MA Conservation Studies: Books and Library Materials student Lena Krämer discusses her reconstruction attempt on an unusual Gothic endband from Chichester Cathedral Library.

As part of his studies, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies student David Edwards has been working on the conservation of a Thonet ‘No.28’ chair, which is owned by the Edward James Foundation. 

Graffiti removal is an important aspect of Masonry Cleaning especially when it relates to a delicate historic surface such as this example; plasterwork within a C12th monastic ruin, part of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. Add some bats in the vaults beneath and a running flood in the adjacent river – how should we tackle this and safeguard the fabric and ecology? Read more in this blog post by Building Conservation Masterclasses tutor Jamie Fairchild.

Read Lena Krämer's, MA Conservation Studies: Books and Library Materials student, blog post about a book with an eye-catching Gothic Endband she found on a trip to Chichester Cathedral Library.

MA Conservation Studies: Books and Library Materials student Emma Lau writes about learning the principles of sharpening and using basic machineries to produce an English paring knife, and how this lead her to modify a spokeshave for paring leather.

Earlier in 2019, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation were contacted about conserving a selection of painted plaster figures from a Nativity scene. Potentially dating from the Nineteenth Century, the figures had been residing in local church, St Mary The Virgin, Upwaltham (West Sussex).

Peter Grimwood is one of just two Orrery makers in the country and he recently spent a day (on November 21st) at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation explaining how to make an Orrery to students.

On November 4 2019, conservators around the world participated in Ask a Conservator day. A day that encourages international collaboration and knowledge exchange. 

Tutors and students from our School of Conservation tweeted via the College’s Twitter profile to answer questions and share insights into their experiences in the Conservation sector.

The College has welcomed new and returning students to a brand new facility for science teaching and research in support of conservation. The new science lab features considerably more space for laboratory teaching and analytical work than was previously available, as well as dedicated workspaces for analytical equipment and room to grow as new capabilities are added in the future.