hudson Heritage Network Annual Conference, Poughkeepsie, New York (2016)

“An Approach to the Display and Storage of Historic Flag Collections” Presentation at the 26^th Annual Congress of Vexillology, Sydney, Australia (2015)

“Proper Care for Your Heirlooms” Presentation at the International Convention of Quester’s, Baltimore, Maryland (2012)

“Is Green Good for Collections?” a Group of Presentations including Ernest Conrad & Lea Warder sponsored by NYSCA at the Upstate History Alliance Annual Meeting, Syracuse, New York (2007)

“Collection Management Course” Online Courses sponsored by the Upstate History Alliance and funded by NYSCA (2006)

“3-Dimensional Archival Artifact Storage” Presentation at the It’s like I Can Touch You: Care of 3D Archival Collections Capital Area Archivists Meeting, Albany, New York (2006)

Workshops

“Working with What You Have: Maximizing Storage Space and Object Safety on a Budget” Pre-Conference Workshop Co-presented with Karen Convertino, Everson Museum of Art and Joy Manna, Gaylord Brothers, Inc. at Museums in Conversations, Syracuse, New York (2013)

“Collection Storage for Small Museums” Workshop at the Museumwise Annual Meeting, Buffalo, New York (2011)

“Roundtable & Workshop: Storage Methodology for Archaeological & Ethnographic Textiles” One Day Workshop at the 5^th North American Textile Conservation Conference, Mexico City, Mexico (2005)

“Quilt Preservation & Storage Projects” Workshop for Volunteers at the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, Middlebury, Vermont (2002)

“Housekeeping & Storage” Three Day Workshop at the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Park Service, Hyde Park, New York (2002)

“Collection Care & Conservation” Workshop at the Regional Council & Historic Agencies Annual Meeting, Cooperstown, New York (2000)

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Presentations

“Taking it All In: A Holistic View of Environmental Impact on Open Display Collections” Presentation at the Museum Institute at Sagamore, Racquet River, New York (2008)

“Beyond the Vacuum Cleaner” Presentation at the Long Island Museum Association Annual Meeting, Long Island, New York (2005)

“Environmental Effects on the Chautauqua Banner Collection” Presentation at the Chautauqua Institute Banner Committee, Chautauqua, New York (2001)

“What Beings are in Susan B’s Bonnet? Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions for Pest Infestation in Your Collection” Presentation at the Regional Council of Historical Agencies Annual Meeting, Seneca Falls, New York (1998)

Workshops

“Freeze It or Forget It” Pre-Conference Workshop at the Museumwise/MANY Annual Conference, Albany, New York (2012)

“Museum Housekeeping” One Day Workshop at Stepping Stone, Bedford Hills, New York (2007)

“Integrated Pest Management & Freezing Workshop” 6 Workshops funded by ILMS Grant co-developed with Erin Crissman for Historic Cherry Hill, Albany, New York (2007-2009)

“Housekeeping & Storage” Three Day Workshop at the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Park Service, Hyde Park, New York (2002)

“Emergency Preparedness Workshop” Workshop sponsored by Upstate History Alliance (2002)

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Publications

“Small Wonders: The Camp Color of the Royal Highland Emigrants” co-authored Matthew Keagle, Raven: A Journal of Vexillology vol. 26 (2019)

“Forster Flag: Technical Observations, Condition, and Indications of Authenticity” Doyle Auction Catalog April 9: The Forster Flag (2014)

“Conservation Treatment of a Hunzinger Cantilevered Armchair Including the Use of Magnets to Create Tufting” Journal of the American Institute for Conservation (JAIC) vol. 52:2 (2013)

“The Treatment of the 4^th Regimental U.S.C.T. Civil War Flag” Washington Flag Congress 24^th International Congress of Vexillology, Washington, D.C. Sponsored by NAVA (2011)

“Extraordinary Findings: The Conservation & Investigation of an Italian Renaissance Dantesca Chair” Forgotten History: Upholstery Conservation, Birgitta Forum, Vadstena, Sweden (2011)

“The Re-Tufting of a Hunzinger Chair” NATCC Preprints, Quebec City, Canada (2009)

Presentations

“Small Wonders: The Camp Color of the Royal Highland Emigrants” co-authored with Matthew Keagle Presented at the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) 52, Quebec City, Canada (2018)

“Private Practice and Conservation” Presentation for the graduate students at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, New York (2017)

“Supporting a Group of Double-Sided Trade Banners: How Rare Earth Magnets Allow for Both Sides to be Viewed” Poster presented at the 10^th North American Textile Conservation Conference, New York, New York (2015)

“The Conservation of the Morrisville Firefighter’s Banner” Presentation at the 17^th Annual Local Landmarks Day sponsored by Morrisville Historic Preservation Commission, Morrisville, New York (2012)

“The Treatment of the 4^th Regimental U.S.C.T. Civil War Flag” Presentation at the Washington Flag Congress 24^th International Congress of Vexillology sponsored by NAVA, Washington, DC (2011)

“Decoding the History of the Fortuny Fabric at Philip Johnson’s Brick House Interior” Presentation at the 94^th Annual New England Conservation Association Conference, Shelburne Museum, Burlington, Vermont (2010)

“Preserving War Stories” Presentation at the War Stories: Caring for Your WWII Collections sponsored by the New York State Archives, Albany, New York (2007)

“Preserving 9/11” Presentation for the Voices of 9/11, New York, New York (2007)

“Field Forum: Conservation Planning” Panel Participant at Lower Hudson Conference Annual Meeting, Goshen, New York (2006)

“Preventive and Art Conservation” Guest Lecturer for Library Administration Course at SUNY Albany, Albany, New York (2004)

“Treatment of North Creek Opera House Curtain,” Presentation during the dedication of Theater Curtain at the Tannery Pond Community Center, North Creek, New York (2002)

“Environmental Effects on the Chautauqua Banner Collection” Presentation at the Chautauqua Institute Banner Committee, Chautauqua, New York (2001)

“English State Bed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art” Lecture and Tour for the New York Textile Conservation Group, New York, New York (1995)

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