Research

I have extensively researched the production and conservation of wax anatomical models, which was the subject of my MSc. dissertation. My MA dissertation evaluated the efficacy of the preventive conservation methods commonly used in comic book stores. Early practical work focused on the conservation of damaged archaeological ivory. Recent work at NHMLAC has included the fabrication of custom mannequins for the History Department’s rotating Hollywood costume exhibit in the “Becoming Los Angeles” gallery; the treatment of rare minerals exhibited by the Mineral Sciences Department at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show; and the experimental treatment of a three-dimensional insect fossil for the Invertebrate Paleontology Department.

Publications

Gibbons, M., 2019 January 1. “Supporting silicified ‘glass’ insect macrofossils for repair with self-releasing bandages and foam support systems.” Proceedings of the American Institute for Conservation 47th Annual Meeting, May 13-19, 2019. In press.

Gibbons, M., 2017 May 31. “Evaluating (poly)ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) for use in wax conservation” (poster). American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) 45th Annual Meeting:  Treatment 2017. 

Gibbons, M., 2016 August 1. “Building a magnetic stir plate.” Western Association for Art Conservation Newsletter. 38: 14-15.

Gibbons, M., 2013 February 8. “The Nuzi Ivories” (lecture). Journée d’études Arslan Tash. Louvre.