Book conservators are often faced with the challenge of working with unfamiliar, idiosyncratic, and complex books. In such cases making a model of a binding can be of great benefit and insight into previous binding practices. This is especially true when presented with a book found in a fragmented state.
Originally conceived as a concert series celebrating the creative legacy of College founder, Edward James, Salon Imaginaire showcases some of the diverse explorative practices of different music and sound artists currently at work on the UK touring circuit.
Zora Sanders takes us through her investigation into a mysterious knife; as she tries to uncover its origins and purpose.
When I began my studies in Metalwork Conservation at West Dean last October, the first object I was given to treat appeared to be a fairly ordinary knife. Which just goes to show that looks can be deceptive....
We interview Sophie - designer, screenprinter and owner of 'We Are Mountain' - who'll be joining us at the Arts and Craft Festival, 31 May - 2 June 2019. She tells us about starting up her own company, and what inspires her to design and produce her beautiful prints, tea towels, cards and zipped bags.
Meet maker, designer and new short course tutor Rob Jones, who'll be joining us at the Arts and Craft Festival. He tells us about his company, Romor Designs, and what inspires him to design and produce his beautiful textiles.
West Dean College is pleased to announce an open call for applications to the 2019/20 residency programme.
One of the items I treated this year was a late 19th Century Victorian scrapbook. The scrapbook was made for a child and the contents directly reflect this. It was filled with clippings from magazines, stickers, poems that referenced children stories, animals, and other imagery which might have appealed to a child at the time. Additionally, it was filled with elaborate, original artwork by the woman who created it...
MA student, Wendy Richardson, gives us an insight into the benefits of studying her part-time MA in Collections Care and Conservation Management here at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation...
As a final year student in the Books and Library Materials Conservation Studies course at West Dean, my usual focus is upon 'book and paper materials'. However, last term I was fortunate to work with the West Dean Collections team as they kitted out their new 'salvage trailer'...
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