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Iron Gall Ink Workshop 

Instructor: Julie Biggs, Paper Conservator 

Dates: January 2025 

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Studied Iron Gall Ink Sample 

The Iron Gall Ink Workshop was taught by paper conservator Julie Biggs. The workshop outlined common iron gall ink components, the chemical composition of the ink, chemical degradation mechanisms, and treatment options. 

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We studied samples from the study collection, following these steps: 

  1. Examination under long wave UV radiation and then under magnification.

  2. Solubility testing with: DI water, ethanol, 1:1 DI/ Ethanol, 1:2 DI/ Ethanol, 2:1 DI/ Ethanol and 1:3 DI/ Ethanol and bathopenathroline iron (II) ion indicator strips.

  3. Calcium phytate treatment. 

  4. Re-examination under long wave UV radiation and then under magnification.  

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