My journey into conservation and in particular, paper conservation, began at University College London (UCL) where I studied History of Art and Political Thought. During the first year I became interested in the Materials Science department where I did some work experience on a couple of projects. Materials science is interested in the way materials work together and how to preserve them. In art this applies to paint or medium layer, the preparation of the support on which the medium is put, the action of light and atmosphere on the object and how this affected, the repair of medium or support loss.

 

In 1994 I studied at Camberwell College of Art doing the MA in Conservation (conservation of library and archive materials). At that time this was a two and a half year MA as it taught both the hands on and theoretical side of the preservation of paper objects. Here I specialised in the conservation of flat works of art and archive materials (as opposed to books and their structures).

 

In 1997 I graduated and then started working at the British Library from 1997 to 2004. I worked in a small department called the National Preservation Office where I was the Information officer.

 

Since 2004 I have been a full time independent paper conservator working from my studio where I do most of the work. I also carry out on site work if required.